UFC released its 2026 event schedule, starting with UFC 328 on May 9 featuring Chimaev vs. Strickland middleweight title fight and Yan vs. Taira. Subsequent cards include Arnold Allen vs. Melquizael Costa on May 16 in Las Vegas, Song Yadong vs. Deiveson Figueiredo on May 30 in Macao, and Belal Muhammad vs. Gabriel Bonfim on June 6. The historic UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14 pits lightweight champion Ilia Topuria against interim champ Justin Gaethje. This announcement provides clarity on venues, main events, and Paramount+ broadcasts, shaping fan planning and fighter preparations across divisions.
The UFC has released its official event schedule for the first half of 2026, mapping out a run of cards from May through June that spans multiple weight classes and marquee matchups.
The stretch opens with UFC 328 on May 9, headlined by a middleweight title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and champion Sean Strickland. Strickland, 35, carries a 31-7 record into the bout and has established himself as one of the busiest strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach that gives him a rangey, pressure-heavy style. The American out of Xtreme Couture also holds the middleweight title going into the contest.
A featherweight bout between Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa follows on May 16 in Las Vegas. Allen, ranked fifth at 145 pounds, is 32 years old and holds a 21-4 record. The English southpaw out of Tristar Gym lands 3.52 significant strikes per minute and mixes in 1.24 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat.
The June 6 card adds a welterweight contest between Belal Muhammad and Gabriel Bonfim. Bonfim, ranked tenth at welterweight, is just 28 years old and brings an aggressive 19-1 record. The Brazilian lands 4.61 significant strikes per minute, attempts 3.6 takedowns per 15 minutes, and generates 1.4 submission attempts per 15 minutes, signaling a fighter comfortable in all phases.
Why it matters
- The middleweight title is on the line at UFC 328, with Strickland defending against the undefeated Chimaev
- Allen vs. Costa carries featherweight top-five ranking implications for Allen
- Bonfim's welterweight top-ten placement puts the Muhammad fight within striking distance of a title picture push
- UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14, pitting lightweight champion Ilia Topuria against interim titleholder Justin Gaethje, adds historic context to an already dense schedule
