What Happened to UFC Tonight?
The show "UFC Tonight" was a weekly news and analysis program that aired on Fox Sports networks from January 2012 until the end of the UFC's broadcast deal with Fox in late 2018. While the dedicated show no longer exists, the term "UFC Tonight" is now commonly used to refer to the UFC events scheduled for a particular evening, which, as of 2026, are primarily broadcast on Paramount+ and CBS.
Quick Answer
"UFC Tonight" was a weekly news and analysis television program that ran from January 2012 to December 2018 on Fox Sports 1 (and previously Fuel TV/Fox Sports 2). It provided in-depth coverage, news, and interviews related to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The show concluded with the end of the UFC's broadcast agreement with Fox. Today, the phrase "UFC Tonight" refers to the live UFC fight cards scheduled for a given night, which, as of 2026, are exclusively available on Paramount+ and CBS in the United States.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
UFC Signs Seven-Year Deal with Fox Sports
The Ultimate Fighting Championship reaches a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with Fox Sports, paving the way for expanded UFC programming, including dedicated news and analysis shows.
UFC Tonight Show Launches
The weekly news and analysis program "UFC Tonight" premieres on Fuel TV (which later became Fox Sports 2) as a key part of the UFC's new broadcast partnership with Fox Sports.
UFC Tonight Moves to Fox Sports 1
To increase its reach and audience, "UFC Tonight" transitions from Fuel TV/Fox Sports 2 to the more prominent Fox Sports 1.
Daniel Cormier Joins as Co-Host
Undefeated UFC light heavyweight title challenger Daniel Cormier is named co-host of "UFC Tonight," working alongside Kenny Florian, Karyn Bryant, and Ariel Helwani.
UFC Partners with USADA
In a significant move for athlete integrity and safety, the UFC partners with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to launch a comprehensive anti-doping program.
Fox Sports Broadcast Deal Concludes
The seven-year broadcast agreement between UFC and Fox Sports ends, leading to the discontinuation of "UFC Tonight" in its original format as UFC programming transitions to ESPN.
UFC Begins ESPN Partnership
The UFC officially begins its new broadcast partnership with ESPN, shifting its primary content distribution and programming to ESPN's various platforms.
UFC Announces Paramount+ and CBS Deal
UFC reveals a new seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount+ and CBS, effective from 2026, which will eliminate the pay-per-view model for numbered events in the U.S.
UFC 324 Airs on Paramount+ Without PPV
UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett becomes the first numbered UFC event to air on Paramount+ under the new media rights agreement, available to subscribers without an additional pay-per-view cost.
Key UFC Broadcasters Re-Sign with Paramount
Megan Olivi, Paul Felder, and Michael Bisping re-sign long-term extensions to continue their roles as UFC broadcasters and analysts with Paramount, ensuring continuity in expert commentary.
UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland Streams Live on Paramount+
UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, streaming live on Paramount+, demonstrating the current broadcast model where "UFC Tonight" refers to live fight events.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
UFC Tonight was a flagship weekly news and analysis program for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, launched in January 2012 as part of the UFC's landmark broadcast deal with Fox Sports. It aired on Fuel TV (which later became Fox Sports 2) and subsequently moved to the more prominent Fox Sports 1 on September 11, 2013, to reach a larger audience. The show featured a rotating cast of hosts and analysts, including Kenny Florian, Daniel Cormier, Karyn Bryant, and Ariel Helwani, providing in-depth discussions, fight breakdowns, and interviews with top UFC athletes and personalities.
The program was a key component of the UFC's strategy to expand its mainstream presence through its partnership with Fox Sports. It aimed to provide consistent, dedicated coverage beyond live fight events, building narratives and engaging fans with expert analysis of the sport's rapidly evolving landscape.
A significant turning point for "UFC Tonight" came with the conclusion of the seven-year broadcast agreement between UFC and Fox Sports in December 2018. This effectively marked the end of "UFC Tonight" in its original format, as UFC programming transitioned to ESPN. The analytical and news-gathering functions previously served by the show were then integrated into broader UFC content offerings across ESPN's platforms.
The media landscape for the UFC underwent another monumental shift with the announcement on August 12, 2025, of a new seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount+ and CBS, set to begin in 2026. This historic agreement eliminated the traditional pay-per-view model for numbered events in the U.S., making all UFC content, including marquee fights, available with a standard Paramount+ subscription. This deal further solidified the evolution of how UFC content, including pre-fight analysis and news, is delivered to fans.
As of May 9, 2026, "UFC Tonight" as a specific television program is no longer on air. The Ultimate Fighting Championship's content, including live events, pre-fight shows like "UFC Countdown" and "UFC Embedded," and analytical segments, is primarily broadcast on Paramount+ and CBS in the United States. Prominent commentators and analysts such as Megan Olivi, Paul Felder, and Michael Bisping re-signed long-term extensions with Paramount in February 2026, continuing to provide their expertise across various UFC broadcasts on these new platforms. The term "UFC Tonight" now commonly refers to the live UFC fight cards scheduled for a given evening, such as UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland, which is streaming live on Paramount+ on May 9, 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if UFC Tonight made different choices?