If you’re new to mixed martial arts or simply curious, you might ask: how does the UFC number its fights? From UFC 1 to UFC 300 and beyond, the system can seem complex. This guide breaks down how the UFC fight numbering system works and what makes it unique in combat sports.
What Are UFC Numbered Events?
The UFC’s biggest shows are its numbered pay-per-view (PPV) events — think UFC 100, UFC 200, UFC 300, and so on. These major fight cards typically feature:
- Championship bouts
- Top-ranked fighters
- High-profile matchups
How the numbering works:
- The sequence began with UFC 1 in 1993.
- Each major PPV event gets the next number in order — no skips.
- The numbering is global and continuous: UFC 299 is followed by UFC 300, then UFC 301, no matter the location or headliners.
Example:
UFC 300 might be in Las Vegas, while UFC 301 could take place weeks later in Brazil or Abu Dhabi.
What About UFC Fight Night and UFC on ESPN?
In addition to numbered PPVs, the UFC hosts Fight Night events and UFC on ESPN/UFC on ABC cards. These are usually free or part of a subscription (ESPN+, ABC).
- These events don’t follow the PPV numbering sequence.
- Instead, they’re named after headliners or broadcast partners:
- UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Jones
- UFC on ESPN 55
- UFC on ABC 5
While these events are crucial for rising talent and fan engagement, they are separate from the main UFC PPV numbering.
Other UFC Event Types
- Dana White’s Contender Series
- The Ultimate Fighter (TUF)
These are UFC-branded shows with their own seasons or episode counts — not part of the PPV or Fight Night numbering system.
Does the UFC Numbering Match the Year or Location?
Many fans wonder if UFC event numbers match the year or city — they don’t.
- The numbering is strictly sequential by PPV order.
- UFC 300 could happen in 2025, UFC 301 later that year or early the next — location and date don’t influence the number.
Why Is the UFC Numbering System Important?
The UFC PPV numbering system is a hallmark of its history and brand identity. Milestone events like UFC 100, UFC 200, and UFC 300 have marked major moments in the sport’s evolution. Fans track the growth of the promotion through this simple but consistent sequence.
Key Takeaway: How UFC Numbers Its Events
- Numbered UFC events = major PPV fights (UFC 1, UFC 300, UFC 301, etc.)
- Fight Nights / UFC on ESPN / UFC on ABC = separate from PPV numbering
- No link to year, location, or headliner — purely sequential PPV order
