How Long Are UFC Events? A Guide to UFC Event Durations

The Ultimate Fighting Championship, commonly known as UFC, is an MMA organization that has become a global phenomenon since its inception in 1993. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, the UFC has organized over 500 events, most of which have taken place in the United States, with some held in other countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Japan.

One of the most frequently asked questions about UFC events is how long they last. According to recent research, a UFC event lasts approximately six hours, with the Early Prelims starting at around 6:30 p.m. and the Main Card ending at around 12:30 a.m. This article aims to provide more detailed information about the length of a UFC event, including the specific parts it consists of, their durations, and some interesting statistics about the organization.

What Is a UFC Event?

A UFC event is an official fighting competition organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) since 1993. It is a combat sport where several fighters engage in official fights, and it is the main source of UFC fights worldwide. The UFC is the most popular organization, and its events are separated into seven different formats.

The seven different formats of UFC events are:

  • “Numbered” events, which are currently airing on pay-per-view, with some exceptions
  • “UFC on ESPN” events, which are currently airing on ESPN
  • “UFC on Fox” events, which were formerly aired on Fox
  • “Fight Night” events, which were formerly aired on Spike, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, or UFC Fight Pass and are currently airing on ESPN+
  • “The Ultimate Fighter Finale” events, which were formerly aired on Spike, FX, Fox Sports 1, or UFC Fight Pass and will begin on ESPN+ in 2020
  • “UFC on FX” events, which were formerly aired on FX
  • “UFC on Fuel TV” events, which were formerly aired on Fuel TV
  • “UFC Live” events, which were formerly aired on Versus

Most of the so-called “numbered” events have taken place on pay-per-view, although there have been a few exceptions not related to the fights themselves. Historically, the UFC has also aired preliminary fights prior to the main fight cards, either on television or via online video streaming platforms. However, preliminary fights are usually not shown during live broadcasts of UFC events on “big” channels, mostly because people aren’t that interested in seeing them.

Beginning in August 2013, and starting with UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen, the UFC began airing non-PPV events on television. In January 2014, as part of the organization’s global expansion, the UFC began airing various international events exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, the UFC’s official video subscription platform.

UFC events are broadcast around the world, and they are a popular form of entertainment for many people. They are exciting and unpredictable, and they showcase the skills and abilities of some of the world’s best fighters. UFC events can last anywhere from three to six hours, depending on the size of the event and the results of the fights. The main card at the UFC is typically 1.5 hours of fight time, and including all preliminary fights, it can reach over 4 hours.

What Do UFC Events Consist of?

A UFC event is typically divided into three parts: early prelim fights, prelim fights, and main card events. Early prelims are not always included in UFC events and usually have three or four fights. They are not widely televised unless on demand. The prelim fights are usually present during UFC events and consist of either four or five fights, depending on the event. They are more often televised than early prelim fights. The main card fights are the most important fights of the night and always broadcast on television because they attract the most interest. There are usually five main card fights. Overall, UFC events consist of a combination of these three parts, with the main card fights being the most popular and widely viewed.

How Long Do UFC Events Last?

A UFC event typically lasts around six hours, from the start of the early prelims until the main card fights conclude. Early prelims generally begin around 7:00 p.m. local time and end after midnight when the main card fights finish.

For those who plan to watch the entire event, it is important to note that early prelims are typically only available on demand and may require additional fees. However, most viewers will only watch the prelim matches or main card fights, which means they will see a few hours less than those who watch the entire event.

The prelims start around 8:00 p.m. local time, with the main card fights following after. The broadcast schedule remains fixed, so viewers can expect a four-hour broadcast from their home or sports bar if they do not pay to see the early prelims.

It is important to note that the duration of the event can vary depending on the number of fights and their duration. However, viewers can expect to start around 8:00 p.m. and finish around midnight or later, depending on how long the fighters take to finish their bouts.

Here is a breakdown of the typical duration of a UFC event:

UFC Event ComponentDuration
Early PrelimsAround 1-2 hours
PrelimsAround 2 hours
Main Card FightsAround 1.5-2 hours

It is worth noting that the duration of each fight can vary depending on whether it is a three or five-round fight. Three-round fights can last up to 17 minutes, while five-round fights can last up to 29 minutes, including rests.

In summary, a UFC event typically lasts around six hours from start to finish, but viewers can expect to see a four-hour broadcast if they do not pay to see the early prelims. The duration of each fight can vary depending on the number of rounds, but viewers can expect to finish around midnight or later.

Duration of the Early Prelims, Prelims, and the Main Card

A UFC event is divided into three segments: Early Prelims, Prelims, and Main Card. Each segment has a different duration and features different fights. Here is a breakdown of the duration of each segment:

  • Early Prelims: Early Prelims usually start between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and last for about an hour. These fights usually feature debutants and/or fighters with a small amount of fights (or negative records), and they are not announced or interviewed. Early Prelims usually feature three, but can also feature four fights, and the duration of each fight is limited to 15 minutes (3 rounds of 5 minutes).
  • Prelims: Prelims usually start at 8:00 p.m. and end around 9:30 p.m., lasting for about an hour and a half. They contain more relevant fights than Early Prelims, but they are never championship bouts. Prelim fighters get announced and they also give interviews, which adds something to the schedule, but not significantly much. Prelims usually contain 4 or 5 matches, also limited to 15 minutes max. (meaning three five-minute rounds).
  • Main Card: Main Card fights are the most anticipated fights of the night. Typically, there are five of them per event, but the number can vary based on different circumstances. Main card fights last longer, they include better fighters, and attract more viewers. A main card fight can last up to 25 minutes, meaning that it has five rounds of five minutes. This makes the total duration of these fights longer than the former two. If you include the announcements, the interviews, and the belt awarding ceremonies, main card fights typically last for about two hours. The fights themselves last for around an hour and a half and, theoretically (when you add all the other elements), the whole segment can last for more than three hours, but they usually end around midnight, meaning that their total duration is c. 120 minutes.

