Hold on tight, fight fans! The year 2026 is already shaping up to be an absolute barnburner in the UFC, and even the fighters themselves are buzzing about potential dream matchups. But what fight has everyone talking? Which clash of titans could truly shake the foundations of the Octagon? Let's dive into the wishes of some of the biggest names in the sport and see what epic battles they're hoping for.
First, a quick recap: UFC is kicking off its broadcast deal with Paramount+ with UFC 324 in Las Vegas on January 24th, 2026, after a bit of a holiday break. The very next weekend, fight fans get treated to UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia, headlined by a rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. But before the schedule really heats up, the UFC decided to poll some of their top talent: What is the one fight you absolutely need to see in 2026?
The answers, revealed on the UFC's Instagram, are incredibly diverse and hint at some major potential storylines brewing. Let's break them down:
- Islam Makhachev: The current welterweight champion is clearly excited about the lightweight division, picking "Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira will be fire." Great news for him, as this fight is already slated to headline UFC 326 on March 7th!
- Kayla Harrison: "Alex Pereira vs Tom Aspinall." This is a fascinating clash of styles and weight classes. Could Pereira's striking overcome Aspinall's grappling and power? It’s a question that begs to be answered.
- Paddy Pimblett: Never one to shy away from controversy, Paddy initially named “Luke Riley vs Kevin Vallejos.” After that fight fell through, he went for a dig at Arman Tsarukyan by saying “Arman [Tsarukyan] vs back pain.” Pimblett and Tsarukyan have a bit of history, to say the least. Speaking of Tsarukyan...
- Sean O’Malley: Keeps it short and sweet with "Conor [McGregor] vs anyone." A classic! McGregor's return is always a massive draw, and O'Malley knows the hype surrounding any fight he's in.
- Carlos Prates: "Pereira vs [Ciryl] Gane for [the] interim heavyweight title." This would be a stand-up war for the ages. Gane's technical striking against Pereira's raw power – sign us up!
- Mackenzie Dern: "Alex Pereira and Jon Jones!!!" Dern is dreaming big, and she's not alone.
- Quillan Salkilld: "Would love to see Arman vs Ilia [Topuria]" A lot of people are interested in this fight, likely due to the skill of both fighters, and the potential for the fight to be an absolute banger.
- Max Holloway: "Jones vs Pereira." Seems like Holloway is on the same wavelength as Dern.
- Natalia Silva: "Alex Poatan vs Jon Jones." The fans want what the fans want. Can Pereira dethrone the heavyweight king?
- Rose Namajunas: "Sean O’Malley and Payton Talbott." A battle of rising stars with unique striking styles. This has potential to be a very technical fight.
- Alexander Volkanovski: "Max Holloway vs Dan Hooker BMF title." A rematch with serious fireworks potential! Both guys are known for their toughness and willingness to stand and trade.
- Gillian Robertson: "Topuria vs Makhachev for the #1 p4p spot!" Now this is interesting. A champion vs. champion showdown with the pound-for-pound crown on the line? This fight would have major implications.
- Jacobe Smith: "Arman vs Ilia would be my top choice." Proving that Tsarukyan is on a lot of people's minds, as well as Topuria.
- Malcolm Wellmaker: "Josh Van vs Manel Kape, absolute banger." A potential flyweight war that could steal the show.
- Mauricio Ruffy: "I would like to see Alex Poatan vs Jon Jones." Another vote for this mega-fight!
- Caio Borralho: "There’s two that make me excited. Carlos Prates vs Jack Della Maddalena. Revenge, Jean Silva vs Diego Lopes." Borralho wants some specific rivalries addressed!
But here's where it gets controversial... The clear favorite matchup among the fighters (and seemingly many fans) is Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira. The clash of styles, the size difference, the legacy implications – it's a recipe for a truly unforgettable fight.
And speaking of that fight, even Joe Rogan weighed in! On a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan suggested that if Jones and Pereira were to fight, it should be for a new title – a heavyweight version of the BMF belt currently held by Max Holloway. He argued that a regular title isn't even necessary for legends like Jones, but the BMF belt would add a unique and exciting dimension to the fight.
But is creating another belt the right move? Some argue it dilutes the significance of existing titles. Others believe it's a fun way to add intrigue to special matchups. What do you think?
The possibilities for 2026 are endless, and the dream matchups these fighters have suggested only scratch the surface. Which fight are you most hoping to see in 2026? Do you agree with the fighters' picks? And what are your thoughts on Rogan's BMF heavyweight title idea? Sound off in the comments below!
