"The promotion's own private venue and production facility was a godsend during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing the UFC to consistently and safely put on events when just about every other sports league was shut down. Since fans returned to venues, however, the company has been frequently criticized for seemingly lackluster fight cards attached to Fight Night shows at the Apex, with the term " Apex slop " entering the MMA lexicon."
"The UFC has announced its schedule for the first quarter of 2026, and while there are a number of road dates, Fight Night events at the UFC Apex will continue. Hold the applause (not that we expect much). The announcement of the first ten UFC events of 2026 came as part of Friday's "It's On" press conference, and sees the promotion heading to Houston, Mexico City, and Seattle, in addition to previously announced dates in Sydney, Australia and London, England."
UFC scheduled ten events for Q1 2026, including international cards in Sydney, London, Mexico City, Houston, and Seattle, plus multiple Las Vegas shows. Two pay-per-view cards — UFC 324 (Jan. 24) and UFC 326 (March 7) — are slated for T-Mobile Arena. Several Fight Night events are booked at the UFC Apex. The Apex served as the promotion's private production facility during the coronavirus pandemic, enabling consistent event staging. Since fan returns, Fight Night cards at the Apex have faced criticism for lackluster lineups dubbed "Apex slop." The Paramount+ broadcast deal and reported $1.1 USD per annum U.S. rights revenue have not prompted a full return to the road.
Read at Cageside Press
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