UFC Fight Night Oklahoma City Set for July 18 at Paycom Center

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to return to Oklahoma City for the first time in nearly a decade, marking a significant moment for the city’s sports and entertainment calendar. UFC FIGHT NIGHT OKLAHOMA CITY will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Paycom Center, according to an official announcement from the promotion.

The event will be the third UFC card in Oklahoma City history, following UFC FIGHT NIGHT: DIAZ vs GUILLARD in 2009 and UFC FIGHT NIGHT: CHIESA vs LEE in 2017. The return is the result of a partnership between the UFC, Paycom Center and Visit Oklahoma City, with all parties expressing enthusiasm for delivering a night of high-octane mixed martial arts action.

UFC Executive Vice President of Event Development Peter Dropick highlighted the excitement surrounding the event, stating that the organization is “thrilled to return to an incredible destination like Oklahoma City.” He thanked Paycom Center and Visit OKC for their collaboration, emphasizing the UFC’s commitment to bringing top-tier sporting events to cities worldwide.

Paycom Center General Manager Chris Semrau echoed this sentiment, calling the event a “major moment” for the community. “The community has been asking for this kind of event for years,” Semrau said, “and we’re very excited to finally bring the highest level of MMA back to Oklahoma City.” Visit Oklahoma City Vice President of Sports Development Adam Wisniewski added that the city takes pride in hosting premier sporting events, and the UFC’s return is a welcome addition to Oklahoma City’s event resume.

What to Expect

While the full fight card has not yet been announced, the UFC has promised a “can’t-miss” lineup featuring some of the organization’s biggest stars, top contenders, and rising prospects. Fans can expect a thrilling night of mixed martial arts, with the event scheduled to begin at approximately 6:00 PM local time. The card will stream live on Paramount+, ensuring global audiences can tune in to the action.

Given the UFC’s history of selling out events, fans are advised to register their interest early at ufc.com/OKC to secure their seats. Ticket information will be released in the coming weeks, and the UFC expects the event to draw thousands of attendees, generating significant economic and cultural impact for the region.

A Historic Return

The UFC’s return to Oklahoma City is particularly notable given the city’s rich history with the sport. The last UFC event in Oklahoma City, UFC FIGHT NIGHT: CHIESA vs LEE in 2017, saw Kevin Lee submit Michael Chiesa in the main event, a matchup that remains a highlight for local fans. The upcoming event is expected to build on that legacy, offering another unforgettable night of MMA.

As the UFC continues to expand its global footprint, events like UFC FIGHT NIGHT OKLAHOMA CITY play a crucial role in bringing the sport to new and existing audiences. With the city’s reputation for hosting major sporting events and its passionate fanbase, this return is poised to be a landmark occasion for Oklahoma City and its residents.