The 2026 UFC season has crossed its midway point, featuring numerous title fights and fan-friendly match-ups. The year began with Paddy Pimblett challenging for gold for the first time, but hopes of a Liverpudlian title win were dashed as Justin Gaethje defeated him via unanimous decision to claim the interim lightweight title. Gaethje then unified the belt by upsetting Ilia Topuria at the White House in June, handing 'El Matador' his first loss.
Just a week after Gaethje’s victory, Alexander Volkanovski retained the featherweight strap by fending off Diego Lopes for the second time, extending his second reign as champion. Max Holloway lost his 'Baddest Motherf*****' title in a dominant defeat to Charles Oliveira in March, while April saw Carlos Ulberg overcome an injury to knock out former champion Jiri Prochazka in a vacant light heavyweight title fight in Miami.
In May, Sean Strickland regained the middleweight title with an upset points win over former teammate Khamzat Chimaev. June brought Ciryl Gane stopping Alex Pereira to win the interim heavyweight belt at the White House. The highlight of the year was UFC 329, where Conor McGregor returned after five years but suffered a first-round injury against Max Holloway in July.
Looking ahead, the UFC has confirmed several bouts for the remainder of 2026: Islam Makhachev (C) faces Ian Machado Garry for the welterweight title, Mackenzie Dern (C) defends her women’s strawweight belt against Gillian Robertson, and Erin Blanchfield meets Jasmine Jasudavicius in a women’s flyweight contest. All cards are subject to change.
