
UFC 319 NZ Time: Full Schedule & Viewing Guide
Figuring out when UFC 319 actually airs on a Sunday afternoon in New Zealand can be more confusing than the main event itself. The main card kicks off at 2:00 PM NZST on August 17, 2025, with the prelims and early prelims starting much earlier — we’ve broken down every New Zealand-specific time, channel, and viewing option so you don’t miss a single punch.
Event: UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev ·
NZ Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025 ·
Main Card (NZST): 2:00 PM ·
Main Event (Approx): 4:00–5:00 PM NZST ·
PPV Channel: Sky Arena Channel 065
Quick snapshot
- Main card starts 2:00 PM NZST Sunday, August 17 (UFC.com official guide)
- Prelims at 12:00 PM NZST; early prelims at 10:00 AM NZST (UFC Fight Week Guide)
- PPV on Sky Arena only, not Sky Sport (Sky NZ)
- Free screening at Go Media Stadium Auckland (Auckland Stadiums)
- Exact ringwalk time for Chimaev vs Du Plessis (undercard length unknown)
- Paddy Pimblett’s exact fight time (fight order not finalized)
- PPV cost in NZ (not confirmed on official pages)
- UFC Fight Pass streaming restrictions by region
- Event takes place Saturday, August 16 in Chicago, IL (UFC Fight Week Guide)
- Doors open at 4:30 PM local Chicago time (United Center)
- NZ broadcast on Sunday, August 17 from 10:00 AM NZST (UFC Fight Week Guide)
- Main event estimated between 4:00–5:00 PM NZST (UFC Fight Week Guide)
- Book Sky Arena PPV via My Account or Sky Sport Now app (Sky NZ)
- Watch early prelims on UFC Fight Pass from 10:00 AM NZST (UFC.com)
- Free screening at Lilyworld, Go Media Stadium — doors open at 12:00 PM (Auckland Stadiums)
- Main event expected around 4:00 PM NZST; plan your viewing party (Sky NZ)
Nine key details — one pattern: the New Zealand broadcast schedule spans nearly seven hours, from early prelims at 10:00 AM through to the main event around 5:00 PM.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Event Name | UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev |
| NZ Date | Sunday, August 17, 2025 |
| NZ Main Card Start | 2:00 PM NZST |
| NZ Prelims Start | 12:00 PM NZST |
| NZ Early Prelims | 10:00 AM NZST |
| UK Main Card Start | 3:00 AM BST (Sunday) |
| Europe Main Card Start | 4:00 AM CEST (Sunday) |
| PPV Channel (NZ) | Sky Arena Channel 065 |
| Free Screening (NZ) | Go Media Stadium, Auckland |
What time is the UFC 319 going to start?
UFC 319 main card start time in NZ
- The main card for UFC 319 starts at 2:00 PM NZST on Sunday, August 17, 2025, exclusively on Sky Arena (PPV) — confirmed by UFC.com’s official New Zealand viewing guide.
- The main event, a middleweight championship bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis, is estimated between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM NZST, depending on undercard length.
UFC 319 prelims start time
- The prelims begin at 12:00 PM NZST on UFC Fight Pass, according to UFC Fight Week Guide.
- In the US, prelims start at 8:00 PM ET, which maps directly to the NZ afternoon window.
UFC 319 early prelims start time
- The early prelims start at 10:00 AM NZST on UFC Fight Pass — early birds get the first fights.
- US early prelims begin at 6:30 PM ET (Saturday), matching the NZ morning slot.
NZ viewers get a full day of fights, but the early prelims at 10 AM NZST mean US Saturday night translates to a Sunday morning–afternoon block. If you want the full card, you’re committed from 10 AM until roughly 5 PM.
The pattern: despite the long stretch, this schedule is ideal for a Sunday gathering — no 3 AM alarms.
What time is UFC in NZ?
UFC 319 start time for New Zealand
- UFC 319 lands on Sunday afternoon in New Zealand — the opposite of the Saturday evening broadcast in the US, UK, and Europe.
- Main card NZ: 2:00 PM NZST. That’s 11 hours ahead of the UK (3:00 AM BST) and 12 hours ahead of mainland Europe (4:00 AM CEST).
Converting UFC 319 UK and Europe start times to NZ time
For NZ travellers or expats checking in from overseas, here’s the quick conversion:
- UK main card: 3:00 AM BST → NZ is +11 hours → 2:00 PM NZST.
- Europe main card: 4:00 AM CEST → NZ is +12 hours → 4:00 PM NZST (wait — that’s after the NZ start. The main event is the crossover.)
- Sources: Yahoo Sports (time conversion details), UFC.com official schedule (see main card start above).
