Another successful year saw the UFC maintain its status as the premier mixed martial arts promotion. Elite matchmaking and world-class athletes were the main reasons why they remained the gold standard in fight promotions.

But in 2026, there are still a lot of mouth-watering matchups that the Las Vegas-based promotion can book, which can spice up the UFC betting market. Check out the top five UFC fights we need to see below.

Top 5 UFC Fights We Need To See in 2026 

FightWeight ClassIslam Makhachev vs. Ilia TopuriaLightweight or WelterweightAlex Pereira vs. Jon JonesHeavyweightTom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane 2HeavyweightLerone Murphy vs. Movsar EvloevFeatherweightCarlos Prates vs. Michael MoralesWelterweight

1. Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria

New two-division UFC champions Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria have been linked to a fight since Topuria became the UFC featherweight champion. Now that both have achieved the incredible feat, it’s time to book a superfight between them.

Makhachev and Topuria can face each other in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions, but due to the brutal weight cut, Makhachev likely won’t return to 155 pounds. Topuria said that he won’t have any issues moving up to 170.

2. Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones

Former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Jon Jones may have announced his retirement from the sport, but he’s still open to making a comeback in the octagon if the UFC offers him the chance to fight the current light heavyweight king Alex Pereira.

This gigantic matchup can be contested in the heavyweight division since Jones doesn’t want to cut weight down to 205 pounds. The historic White House card can be the perfect fight card to book this bout.

3. Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane 2

There’s unfinished business between the reigning UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, as their first fight at UFC 321 ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye-poke.

But this heavyweight title match should be booked immediately by the UFC in 2026 to finally settle the score and determine the undisputed king. The winner of this match could also face the winner of the possible matchup between Jones and Pereira.

4. Lerone Murphy vs. Movsar Evloev

A battle of undefeated contenders between Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev in the featherweight division can produce the next clear challenger for the belt, although both have strong cases.

It’s also an intriguing stylistic matchup, as Murphy is a striker, while Evloev is a grappler. If the UFC officially books this, the winner should instantly secure a title shot against whoever holds the featherweight title.

5. Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales

With the UFC welterweight division having a fresh start with Makhachev as the new champion, the 170-pound weight class is stacked with a lot of hungry contenders. But to sort this one, a clash between exciting strikers Carlos Prates and Michael Morales can produce the next rightful title challenger.

Both are coming off explosive victories and may not be interested in risking their place in the rankings, but the UFC can make this an interim title match. It’s a perfect way to convince them to sign the contract and make this official.

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