The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is a global phenomenon, with events taking place regularly across various time zones. For UFC fans in the United Kingdom, timing is crucial to ensure they don’t miss the action. Whether you’re planning to watch the UFC 309 or any other big event, understanding the UK timings for UFC events will help you stay on top of all the live action.
UFC Event Time in the UK: What to Expect
UFC events are typically held in the US, and depending on the event’s location—whether it’s on the East or West Coast—fans in the UK will need to adjust accordingly. For most UFC pay-per-view events, the preliminaries usually start in the early hours of the morning for UK viewers.
For example, UFC 309, a major event, is expected to begin its preliminary card at 1:00 AM GMT, with the main card starting at 3:00 AM GMT. The highly anticipated main event fight will likely take place around 5:00 AM GMT. It’s important for fans to be aware that these timings are approximate and can shift depending on various factors like the length of the preliminary bouts.
Main Card vs. Prelims: Key Differences in Timing
The event structure of a UFC night includes multiple segments: early prelims, prelims, and the main card. In the UK, these different segments will air at varying times. For example, early prelims start as early as 11:00 PM GMT, and these are typically streamed online via services like UFC Fight Pass. If you want to catch every fight from the start, especially for a major card like UFC 309, you’ll need to be prepared for a late night or an early morning depending on your schedule.
The main card is often where the marquee bouts happen, such as championship fights or other highly anticipated matchups. For UFC 309, the main card starts at 3:00 AM GMT, and the ring walks for the final fight may not occur until around 5:00 AM.
Where to Watch UFC in the UK
In the UK, UFC events are broadcast on TNT Sports, with coverage starting with the preliminaries. Those who cannot watch through TV can use the Discovery+ app to stream the event online. This makes it easy for fans to watch the event wherever they are, ensuring they never miss the action.
Factors Affecting UK Time for UFC Events
There are a few factors that affect the times at which UFC events are aired in the UK:
Event Location: UFC events in cities like Las Vegas, New York, or California vary in time due to the time zone difference. New York, for example, is 5 hours behind the UK, so if an event starts at 8:00 PM local time in New York, it will begin at 1:00 AM GMT in the UK.
Event Length: The duration of UFC events can vary, but a standard pay-per-view event, including both prelims and the main card, typically runs for around 4 to 5 hours.
Special Events: UFC schedules sometimes adjust for special pay-per-view events, especially if they are aligned with significant holidays or long-awaited matchups. These events may start later or earlier than usual, depending on various factors such as the expected length of the card or the location of the event.
FAQs
What is the typical UFC UK time for events?
The timing of UFC events in the UK depends on the specific card and location of the event. Most UFC events take place in the United States, typically in Las Vegas, which is in the Pacific Time Zone. The UK is five hours ahead of the US Eastern Time Zone and eight hours ahead of the Pacific Time Zone. Therefore, main event cards typically begin between 3 AM and 5 AM UK time depending on the event.
For pay-per-view events like UFC pay-per-view cards, the preliminary fights often start at 1 AM or 2 AM UK time, with the main card beginning closer to 3 AM or 4 AM UK time. However, for events taking place in Europe, such as in London or Abu Dhabi, the times can be adjusted to accommodate local time zones, making the events more accessible to UK audiences.
Why do UFC events happen so late in the UK?
UFC events are usually scheduled for the prime time of their target American audience, especially for events based in the United States. The majority of fans are in North America, where events are usually held in the evening (local time), so the pay-per-view event is planned accordingly. The time difference to the UK means that the event airs much later for UK viewers.
This timing is something that many fans from the UK have had to adapt to, with some choosing to stay up for the main event while others prefer to catch the highlights or replays later in the day.
How can I watch UFC events in the UK?
In the UK, UFC events are broadcast via BT Sport, which holds the exclusive rights to UFC programming. Subscribers to BT Sport can watch live events, including preliminary cards, main events, and exclusive UFC shows. BT Sport also offers a streaming service for fans who want to watch on the go.
In addition, UFC Fight Pass is available for purchase, giving you access to exclusive content, events, and a wide range of past fights. This service is particularly useful for those who want access to a wider selection of UFC content outside of regular scheduled programming.
Do UFC events in the UK have different timing compared to US-based events?
Yes, UFC events held in the UK or nearby European locations do have adjusted timing to suit local audiences. For example, when the UFC organizes events in London or other parts of Europe, the start times for the preliminary fights and main cards are adjusted to local time zones. These events typically start earlier compared to events in the US, usually in the evening hours, making them more accessible for UK fans.
For example, a UFC London event would typically begin around 6 PM local time, with the main card starting closer to 8 PM or 9 PM. This timing allows fans in the UK to watch the fights at a more reasonable hour.
In Summary
Watching UFC events in the UK requires a bit of preparation due to the time zone difference, but for fans, it’s worth the effort. From the preliminary fights to the main event, UFC offers thrilling action that is not to be missed. While events often air during the early hours of the morning, UK fans can always find ways to watch live or catch up with replays. Whether you’re tuning in for a Fight Night or a PPV event, knowing the UFC UK time is key to fully enjoying the world’s premier MMA organization.
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