UFC schedule: Fight cards, what to watch for in Spring 2026
The UFC's highly anticipated White House card and Khamzat Chimaev's first title defense highlight what's happening in April, May and June.
The UFC schedule of events for the second quarter of 2026 is set, highlighted by a one-of-a-kind event and the first title defense for one of the promotion's biggest stars. UFC Freedom 250, almost a year since President Donald Trump first made mention of fights at the White House , is finally on the verge of coming to fruition. Khamzat Chimaev , who claimed the middleweight championship last August, will face Sean Strickland in a title fight that could have a "real ugly" buildup .
Three numbered events and nine Fight Nights make up the slate that runs through June 27, which is comprised of six arena shows, five META Apex events, and the highly anticipated White House card. Of the 12 UFC events in April, May and June, four will take place outside the U. S.
While not every card is completely filled out (and changes are commonplace), five championship bouts are official: Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title (UFC 327 main event); Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira for the flyweight title (UFC 327 co-main event); Chimaev vs.
Strickland for the middleweight title (UFC 328 main event); Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje lightweight title unifier (UFC Freedom 250 main event); and Ciryl Gane vs. Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title (UFC Freedom 250 co-main event).