The first bout of the evening’s card is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET. Set a reminder now so you won’t miss the opening clash that kicks off the night’s excitement.
Broadcasters will transition to the early segment of the event right after the main attraction, delivering nonstop combat that keeps adrenaline pumping. Fans worldwide can expect high‑octane matchups and surprising finishes.
For those looking to add an extra layer of thrill, consider placing a wager on the opening encounter. Timing your bet with the opening fight gives you the freshest odds and the most dynamic action.
Exact start time for tonight’s prelims on the broadcast network
Tune in to the broadcast network at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time for the opening bout.
The channel listed as ABC (or its regional partner) will carry the early action, so check your guide for the exact slot.
Following the initial contest, the second match is scheduled for roughly 7:45 p.m. ET, with a brief intermission before the next encounter.
If you miss the first segment, the network will replay it on its digital platform at 8:30 p.m., allowing a catch‑up before the main event.
Set a reminder on your television or smartphone to avoid missing the arrival of the first fight.
Local affiliates sometimes insert brief news updates, which can shift the clock by a few minutes; keep an eye on the on‑screen clock for real‑time adjustments.
Mark 7:00 p.m. ET on your schedule to catch the opening bout on the free‑to‑air channel.
Time zone conversion guide for U.S. viewers

Check the East Coast schedule at 10:00 PM ET and subtract the appropriate offset for your region.
Central: 9:00 PM CT – Mountain: 8:00 PM MT – Pacific: 7:00 PM PT – Alaska: 6:00 PM AKT – Hawaii‑Aleutian: 5:00 PM HAT.
If your area observes daylight‑saving time, replace ET with EDT and shift one hour later.
Add the event to your phone calendar; most apps will auto‑convert the time once you select your city.
Many streaming platforms display the local time beside the broadcast clock, so a quick glance can confirm the slot.
For cross‑country friends, share the converted times in a group chat to avoid confusion.
Where to stream the prelims if you miss the live broadcast
Watch the missed action on ESPN+ through the on‑demand library. The service updates the feed within minutes after the broadcast ends, so the full block of early bouts is available for replay. A standard subscription gives unlimited access, and the video can be viewed on smartphones, tablets, or smart‑TV apps.
For those without ESPN+, the promotion’s official app sells a single‑event replay, and the network’s website hosts the archive for a short window. Additionally, a clipped version appears on the official YouTube channel, allowing you to catch highlights without a subscription.
How to set reminders on popular devices and apps

Open the Calendar app on iPhone, tap the plus sign, select the date, enable "Alert" and choose "At time of event" to guarantee you won’t miss a fight.
On Android, launch Google Assistant, say "Remind me about the main card at 7 PM," then confirm; the reminder will appear in the Google Calendar and as a notification. For wearables, use the companion app – for example, the Samsung Galaxy Watch pairs with the Galaxy Wearable app, where you can add a reminder under "Add event" and set a vibration alert. Below is a quick reference for the most common platforms.
| Device / App | Steps |
|---|---|
| iPhone (iOS) | Calendar → + → Date → Alert → At time of event |
| Android (Google) | Google Assistant → "Remind me…" → Confirm → Calendar entry |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch | Galaxy Wearable → Add event → Choose vibration |
| Apple Watch | Watch app → Reminders → New reminder → Time |
| Google Calendar (Web) | Open → Create → Add notification → Choose minutes before |
Typical fight card length and break schedule
Plan for a three‑hour broadcast, with the headline clash positioned about 2.5 hours after the opening bell.
A standard evening lineup features eight to twelve contests, mixing early‑round matchups with a few co‑main attractions before the headline bout. The opening fights usually run 5‑minute rounds, while later contests may extend to 3‑round or 5‑round formats, influencing overall duration.
Intermissions are built into the flow: a 10‑minute pause follows the fourth fight, providing time for arena staff to reset the cage and for broadcasters to insert commercial blocks. After the co‑main event, a longer 15‑minute interval allows commentators to recap and audiences to stretch.
Commercial segments are typically spaced every 30‑45 minutes, aligning with round breaks or the designated intermissions, ensuring a steady rhythm without disrupting fight momentum.
- Opening segment: 2 hours
- First intermission: 10 minutes
- Co‑main event: 30‑45 minutes
- Second intermission: 15 minutes
- Headline clash: 45‑60 minutes
Last‑minute changes that can shift the prelim start time
Check the official schedule 30 minutes before the event and keep an eye on live updates.
A sudden injury to a participant can force a reshuffle of the opening card, pushing later bouts forward by several minutes; replacement fighters may also be slotted in, altering the entire timeline.
Network glitches or last‑minute commentary changes often shift the clock, especially if a broadcaster decides to insert a promotional segment or a delayed replay.
Venue problems such as power cuts, unexpected security sweeps, or a delayed arena opening can create gaps that the organizers fill by adjusting the order of matches.
Stay ahead of the curve by using digital alerts:
- Follow the promotion’s official Twitter account for instant notices.
- Enable push notifications on the event’s mobile app.
- Subscribe to the live‑feed chat where fans share real‑time information.
FAQ:
What time do tonight’s UFC prelims begin in the United States?
The prelims are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Eastern Time (4 p.m. Pacific). This timing applies to the live broadcast on ESPN+ and the ESPN2 channel.
Are the UFC prelim fights available on the UFC Fight Pass platform?
Yes. UFC Fight Pass streams the entire prelim card live. The feed will go live at the same moment as the TV broadcast, so you can watch from any device that supports the service.
How can I find out the exact start time for the prelims if I live outside the U.S.?
Check the event page on the official UFC website. It lists the start time in GMT, and most browsers will convert it to your local time zone automatically. You can also use a world‑clock app to confirm the conversion.
Will there be any changes to the prelim start time if the main card is delayed?
Generally, the prelim schedule stays fixed. The main card may shift later if earlier bouts run long, but the prelims will still start at the announced time. If a major change occurs, UFC will post an update on its social media channels and the event page.
Is there a way to get a reminder for when the UFC prelims kick off tonight?
Both the UFC app and the ESPN app allow you to set notifications for upcoming fights. After you locate tonight’s event in the app, select "Add reminder" or "Set alert." You’ll receive a push notification a few minutes before the prelims begin, helping you to tune in without missing the first round.
What time do the UFC prelims start tonight for viewers on the U.S. East Coast?
The preliminary card begins at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. It is aired on ESPN+ and also streamed live on the ESPN app for subscribers. If you are watching on a cable service, the prelims may appear on the ESPN channel at the same time, but confirm with your local listings because some markets place the fight night on a different channel.
How can I watch tonight’s UFC prelims if I’m outside the United States?
International fans have several options. The easiest route is UFC Fight Pass, which streams the entire event, including the prelims, in most countries. In regions where ESPN holds the broadcast rights, the fight night may be available through the local ESPN app or its partner streaming services, so check the regional ESPN website for details. Some countries also carry the prelims on free‑to‑air sports channels; a quick search for "UFC prelims broadcast" plus your country name should reveal the exact channel. Remember to convert the start time (6:00 PM ET) to your local time zone to avoid missing the action.
