If you've been following any of the significant evening newscasts nationwide and across North America, you'd know one thing about the weather of late: It's been cold. Many North American communities have recently been disguised as Siberia's front porch.
It's been so chilly outside that warming centers have been set up for people who want to escape the frigid air. The chill has extended to Canada, where MMA's top promotion will set up shop this Saturday night for its first flagship event of 2024.
After a month away from pay-per-view, the UFC heads up to Toronto for UFC 297 this weekend. Live coverage of the show begins Saturday at 6 pm ET/ 3 pm PT on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+ with the early prelims, followed at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT on ESPNEWS with late prelims.
Main card action caps the night at 10 pm ET/ 7 pm PT on ESPN+ pay-per-view. All told, barring any late adjustments between now and Saturday, UFC 297 features a full 12-fight card.
It's the biggest weekend of fights so far this year. Between Friday and Sunday, you'll have a full slate of action with three shows from as many MMA promotions, one each night.
Your weekend itinerary begins on the campus of Sacramento State University in the Golden State's capital city, where A1 Combat launches its 2024 slate with A1 Combat 17 and the A1 Combat 17 main event. Friday's card marks the first event in a new three-year media rights deal between A1 Combat and UFC Fight Pass.
Live coverage of the event begins with undercard fights at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT on YouTube, followed at 10 pm ET/ 7 pm PT on UFC Fight Pass with the main card. All told, barring any late adjustments to A1 Combat 17 between now and Friday night, nine MMA fights will occur from Sacramento State University's Union Ballroom.
