As the UFC, PFL, and other MMA promotions get ready for their 2026 campaigns, it's time to lay out some of our wishes for the new year.
Here are 10 realistic matchups (not yet booked) we hope come to fruition sometime in the next 12 months.
Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira
Jones briefly retired from mixed martial arts last June, but the former UFC two-division champion reversed course within weeks. Over the past several months, he's campaigned for a spot on the UFC's upcoming card at the White House, specifically targeting a matchup against light heavyweight champ Pereira.
Whether it happens in Washington or elsewhere, Jones-Pereira is one of the biggest bouts the UFC can put together. Jones' resume as an all-time great speaks for itself. Pereira has been one of the sport's biggest names over the last few years, and he got his mojo back when he reclaimed the 205-pound crown against Magomed Ankalaev in October. Now that Jones is no longer heavyweight champion, a superfight against Pereira makes sense - and won't hold up the division.
Ilia Topuria vs. Arman Tsarukyan
It may still be a while before Topuria steps into the Octagon again, as the UFC lightweight champion is dealing with personal issues. Whenever he's ready to return, a fight against Tsarukyan is a must. Unfortunately, it likely won't be Topuria's next title defense, as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are squaring off for the interim 155-pound belt at UFC 324 on Jan. 24, with the winner presumably next in line. However, if the promotion wants to keep its promise of always delivering the best fights, we'll get Topuria-Tsarukyan sometime in 2026. Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the vacant title last summer and is already seen as a relatively unbeatable champion. If anyone has a shot to dethrone him, it's Tsarukyan, who has won five straight and is coming off a dominant performance against Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in November.
Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane 2
Many want to see Aspinall defend the UFC heavyweight championship against the likes of Jones, Pereira, or even Francis Ngannou, but a rematch with Gane has to happen first. Their initial meeting at UFC 321 in October was ruled a no-contest after Gane poked Aspinall in both eyes in the opening round. Aspinall plans to undergo multiple surgeries to address the injuries he suffered, but if the Englishman returns in 2026, another matchup against Gane would be very compelling. Despite being the large favorite going in, Aspinall was outstruck and had his nose bloodied by Gane before the premature finish.
Islam Makhachev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov
Makhachev is on top of the UFC welterweight division - and pound-for-pound rankings - after a dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena last November. The good news is that there are numerous contenders in line for a title shot, including Ian Machado Garry, Michael Morales, and Carlos Prates. The bad news is that Makhachev would be a heavy favorite against all of them. The most intriguing opponent for the Dagestani is Rakhmonov, who was once considered the heir to the throne before Makhachev moved up in weight. A fight against Rakhmonov could be the only way to truly challenge Makhachev for the foreseeable future.
Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3
Dvalishvili won the first fight, Yan won the rematch, and now we need to see the trilogy. Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O'Malley will have a case for the next bantamweight title shot if they win their respective fights at UFC 324, but the truth is, Dvalishvili deserves an immediate rematch after dropping the belt to Yan at UFC 323 in December. The Georgian successfully defended the title three consecutive times in 2025 and cemented himself as one of the greatest bantamweights in promotion history. He and Yan need to settle the score.
Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg
If Pereira moves to heavyweight, a vacant light heavyweight title bout between Prochazka and Ulberg would make all the sense in the world. Even without the belt on the line, the UFC would be wise to book this matchup. Prochazka had a big 2025, earning knockouts of Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. Ulberg also impressed, beating Jan Blachowicz by decision and then Dominick Reyes via knockout. Prochazka and Ulberg are two of the most exciting and violent fighters in the division. On paper, this feels like a potential Fight of the Year.
Francis Ngannou vs. Vadim Nemkov
This bout was on last year's list, and it makes even more sense now. Ngannou still has one fight left on his PFL contract after sitting out all of 2025. Nemkov is coming off a statement win over Renan Ferreira in December in which he claimed the promotion's heavyweight championship. With Nemkov at the peak of his career and Ngannou turning 40 this year, this could be a competitive matchup at this point.
Mackenzie Dern vs. Zhang Weili
Zhang's bid to become a two-division champion at UFC 322 in November was unsuccessful, as she lost to Valentina Shevchenko in lopsided fashion. But she's still considered the top strawweight in the world despite Mackenzie Dern capturing the vacant 115-pound title at UFC 321 in October. Zhang should return to her original weight class and try to get back what was once hers.
Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker
This fight was scheduled for UFC 313 last March, but Hooker withdrew due to an injury. Depending on how their next fights unfold, it would be great to see the promotion rebook this matchup. After all, Gaethje and Hooker are two of the most exciting fighters on the roster.
Michael Morales vs. Carlos Prates
Morales and Prates, two of the hottest contenders in the UFC welterweight division, should square off to determine who's best fit to challenge for the title later this year.
