ThisCalculator

Everyday

UFC Main Card Start Times by Time Zone

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

UFC Main Card Start Times by Time Zone

UFC main cards typically start at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Saturday nights, which translates to 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time, 3:00 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on Sunday, and 1:00 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on Sunday. However, start times vary depending on the event’s location and time zone, so always confirm the official time for your specific region.

Why UFC Start Times Vary

The UFC schedules events to maximize live viewership across North America, which is its primary market. Most numbered events (like UFC 300) and Fight Night cards are held in the U.S., with the main card beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT. This timing allows the West Coast to watch in prime time while the East Coast is still awake.

For international events—such as those in London, Abu Dhabi, or Sydney—the start time is adjusted to suit the local audience and the U.S. broadcast window. For example, a UFC event in London might start at 3:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. local time) so that U.S. fans can watch in the afternoon.

Standard Start Times by Region

Here are the typical start times for a U.S.-based UFC main card (assuming a 10:00 p.m. ET start):

  • Eastern Time (ET): 10:00 p.m. (Saturday)
  • Central Time (CT): 9:00 p.m.
  • Mountain Time (MT): 8:00 p.m.
  • Pacific Time (PT): 7:00 p.m.
  • Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) / UK: 3:00 a.m. (Sunday)
  • Central European Time (CET): 4:00 a.m. (Sunday)
  • Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): 1:00 p.m. (Sunday)
  • Japan Standard Time (JST): 12:00 p.m. (Sunday)

These times assume the event is in the U.S. For events held elsewhere, the start time will be shifted. For example, a UFC event in Abu Dhabi might start at 2:00 p.m. ET (10:00 p.m. local time), which would be 7:00 p.m. in the UK and 5:00 a.m. the next day in Australia.

How to Find the Exact Start Time for a Specific Event

To avoid missing the main card, follow these steps:

  1. Check the official UFC website or the UFC app for the event page.
  2. Look for the “Main Card� start time listed in your local time zone (the site usually detects your location).
  3. If you’re using a streaming service like ESPN+ or UFC Fight Pass, the event page will show the start time in your region.
  4. For international events, verify the local start time and convert it to your time zone using a world clock.
  5. Remember that preliminary fights begin 2–3 hours earlier, so plan accordingly if you want to watch the whole card.

What Time Do Prelims Start?

Preliminary fights (or “prelims�) typically start two hours before the main card. If the main card starts at 10:00 p.m. ET, the prelims start at 8:00 p.m. ET. Early prelims may begin even earlier, sometimes at 6:00 p.m. ET, especially for pay-per-view events with stacked cards.

These early fights are often broadcast on ESPN+ or UFC Fight Pass, while the later prelims may air on ESPN or ABC. The exact schedule is usually announced a week before the event.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common mistake is assuming all UFC events start at the same time. In reality, the UFC occasionally schedules events on different days (e.g., a Saturday afternoon card for a European audience) or at different times (e.g., a 12:00 p.m. ET start for a Fight Night).

Another misconception is that “main card� means the entire event. The main card is only the last 4–6 fights; the full event includes prelims and early prelims. If you tune in at the main card time, you’ll miss the earlier bouts.

Also, note that the UFC sometimes changes start times due to broadcast adjustments or if a fight is canceled. Always check the official event page on the day of the event.

How to Convert Start Times Yourself

If you know the start time in one time zone, you can convert it manually. For example, to convert from ET to GMT, add 5 hours during standard time (or 4 hours during daylight saving time). To convert from ET to AEST, add 15 hours (or 14 hours during DST).

Here’s a quick reference for common conversions:

  • ET to PT: subtract 3 hours
  • ET to CT: subtract 1 hour
  • ET to GMT: add 5 hours (standard) / 4 hours (DST)
  • ET to CET: add 6 hours (standard) / 5 hours (DST)
  • ET to AEST: add 15 hours (standard) / 14 hours (DST)

Remember that daylight saving time (DST) shifts times in many regions, so double-check the current offset.

Why Start Times Matter for International Fans

For fans outside North America, the typical 10:00 p.m. ET start means watching in the early morning or afternoon. For example, a UK fan would need to stay up until 3:00 a.m. Sunday, while an Australian fan would watch at 1:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

This has led the UFC to occasionally schedule events in Europe or the Middle East to give international fans a more reasonable viewing time. For instance, a UFC event in London might start at 7:00 p.m. local time, which is 2:00 p.m. ET and 7:00 p.m. GMT—perfect for UK fans and still watchable in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the UFC main card in my time zone?

Most U.S. events start at 10:00 p.m. ET, so convert that to your local time. For example, if you’re in California, it’s 7:00 p.m.; if you’re in Germany, it’s 4:00 a.m. the next day. For international events, check the official UFC website for the exact time.

Do UFC main cards ever start earlier than 10 p.m. ET?

Yes, but rarely. Some Fight Night events or international cards may start at 12:00 p.m. ET or 3:00 p.m. ET to accommodate overseas audiences. Pay-per-view events almost always start at 10:00 p.m. ET.

How long does a UFC main card last?

A main card typically lasts 2–3 hours, depending on how many fights go the distance. With 5 fights, each scheduled for 3 rounds (or 5 for title fights), the total time can vary. Prelims add another 2 hours, so a full event can run 5–6 hours.

What time do the early prelims start?

Early prelims usually start at 6:00 p.m. ET, two hours before the regular prelims at 8:00 p.m. ET. This schedule is typical for pay-per-view events. Fight Night cards may have only one prelim block.

Is the main card start time different for UFC Fight Night vs. pay-per-view?

Fight Night events often start earlier, sometimes at 7:00 p.m. ET or 4:00 p.m. ET, because they are not PPV and are designed for a broader TV audience. PPV main cards are consistently at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Can I watch the main card replay if I miss the live start?

Yes, most streaming services offer replays immediately after the event ends. On ESPN+ or UFC Fight Pass, you can watch the full main card on demand. However, live viewing is recommended to avoid spoilers.

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.