Here, we are going to list five UFC fights we want to see in 2026. We can wish for many fights, but most of them are not going to happen. There are fights like Alex Pereira vs. Khamzat Chimaev, but the timing doesn’t align in 2026.
Here are the five fights UFC can make in 2026. These will become the biggest fights if happened.
Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria
They are the biggest superstars in the UFC world. Makhachev and Topuria are the best UFC has to offer. Reigning UFC champions, two-division champs, and the active top two pound-for-pound fighters. They are the most popular fights and have an existing rivalry that UFC can build on.
Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett
UFC 324 will be headlined by an interim lightweight title fight in the absence of Topuria. The winner of Justin Gaethje or Pimblett should be in line for the title unifier. Topuria vs. Pimblett will be a bigger fight than Topuria vs. Gaethje. The rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett started way back in 2022. They had a heated altercation in a London hotel. So, it makes sense that these two fighters face each other in the arena.
Amanda Nunes or Kayla Harrison vs. Valentina Shevchenko
Nunes and Harrison are two of the best women’s players who are keeping the women’s bantamweight division afloat. Harrison vs. Nunes serves as the co-main event, and it will be one of the most pivotal fights of all time.
Valentina Shevchenko is coming off her career-defining win by beating UFC women’s champ Zhang Weili. Currently, she is the best fighter in the division. Some time ago, she expressed interest in fighting Harrison. She would also like to avenge her two losses to Nunes.
Conor McGregor vs. Anyone
McGregor was the biggest MMA star about a decade ago. Now, his reputation has not decreased much. He faced consecutive losses to Dustin Poirier, and that hurt his competitive standing. He had to pull out in 2024 against Michael Chandler due to a broken pinky toe.
Despite all that, he still remains one of the fighters who would draw massive crowds. At this point, it doesn’t matter who he fights. The only thing fans want to see is his return to the ring.
Petr Yan vs. Sean O’Malley
Petr Yan spoiled Dvalishvili’s plans to be the first UFC champion to make four title defences in a year. Sean O’Malley’s rematch will be a standout feature at this UFC. The two fighters clashed with each other in 2022. At that time, it was considered a mismatch. O’Malley was more bark than bite at the time. It was a three-round fight that earned the Fight of the Night honors. O’Malley was confident about the fight, but the judges gave a split decision. It would be great if we get a rematch.