UFC president Dana White announced a 10-event schedule from April through mid-June 2026, including Fight Nights and numbered cards. Key bouts feature Della Maddalena vs Prates, Allen vs Costa, and Topuria vs Gaethje at Freedom 250. This roadmap provides clarity for fans and fighters amid a busy year. It impacts multiple divisions by locking in high-profile matchups early. Locations span Las Vegas, Perth, Newark, and Washington D.C. Fighters can now plan camps, with potential for changes based on injuries or performances.[2]
UFC president Dana White has reportedly unveiled a 10-event schedule running from April through mid-June 2026, mapping out a busy stretch of Fight Nights and numbered cards across multiple cities. According to the report, which has not been officially confirmed, the roadmap locks in several high-profile matchups and spans locations including Las Vegas, Perth, Newark, and Washington D.C.
Among the headliners is a featherweight contest between Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa. Allen, known as "Almighty," carries a 21-4-0 record and sits fifth in the featherweight division. The 32-year-old Englishman, who trains out of Tristar Gym, lands 3.52 significant strikes per minute at a 43 percent accuracy rate and averages 1.24 takedowns per 15 minutes. His opponent, Brazilian Melquizael Costa, brings a 26-8-0 record and fights out of Chute Boxe Joao Emilio. The 29-year-old southpaw is notably active on the feet, landing 4.29 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy, and also generates 1.53 takedowns per 15 minutes.
The marquee event on the reported schedule is Freedom 250, which is set to feature Ilia Topuria against Justin Gaethje. Topuria, ranked second at lightweight and first in the pound-for-pound rankings, holds a 17-1-0 record. The 29-year-old Spaniard is one of the most accurate finishers in the sport, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy while also averaging 1.96 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- The reported schedule gives multiple divisions rare early clarity on major matchups deep into mid-year
- A Topuria fight at Freedom 250 carries immediate lightweight title implications given his pound-for-pound ranking
- Allen vs. Costa pits two high-output southpaws against each other in a featherweight matchup with ranking consequences
- The unconfirmed nature of the announcement means bouts remain subject to change ahead of any official release
