The wait is finally over as UFC 326 takes place tonight. After hosting its previous numbered event in Australia, the promotion returns to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In the main event, Max Holloway faces Charles Oliveira for the BMF title. The bout serves as a rematch 11 years in the making and carries high stakes for the winner.
Both fighters are vying for a lightweight title shot. However, the winner could also secure a lucrative fight against Conor McGregor.
The event also marks a notable shift for viewers, as a portion of the broadcast will air on network television before streaming on Paramount+. UFC 326 features many notable names across the main card and prelims, including top contenders and former champions.
In addition to the lineup of fight lineup, the UFC is expected to announce the card for its upcoming White House event. After months of speculation, fans will finally learn who will compete at the historic event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The promotion announced that coverage will split between CBS and Paramount+. This shift gives fighters a chance to gain more exposure from both a broader audience while reaching dedicated fans through Paramount+.
How to Watch UFC 326: Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira
Now that the UFC shifted away from the traditional pay-per-view model, its rights holder can experiment with different distribution strategies.
UFC events typically stream live on Paramount+. However, UFC 326 will follow a different format. The promotion shared a graphic on its social media accounts outlining which fights will air on CBS and which will stream on Paramount+.
The early prelim card kicks off at 5:30 pm ET / 2:30 pm PT and will air on Paramount+ and UFC Fight Pass.
Early prelim fights:
Luke Fernandez vs. Rodolfo Bellato – Light Heavyweight
Rafael Tobias vs. Diyar Nurgozhay – Light Heavyweight
Su Mudaerji vs. Jesus Santos Aguilar – Flyweight
The prelim card continues on Paramount+ at 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT.
Prelim fights:
Cody Durden vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel – Flyweight
Ricky Turcios vs. Alberto Montes – Featherweight
At 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT, the broadcast will simulcast on CBS for the final two prelim bouts.
Donte Johnson vs. Cody Brundage – Middleweight
Cody Garbrandt vs. Xiao Long – Bantamweight
For the first time, a UFC numbered event will air on CBS, with the opening main card bouts starting at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT.
Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brunno Ferreira – Middleweight
Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson – Lightweight
Prelims: 5:30pmET | Main Card: 9:00pmET
[ B2YB @ForthePeople | #UFC326 LIVE on @ParamountPlus ]
Holloway vs. Oliveira to Stream Live on Paramount+
At 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT, UFC 326 returns to Paramount+ for the final three bouts, including the main event.
The UFC hopes the CBS portion of the broadcast will attract new viewers. That strategy could be successful in driving new Paramount+ subscriptions, especially if fights deliver from an entertainment standpoint.
Fighters could gain a larger following should they make a strong impression with a standout performance.
UFC 326 main card fights on Paramount+:
Main Event
Max Holloway (c) vs. Charles Oliveira – Lightweight bout for the UFC BMF championship
Co-Main Event
Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder – Middleweight
Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr. – Bantamweight
UFC 326 Tonight: Start Time & How to Watch Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2