UFC 319 countdown and live events in NZ
- The official UFC Fight Week Guide confirms the event is live from the United Center in Chicago, with doors opening at 4:30 PM local time.
- New Zealand’s free screening runs concurrently at Go Media Stadium Auckland — more on that below.
The pattern: NZ time is the most convenient for a Sunday viewing party — afternoon start, no 3 AM alarms — while UK and Europe viewers have to pull an all-nighter. The trade-off: NZ fans pay a PPV premium that UK viewers might avoid.
How to watch UFC 319 in NZ?
Watch UFC 319 on Sky Arena in New Zealand
- The only way to watch the main card in NZ is via Sky Arena, channel 065, on pay-per-view. Sky NZ (PPV platform) confirms Sky Arena events are not available on Sky Go.
- You can book through Sky Sport Now, the streaming app, or via your Sky My Account. PPV cost is not officially listed but typically ranges between $40–$60 NZD for major UFC events.
- Alternative: UFC PPV on UFC.com — but availability in NZ is region-restricted; check before buying.
UFC 319 live stream options for NZ viewers
- Sky Sport Now: Stream the PPV on your phone, tablet, or smart TV. Requires a separate PPV booking.
- UFC Fight Pass: Streams the early prelims (10:00 AM NZST) and prelims (12:00 PM NZST) — not the main card. Subscription required.
- Flicks.co.nz: Lists UFC 319 as available via Sky Arena, but confirms it’s PPV-only on their streaming guide.
Free screening of UFC 319 at Go Media Stadium Auckland
- A free public screening of UFC 319 will be held at Lilyworld, Go Media Stadium, Auckland, on Sunday, August 17, 2025, according to Auckland Stadiums event listings.
- Doors open at 12:00 PM — perfect timing for the prelims — and the main card rolls from 2:00 PM. Capacity is limited; arrive early.
The free screening at Go Media Stadium is a rare gem for NZ fight fans who don’t want to pay the PPV fee. But if you’re after the full undercard, you’ll need UFC Fight Pass for early prelims and prelims — the screening only covers the main card.
The takeaway: for full coverage, you’ll need a combination of UFC Fight Pass (prelims) and Sky Arena PPV (main card) — unless you’re heading to Lilyworld.
Step-by-step: How to set up your UFC 319 viewing in NZ
- Decide whether to buy the Sky Arena PPV ($40–$60) or attend the free screening at Go Media Stadium.
- If buying PPV, log into your Sky My Account or open the Sky Sport Now app and book UFC 319.
- Subscribe to UFC Fight Pass (if you want the full undercard) and set a reminder for 10:00 AM NZST.
- If attending the screening, arrive at Go Media Stadium by 12:00 PM to secure a spot.
- Plan your Sunday: early prelims 10:00 AM, prelims 12:00 PM, main card 2:00 PM, main event ~4:00–5:00 PM.
What time is the UFC 319 main event in the UK?
UFC 319 UK start time (BST)
- The main card starts at 3:00 AM BST on Sunday, August 17, 2025 — a full 11 hours before the NZ equivalent in real time.
- The main event, Chimaev vs Du Plessis, is estimated around 5:00 AM BST.
UK broadcast channels: TNT Sports
- TNT Sports is the exclusive broadcaster in the UK, carrying the full card. No PPV required for UK subscribers — it’s part of the standard sports package.
- Early prelims start at 11:00 PM BST on Saturday, August 16; prelims at 1:00 AM BST on Sunday, per Yahoo Sports (UK schedule breakdown).
The catch: UK viewers have a brutal overnight wait — 3 AM start for the main card. NZ viewers, by contrast, get a civilised Sunday afternoon. The trade-off: no PPV cost for UK fans, while NZ fans pay for Sky Arena.
What time is the UFC 319 fight in Europe?
UFC 319 start time in Central European Summer Time
- Main card starts at 4:00 AM CEST on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
- Main event around 6:00 AM CEST.
- Early prelims: 12:00 AM CEST (midnight); prelims: 2:00 AM CEST.
UFC 319 Europe viewing details
- Available via TNT Sports for UK-connected viewers, or local broadcasters like Eurosport depending on region. Check your local listings.
- No unified European PPV — availability varies by country, and some regions rely on UFC Fight Pass for the main card.
Why this matters: Europe’s 4 AM start means most casual fans will watch the replay. NZ’s 2 PM start is the most viewer-friendly timezone for a live Sunday event.
Is UFC on Sky Sports NZ?
Sky Arena vs Sky Sport: UFC 319 availability
- UFC PPV events are not on standard Sky Sport. They air exclusively on Sky Arena (Channel 065), Sky NZ’s PPV platform.
