The UFC’s 2025 schedule
is shaping up to be an action-packed year for MMA fans, with a lineup of high-stakes title fights, grudge matches, and international events.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this guide provides a detailed rundown of the UFC event calendar from May to September 2025, including dates, locations, main events, and how to watch. Let’s dive into the must-watch events that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
UFC 2025 Schedule Overview
The UFC hosts two main types of events: numbered pay-per-view (PPV) events, which often feature championship bouts, and Fight Night cards, which highlight rising stars and contenders. Below, we’ve outlined the confirmed and projected events for the rest of 2025, focusing on major fights that are generating buzz among fans.
Upcoming Events and Must-Watch Fights
Here’s a detailed look at the UFC’s 2025 schedule starting from May 7, 2025, based on the latest available information.
UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena
- Date: May 10, 2025
- Location: Bell Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Main Event: Belal Muhammad (c) vs. Jack Della Maddalena – Welterweight Title
- Co-Main Event: Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Manon Fiorot – Women’s Flyweight Title
- Notable Fights: José Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Alexa Grasso vs. Natalia Silva
- How to Watch: PPV on ESPN+; Main Card at 10:00 PM ET, Prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8:00 PM ET, Early Prelims on ESPN+ at 6:30 PM ET
UFC 315 marks the promotion’s return to Canada with two title fights. Belal Muhammad defends his welterweight belt against the hard-hitting Jack Della Maddalena, while Valentina Shevchenko faces Manon Fiorot in a highly anticipated women’s flyweight clash. This event is a must-watch for fans of technical striking and grappling.
UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales
- Date: May 17, 2025
- Location: UFC APEX, Las Vegas, NV
- Main Event: Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales – Welterweight
- How to Watch: ESPN+; Main Card at 6:00 PM ET, Prelims at 3:00 PM ET
This Fight Night features a welterweight showdown between veteran Gilbert Burns and undefeated prospect Michael Morales. Burns aims to climb back into title contention, while Morales looks to break into the rankings with a statement win.
UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Barber
- Date: May 31, 2025
- Location: UFC APEX, Las Vegas, NV
- Main Event: Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber – Women’s Flyweight
- How to Watch: ESPN+ (times to be confirmed)
Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber are two of the brightest prospects in the women’s flyweight division. This fight could determine the next title challenger, making it a pivotal matchup for fans to follow.
UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2
- Date: June 7, 2025
- Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
- Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs. Sean O’Malley – Bantamweight Title
- Co-Main Event: Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison – Women’s Bantamweight Title
- How to Watch: PPV on ESPN+; Main Card at 10:00 PM ET, Prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8:00 PM ET, Early Prelims on ESPN+ at 6:00 PM ET
UFC 316 offers a stacked card with a bantamweight title rematch between champion Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley, who’s looking to reclaim the belt. The co-main event pits Julianna Peña against Kayla Harrison for the women’s bantamweight title, blending Olympic-level judo with MMA experience.
UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley
- Date: June 14, 2025
- Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
- Main Event: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley – Welterweight
- How to Watch: ESPN+ (times to be confirmed)
Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman faces rising star Joaquin Buckley in a fight that could shake up the division. Usman’s experience will be tested against Buckley’s explosive power, making this a can’t-miss event.
UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Jr.
- Date: June 21, 2025
- Location: Baku Crystal Hall, Baku, Azerbaijan
- Main Event: Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. – Light Heavyweight
- How to Watch: ESPN+ (times to be confirmed)
The UFC makes its debut in Azerbaijan with a light heavyweight clash between Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. Both fighters are known for their knockout ability, promising an explosive main event.
UFC 317: Pantoja vs. Kara-France
- Date: June 28, 2025
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja (c) vs. Kai Kara-France – Flyweight Title
- How to Watch: PPV on ESPN+ (times to be confirmed)
Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defends his title against Kai Kara-France in a rematch that dates back to their time on The Ultimate Fighter. Expect a fast-paced fight with high-level striking and grappling.
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3
- Date: July 19, 2025
- Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
- Main Event: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier – Lightweight, BMF Title (Poirier’s Retirement Fight)
- How to Watch: PPV on ESPN+; Main Card at 10:00 PM ET, Prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8:00 PM ET, Early Prelims on ESPN+ at 6:00 PM ET
Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier face off for the third time, this time for the BMF title at lightweight. With Poirier announcing this as his retirement fight, the emotional stakes are high for this trilogy bout, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year.
UFC Fight Night: Abu Dhabi
- Date: July 26, 2025
- Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Main Event: To Be Announced
- How to Watch: ESPN+ (times to be confirmed)
The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi, a fan-favorite location, with a Fight Night event. While the main event is still under wraps, expect top talent from the Middle East and beyond to be featured.
UFC 320: Noche UFC
- Date: September 13, 2025
- Location: Arena Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Main Event: To Be Announced (Expected to Feature Mexican Talent)
- How to Watch: PPV on ESPN+ (times to be confirmed)
Celebrating Mexican Independence Day, Noche UFC is a tradition that showcases top Mexican fighters. While the main event hasn’t been confirmed, fighters like Brandon Moreno or Yair Rodríguez could headline this cultural celebration.
How to Watch and Stay Updated
Numbered UFC events (e.g., UFC 315, 316, 317, 318, 320) are available via pay-per-view on ESPN+, typically costing around $79.99 per event, with prelims and early prelims streaming on ESPN+ and ESPN. Fight Night events are free to stream on ESPN+ for subscribers. To stay updated on fight cards and potential changes, visit the UFC Official Website or follow their social media channels for the latest announcements.
Summary of UFC 2025 Events (May to September)
Date | Event | Location | Main Event | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
May 10, 2025 | UFC 315 | Bell Centre, Montreal, Canada | Belal Muhammad (c) vs. Jack Della Maddalena – Welterweight Title | PPV on ESPN+ |
May 17, 2025 | UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, NV | Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales – Welterweight | ESPN+ |
May 31, 2025 | UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Barber | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, NV | Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber – Women’s Flyweight | ESPN+ |
June 7, 2025 | UFC 316 | Prudential Center, Newark, NJ | Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs. Sean O’Malley – Bantamweight Title | PPV on ESPN+ |
June 14, 2025 | UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley | State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA | Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley – Welterweight | ESPN+ |
June 21, 2025 | UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. | Baku Crystal Hall, Baku, Azerbaijan | Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. – Light Heavyweight | ESPN+ |
June 28, 2025 | UFC 317 | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV | Alexandre Pantoja (c) vs. Kai Kara-France – Flyweight Title | PPV on ESPN+ |
July 19, 2025 | UFC 318 | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA | Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier – Lightweight, BMF Title | PPV on ESPN+ |
July 26, 2025 | UFC Fight Night | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE | To Be Announced | ESPN+ |
September 13, 2025 | UFC 320: Noche UFC | Arena Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico | To Be Announced (Mexican Talent Expected) | PPV on ESPN+ |
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the schedule is mostly confirmed through July, some events like UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi and UFC 320 still lack announced main events. The UFC’s schedule can shift due to injuries, fighter availability, or logistical changes, so fans should check the UFC Official Website for updates. The promotion’s global expansion continues, with events in Azerbaijan, Canada, and Mexico, reflecting its growing international appeal.
Conclusion
The UFC 2025 schedule promises thrilling action, from title defenses like Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 to the emotional trilogy fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier at UFC 318. Whether you’re watching on ESPN+ or ordering a PPV, these events are not to be missed. Want to test your MMA knowledge? Play our MMA trivia game (#) and see how much you know about these fighters and events!
