The availability using oxygen-rich powders to prepare ultrafine Ti(C,N)-based cermets was investigated. The deoxidation process, denitrification phenomenon and the effect of deoxidation on microstructure and mechanical properties of sintered samples were discussed, respectively. The results show that oxygen in the samples prepared even with high oxygen contained in starting powders can be almost completely cleaned away through suitable sintering process. The ultrafine oxygen-rich powders have a significant effect on microstructure, which promotes the formation of white core phase. A ultrafine Ti(C,N)-based cermet with mean particle size of 0. 30 μm, uniform microstructure and excellent mechanical properties is successfully prepared. It is also found that there exists severe denitrification phenomenon in the preparation process of ultrafine Ti(C,N)-based cermet.