Date | Event | Alternate Name/s | Location | Attendance | PPV Buyrate | Notes |
February 7 | UFC 12: Judgement Day | — | Dothan, Alabama, United States | 3,100 | — | UFC rule change, split main tournament into heavyweight (200lbs+) and lightweight (Under 200lbs) divisions. Eight-man tournament ceases. Introduction of titles. Superfights cease. |
May 30 | UFC 13: Ultimate Force | — | Augusta, Georgia, United States | 5,100 | — | Closed fisted strikes to the head were banned for this event only. |
July 27 | UFC 14: Showdown | — | Birmingham, Alabama, United States | 5,000 | — | UFC rule change, requires fighters to use 4–6 oz gloves. |
October 11 | Pride 1 | — | Tokyo, Japan | 47,860 | — | Pride FC's first event. The event featured one kickboxing bout between Branko Cikatić and Ralph White. |
October 17 | UFC 15: Collision Course | — | Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, United States | — | — | UFC rule change, redefined permissible striking areas. |
December 21 | UFC Japan: Ultimate Japan | UFC 15.5 | Yokohama, Japan | 5,000 | — | This event featured the first appearance of longtime UFC announcer Mike Goldberg. |