- This means your regular Sky Sport subscription does not include UFC 319 — you need to book the PPV separately.
Booking UFC 319 PPV on Sky in New Zealand
- Book via Sky My Account online, or through the Sky Sport Now app.
- Sky Arena events are not available to stream on Sky Go — so if you’re travelling, use Sky Sport Now on mobile data.
- PPV cost is not listed on official pages; budget around $50 NZD based on previous UFC events.
The implication: If you have a standard Sky Sport subscription, you still need to pay extra for the PPV. That’s the Sky Arena model — and it catches many casual fans off guard.
What time is Paddy the Baddy fighting?
Paddy Pimblett fight time at UFC 319
- Paddy Pimblett is on the main card. His exact position in the order is not yet finalised, but based on his typical placement, expect him 2–3 fights into the main card.
- In NZ time: main card starts 2:00 PM NZST → Paddy likely between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM NZST.
- In UK time: main card starts 3:00 AM BST → Paddy around 3:30–4:30 AM BST.
- His opponent is listed on the official fight card from UFC’s fight week guide.
Paddy the Baddy opponent and fight card position
- The official UFC.com schedule lists the full card, but fight order is subject to change based on earlier results and broadcast timing.
- If you’re only tuning in for Paddy, set an alarm for 2:30 PM NZST — you won’t want to miss his walkout.
The pattern: Paddy’s fight falls in a comfortable afternoon slot for NZ, but UK fans face another early-morning stretch. The catch: exact times shift if earlier fights end quickly or go to decision.
Timeline: UFC 319 key dates
- — Official UFC.com how-to-watch guide published (UFC.com).
- — UFC 319 official event page goes live (UFC Fight Week Guide).
- (US/Pacific) — UFC 319 takes place at United Center, Chicago (United Center).
- (NZST) — Full NZ broadcast: early prelims 10 AM, prelims 12 PM, main card 2 PM.
The timeline confirms NZ viewers get a single Sunday block, while the event happens on Saturday in Chicago.
sports.yahoo.com, sportingnews.com, thestrat.com, youtube.com, facebook.com, flicks.co.nz, youtube.com
Frequently asked questions
What time does UFC 319 start in NZ on Sunday?
The main card starts at 2:00 PM NZST. Prelims begin at 12:00 PM NZST, and early prelims at 10:00 AM NZST — all on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Can I watch UFC 319 for free in New Zealand?
Yes — there’s a free public screening at Lilyworld, Go Media Stadium, Auckland, on Sunday, August 17. Doors open at 12:00 PM.
Do I need a Sky subscription to watch UFC 319?
You don’t need a full Sky subscription to watch the PPV. You can book Sky Arena via Sky Sport Now (the streaming app) without a traditional Sky box subscription.
What channel is Sky Arena in NZ?
Sky Arena is Channel 065 on Sky. It’s a dedicated PPV channel and is separate from Sky Sport channels.
Is the Prelims on UFC Fight Pass free in NZ?
The early prelims and prelims are available on UFC Fight Pass, but you need a subscription (paid) to access them. There’s no free tier for the prelims.
How much does UFC 319 PPV cost in New Zealand?
Official pricing is not confirmed on Sky’s pages, but based on previous UFC events, expect around $40–$60 NZD. Check Sky Arena closer to the date.
What time is the main event in UK time?
The main event between Chimaev and Du Plessis is estimated around 5:00 AM BST on Sunday, August 17. The main card starts at 3:00 AM BST.
For quick answers, these FAQs cover the most common questions about UFC 319 timing and access in New Zealand.
“UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev is a World Middleweight Championship event, live from Chicago, Illinois.”
UFC Fight Week Guide (official event listing)
“Sky Arena events are not available to stream on Sky Go.”
Sky NZ (PPV platform policy)
“The free screening at Go Media Stadium Auckland starts at 12:00 PM on Sunday, August 17.”
Auckland Stadiums (event listing via United Center)
“New Zealand viewers can stream UFC 319 via Sky Arena on Sky Sport Now or UFC PPV.”
UFC.com (New Zealand viewing guide) – see main card start time above
For New Zealand fight fans, the scheduling equation is straightforward: a full Sunday of fights starting at 10 AM, with the main event landing in the late afternoon. The free screening at Go Media Stadium offers a rare no-cost option, while Sky Arena remains the only PPV path for home viewers. For anyone in NZ debating whether to buy the PPV or head to Auckland, the choice is clear: grab a mate, head to Lilyworld, and catch the prelims live — or book Sky Arena and host a Sunday session at home.