Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) enthusiasts can look forward to an exhilarating 2026, marked by significant fights and notable events. As the sport evolves, the new year promises to deliver thrilling matchups, including a highly anticipated battle featuring Amanda Nunes against Kayla Harrison for the UFC bantamweight championship.
The transition of the UFC to Paramount+ signals a fresh chapter for the organization, especially following the retirement of several prominent fighters in 2025. The opening card of the year takes place on January 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Justin Gaethje will face Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC lightweight championship. This event sets the tone for an action-packed schedule that fans can eagerly anticipate.
Major Events and Fights in Early 2026
Following the January opener, the UFC continues to maintain momentum with a series of exciting events lined up. On February 1, UFC 325 will be held at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, featuring Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against Diego Lopes. This international card highlights the UFC’s commitment to expanding its global reach.
Additionally, on February 7, fans can look forward to UFC Vegas 113 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where Mario Bautista will compete against Vinicius Oliveira in a bantamweight clash. The same day, the PFL Champions Series 5 will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE, featuring Usman Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Alfie Davis.
The excitement continues with additional events scheduled throughout February. Notable matchups include Sean Strickland facing Anthony Hernandez on February 21, and Brandon Moreno competing against Asu Almabayev on February 28 in Mexico City.
Looking Ahead: Iconic Matches and New Faces
As the year progresses, anticipation builds for the return of several high-profile fighters. Speculation surrounds the potential comebacks of Conor McGregor, Francis Ngannou, and Jon Jones, all of whom have been pivotal figures in the sport. Fans are particularly curious about whether 2026 will see a crossover bout between Jake Paul and Oleksandr Usyk.
In March, the UFC schedule includes UFC 326 on March 7, featuring Max Holloway defending his title against Charles Oliveira at the T-Mobile Arena. The month also includes events in London and Seattle, culminating in a unique occasion on June 14 when the UFC will host an event at the White House in Washington, D.C. This historic gathering is expected to draw significant attention, though details about the fight card remain under wraps.
As MMA continues to capture the imagination of fans worldwide, organizations like the UFC and PFL remain committed to delivering thrilling events that showcase the best in the sport. With a packed schedule and numerous high-stakes matchups, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for MMA. Fans are encouraged to stay updated as more fights are announced and details emerge throughout the year.