In summary, Early Prelims usually last for about an hour, Prelims last for about an hour and a half, and Main Card lasts for about two hours. The duration of each segment depends on the number of scheduled fights and the duration of each fight, which is limited to 15 minutes for Early Prelims and Prelims and up to 25 minutes for Main Card.

The Longest and the Shortest UFC Event

UFC events usually last for around six hours, but it is not fixed and can end before or after that duration. Let’s take a look at the shortest and longest UFC events in the history of the organization.

Shortest UFC Event

The shortest UFC event took place in Rio de Janeiro in 2012, at UFC 142. The event featured a total of 10 fights, with only three of them going the distance. The five main card fights lasted just 23 minutes, with three of them ending in under 90 seconds. The total duration of the event was about 105 minutes, which is less than two hours. Although the viewers saw a lot of great fights, the fact that the whole thing ended so quickly was a bit disappointing.

Longest UFC Event

The longest UFC event in history lasted for a full 7 hours and took place in Sydney, Australia in 2017. The UFC Sydney event had a total of 13 fights, with only three of them ending without going the distance. The 10 remaining fights all went to the distance, with nine of them having three rounds and the main fight having five rounds. These fighters took their time, and with all the ceremonies and other details, the event lasted for 7 hours, making it the longest event in the history of the UFC.

Here is a summary of the shortest and longest UFC events:

UFC EventTotal FightsFights Going the DistanceTotal Duration
UFC 142103105 minutes
UFC Sydney13107 hours

It is important to note that the duration of UFC events is not fixed and can vary depending on the number of fights that go the distance, the length of each fight, and other factors. However, the shortest and longest UFC events in history provide a good contrast to show how much the duration of an event can vary.

Can A UFC Event End Earlier Than Expected?

It is possible for a UFC event to end earlier than expected, reducing the length from the 6-hour average. This occurs when many of the main event fights end in an early stoppage. For example, UFC 142 was an event held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, headlined by a UFC featherweight bout between the champion Jose Aldo and the challenger Chad Mendes.

The duration of a UFC event includes the preliminary fights and the main card fights, which are the most important. An entire UFC event usually lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the size of the event and the results of the fights. The main card at the UFC is typically 1.5 hours of fight time and including all preliminary fights, it can reach over 4 hours.

Overall, the length of a UFC event can vary depending on the outcomes of the fights. While the average duration is around 6 hours, it is possible for events to end earlier than expected if many of the main event fights end in early stoppages.

Viewing a UFC Event

When it comes to viewing a UFC event, there are several options available to fans. Viewers can either watch the event live on television or through streaming services such as UFC Fight Pass. Alternatively, they can head to a sports bar to watch the event with other fans.

The event itself typically lasts between three to four hours, depending on the number of fights on the card. This duration includes both the early prelim fights and the main card fights, which are the most important.

For those watching at home, it is important to take note of the time zone difference to ensure that they don’t miss the start of the event. Fans can also prepare some snacks to enjoy during the event.

For pay-per-view events, fans will need to purchase the event to watch it live. On the other hand, UFC Fight Pass allows viewers to watch live events as well as replays of past events.

Overall, the viewing experience of a UFC event can be an exciting and thrilling experience for fans.

Conclusion

To sum up, the length of a full UFC event can vary depending on various factors, such as the number of fights that end early. Generally, a full UFC event lasts about 6 hours, from the start of the Early Prelims at around 6:30 p.m. to the end of the Main Event at around 12:30 a.m. The Main Card of a UFC event typically lasts 2-3 hours, starting at 10:00 p.m. and ending at around 12:30 a.m.

It is important to note that the length of a UFC event can also be affected by the size of the event and the results of the fights. For instance, an event with more preliminary fights can last longer than an event with fewer preliminary fights. Additionally, if there are multiple fights that go the distance and require the judges to make a decision, the event can last longer.

Overall, understanding the length of a UFC event can help viewers plan their time accordingly. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, knowing the approximate duration of an event can help you enjoy the fights without worrying about missing out on other important commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical duration of a UFC event?

A typical UFC event usually lasts for around four to six hours, depending on the number of fights on the card.

How long do the main events usually last?

The main events of a UFC card usually last for five rounds, with each round lasting five minutes. However, if the fight is not a championship fight, the main event can last for three rounds.

How many fights are usually on a UFC card?

A UFC card usually has around 10 to 13 fights, including the prelims and the main event.

Is there a set time limit for each UFC fight?

Yes, each round of a UFC fight has a set time limit of five minutes. Championship fights have five rounds, while non-championship fights have three rounds.

What happens if a UFC fight goes the distance?

If a UFC fight goes the distance, the judges will score the fight based on their assessment of the fighters’ performances in each round. The fighter with the most points at the end of the fight will be declared the winner.

Are there any rules for how long a fighter can rest between rounds in a UFC fight?

Yes, there is a one-minute rest period between each round of a UFC fight. During this time, the fighters can receive advice from their coaches and receive medical attention if necessary.

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