2026 is just around the corner and we provide you with our top five must see fights in 2026. On paper, the world of MMA is in a good position ahead of 2026. We have strong champions, plenty of excitement and a number of ‘next contenders’ in the majority of decisions.
Without further ado, here are our top five must see fights in 2026.
5 Must See Fights in 2026
1. Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane 2
This one is fairly logical. We need a conclusion to part one of their rivalry. The two men met at UFC 321 on October 25th, however, after just 4:35 the fight was over without a conclusive winner. Cirly Gane poked Tom Aspinall in the eye, rendering him unable to see.
Tom Aspinall was just made to sit out for 454 days because the champion was ducking him, just to come back and get poked in the eye in the first round, ending the fight
you’ve got to feel for him man #UFC321pic.twitter.com/sk60EKRXQz
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) October 25, 2025
Interestingly, Gane did much better than many believed that he would in the fight, however, it must be noted that it was only the first round. We need to see the rematch and get a definitive heavyweight champion of the world. This is why it’s on our list of must see fights in 2026.
2. Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan
The lightweight division is hot at the moment. The champion, Ilia Topuria is a huge fan favourite and has a logical next contender, Arman Tsarukyan. Topuria has been out of action since June when he won the vacant belt with a brutal knockout of Charles Oliveira and Tsarukyan recently returned in a dominant way against Dan Hooker.
The two men have heat. They don’t like each other. This is all good and well, but if the fight weren’t competitive, the heat is pointless. The thing is, this one is (on paper) extremely competitive. Tsarukyan is heavy handed, as is the champion. He has the wrestling to potentially neutralise Topuria’s game and importantly, he won’t be intimidated by the situation. BOOK IT.
Oh, ignore the interim title fight, they aren’t deserving.
3. Israel Adesanya vs Michael Venom Page
The first non-title fight on this list would be this fan favourite clash between two flashing strikers, respectful trash-talkers and highly ranked middleweights.
The former champion, Israel Adesanya, needs to bounce back in 2026. He’s a long way off the title picture, however, still have the name value to headline fight night cards. He’s 1-4 in his last five, having lost three on the bounce to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis and being finished by Nassourdine Imavov last time out.
MVP, Michael Venom Page has found his home at middleweight, having attempted to make a run at 170lbs. His last two wins over Shara Magomedov and Jared Cannonier have propelled him into the top 10 of the UFC middleweight rankings.
This one would be a striking masterclass between two guys who have contrasting kickboxing and karate styles. It would be on a knife-edge… for as long as it lasts.
4. Dricus du Plessis vs Brendan Allen
Former middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis needs to bounce back after one of the most one-sided title fights in UFC history when he lost his belt to Khamzat Chimaev. With #3 and #4, Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez booked to face each other and #2 Nassourdine Imavov seemingly next for the champion, that leaves just two men not scheduled who are ranked in the top five.
Du Plessis can make a big statement with a win over Allen, who is predominantly a grappler, something the South African struggled with last time out. Allen most recently got the win over Reinier de Ridder in dominant fashion.
This is certainly one of the most intriguing must see fights in 2026.
5. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Anyone
This one is just a plea to see Shavkat Rakhmonov back in action. Nomad has been out of action since his win over Ian Garry in December 2024 due to various injuries.
The undefeated Kazakh fighter has recorded 18 finishes across 19 wins, varying from knockouts to submissions and dominating everyone in his way.
Ranked at #3 in the division (only due to inactivity), there’s a chance that he could be next for Islam Makhachev. Many believe that Rakhmonov could be the one to beat the #1 P4P fighter on the planet, however, he needs to get fit before he can make any kind of championship run.
Whether it’s Makhachev, a Garry rematch, Michael Morales, Carlos Prates or Jack Della Maddalena, we just want to see Rakhmonov back in action.
