UFC schedule 2026: Every Q2 main event and title fight, ranked

The UFC-Paramount Era is well underway, as the first quarter wrapped with last week's event in Seattle. Quarter 2 appears, on paper, to perhaps bring an elevated level of anticipation, with some of the biggest stars in the sport making their first appearances of 2026. Currently, there are five title fights scheduled across 12 events, including eight UFC Fight Nights and three numbered events.

There's a lot to unpack in the Quarter 2 schedule, but what are the fights fans should avoid missing at all costs? We ranked all of the main events and title fights for Quarter 2 below based on three criteria: significance, excitement potential, and fan anticipation. It should be noted the UFC Fight Night event scheduled for June 27 in Baku, Azerbaijan does not have a publicly-announced main event, so it was not included in the list.

13. Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott at UFC Fight Night 273 Date: April 18 Location: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Preview: You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better representative of the UFC and MMA than Gilbert Burns.

A total class act, fun fighter, and someone who grew up right in front of the UFC audience’s eyes. The losses have piled up recently, though. He enters the UFC Fight Night 273 main event on a four-fight skid.