UFC 2026 Schedule: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, Paramount+ Debut, and More! (2026)

Are you eager to know when the next UFC fight is scheduled? Let’s dive into the upcoming mixed martial arts (MMA) calendar and highlight the new streaming arrangements that fans should be aware of.

Jesse Holland, a veteran in combat sports journalism, has been reporting on MMA, professional wrestling, and boxing since early 2004. His extensive experience makes him a trusted voice in the industry. Now, let’s turn our attention to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which has wrapped up its events for 2025. The promotion will make its much-anticipated return with UFC 324 featuring the fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. This exciting matchup is set to take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will debut on the Paramount+ streaming platform.

Just recently, the UFC concluded its programming deal with ESPN, which brings us to a new chapter in their broadcasting journey. Fans who are still craving some MMA action this month can look forward to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) as they complete their 2025 season. The PFL Africa event titled "Ndebele vs. Henniene" is scheduled for December 20 at the Sofitel Dome in Cotonou, Benin, and will be available for streaming on ESPN+.

Looking ahead, here's what the first quarter of 2026 looks like for UFC enthusiasts:

January:

February:
- Sat., Feb. 7: UFC Vegas 113 featuring "Bautista vs. Oliveira"
- Sat., Feb. 21: UFC Houston with "Strickland vs. Hernandez"
- Sat., Feb. 28: UFC Mexico City where "Moreno faces Almabayev"

March:
- Sat., March 7: UFC 326 in Las Vegas featuring "Holloway vs. Oliveira 2"
- Sat., March 14: UFC Vegas 114
- Sat., March 21: UFC London
- Sat., March 28: UFC Seattle

In addition to cage fighting, boxing fans have something to look forward to as well. On Friday, December 19, Jake Paul will square off against Anthony Joshua at Kaseya Center in Miami, and this match will be streamed on Netflix. Furthermore, bare-knuckle boxing events will also take place, with BKFC hosting an event on December 20 in Uncasville, and BKB following suit on January 9 in Biloxi.

Also returning this weekend is Real American Freestyle (RAF), which will take place in Indianapolis, offering yet another opportunity for combat sports fans to get their fix.

Dana White, the CEO of UFC, expressed optimism about the partnership with Paramount, stating, "The marketing push that Paramount will undertake for the UFC on their platform will undeniably expand the sport’s reach." He emphasized that what used to cost fans around $1,200 to follow the sport could drop to approximately $120 for an entire year, making it more accessible. With thrilling fights lined up, including the much-discussed White House card in 2026, excitement is building.

If you’re curious about more details regarding the historic UFC White House card in 2026, click here for a deeper look.

For those interested in staying updated on everything UFC-related, check out these resources:
- Latest UFC/MMA News
- UFC Fight Announcements
- UFC Fight Cards
- UFC News
- UFC on CBS Programming
- UFC on Paramount+ Updates
- Upcoming UFC Events

What do you think about the shift from ESPN to Paramount+? Do you think this change will benefit MMA fans? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

UFC 2026 Schedule: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, Paramount+ Debut, and More! (2026)

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