As the MMA calendar turns to 2026, fans and analysts alike are already speculating on the bouts that could shape the sport’s future. Across weight classes and organizations, there is no shortage of compelling potential matchups, whether they come in the form of champion vs. champion showdowns, long-awaited rematches, or intriguing stylistic clashes. Here are ten fights that could define the year:
1. Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria: A battle between two highly skilled fighters from different divisions, this matchup pits Makhachev’s dominant wrestling against Topuria’s striking and grappling versatility. With both athletes holding titles, this fight could serve as a landmark cross-division contest.
2. Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira: Former light heavyweight champion Pereira has made waves in the division, and a potential move to heavyweight raises the possibility of a bout with current heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Their contrasting styles—Pereira’s striking and Jones’ well-rounded approach—make this a compelling encounter.
3. Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili: A bantamweight clash between the division’s top contenders, this matchup would feature O’Malley’s precision striking against Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and grappling pressure.
4. Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad II: After a no-contest in their first meeting, a rematch between these welterweight standouts has the potential to determine a clear title contender or solidify the champion’s dominance.
5. Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez: With Weili holding the strawweight title and Suarez rising quickly through the division, this matchup could test Weili’s complete game against Suarez’s wrestling-heavy style.
6. Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane: A potential heavyweight showdown between Aspinall’s explosive athleticism and Gane’s technical striking would offer an exciting stylistic contrast.
7. Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval II: Their previous bout delivered high-paced action, and a rematch could once again ignite the flyweight division.
8. Alex Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway IV: Though the trilogy favored Volkanovski, Holloway’s continued success keeps this rivalry relevant. A fourth meeting could settle the debate definitively.
9. Kayla Harrison vs. Cris Cyborg: A cross-promotional matchup fans and pundits have long anticipated, this fight could place two of the most dominant women in MMA on a collision course.
10. Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland: A potential middleweight bout, with Chimaev’s aggression and wrestling going up against Strickland’s pressure and durability, could clarify the pecking order in the division.
While nothing is guaranteed in MMA, these matchups represent some of the most intriguing possibilities for 2026. Whether they come to fruition will depend on timing, fighter availability, and promotional dynamics, but fans can expect another action-packed year in the sport.
