With a brand new year coming up for the sport of mixed martial arts, new and interesting matchup possibilities present themselves across several of the premier organizations in the world, With a budding roster of sterling talent, the PFL has much to look forward to when their 205-lb weight class prepares to come to blows now that the promotion has shifted to a more traditional system of matchmaking. The UFC, as well, has quite a few thrilling pairings that are sure to make their debut era in their new streaming home of Paramount+ a time to remember.
From the title picture, to the grueling battleground that the other top contenders occupy, the light heavyweight division is set to partake in one of its most memorable years ever. As 2026 rolls around, the big men will endeavor to claim even bigger prizes on their way towards greatness.
These are the four light heavyweight fights to make in 2026:
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Four Light Heavyweight Fights to Make: Corey Anderson vs. Antônio Carlos Júnior
In most major mixed martial arts companies, there is always a clear distinction between the champion and the ranked fighters in their weight categories. The PFL, however, possesses a truly unique situation between their two most stalwart light heavyweights, as both have won belts over the past four months.
Capturing Bellator gold for the first time in 2024, Corey Anderson finally hoisted the title that he had been chasing for nearly five years after two failed attempts to snag it from Vadim Nemkov in 2022. Taking the championship by unanimous decision over Karl Moore in 2024, “Overtime” became the last man in Bellator history to earn the 205-lb crown before the promotion’s acquisition by the PFL. He then added more to his legacy by toppling Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov last October to acquire the inaugural PFL light heavyweight throne.
Recording a fruitful 2025 himself, Antônio Carlos Júnior etched his name into the history books by winning a second PFL 205-lb title. Bulldozing his way through the aforementioned Moore, Simeon Powell and Sullivan Cauley, “Shoe Face” dominated the competition to become a two-time tournament winner in the organization.
While the two men separated themselves from the pack very convincingly this year at light heavyweight, they both cannot occupy the same place as the top of the division as co-champions. Now that the PFL is transitioning to focus more on a ranking system instead of a bracket format, they can at last settle the score to see who is the apex light heavyweight in their company.
Four Light Heavyweight Fights to Make: Iwo Baraniewski vs. Ion Cutelaba
After a stupendous run on the European regional scene, the unblemished Iwo Baraniewski put himself in the international spotlight when he made his Dana White’s Contender Series debut a mere three months ago against the fellow undefeated Mahamed Aly. knocking out the Brazilian in just 20 seconds, Baraniewski was swiftly picked up by UFC CEO Dana White, who seemed more than glad to sign the Pole as quickly as possible.
Making his freshman Octagon outing last weekend at UFC 323, “Rudy” locked horns with Turkish prospect Ibo Aslan. In a Performance of the Night-winning showing, Baraniewski engaged in a rip-roaring light heavyweight striking battle with Aslan, with both individuals dropping each other with hard blows until Baraniewski finally put “The Last Ottoman” down for good with a thudding right hook.
Also known for his fan-friendly fighting style and high stoppage rate, Ion Cutelaba has remained a strong combatant in the UFC since 2016. Boasting an organizational record of 8-10-1, “The Hulk” has consistently collided with some of the most notable 205-lbers in the division’s history, having fought the likes of Khalil Rountree Jr., Glover Teixeira and Magomed Ankalaev.
On paper, a clash between Baraniewski and Cutelaba has the potential to produce a mind-blowing finish, as the two often sacrifice defense in favor of a blistering offense, highlighted by their forward power-punching styles that repeatedly leave audience members on the edges of their seats. Regardless of who comes out on top, one thing is guaranteed if these two bump fists in the cage: someone is going to sleep in a very, very rough way, likely leading bettors who use payid online pokies at onlinepokiesatlas very happy.
Four Light Heavyweight Fights to Make: Khalil Rountree Jr. vs. Azamat Murzakanov
Emerging as one of the most electrifying light heavyweight fighters ever over the last several years, Khalil Rountree Jr. has thrust himself into mainstream notoriety with his punishing Muay Thai skillet. From 2021 to 2023, “The War Horse” collected five wins in a row, nabbing the scalps of other notable contenders like Dustin Jacoby, Chris Daukaus (who moved down from heavyweight) and Anthony Smith. This run culminated in a four-round war with champion Alex Pereira, giving “Poatan” the hardest test of his first reign. Despite taking the early stages of the fight, the American was eventually worn down by the patient Brazilian in the fourth, leading to a knockout.
Enjoying something of a similar rise in the 205-lb division, Azamat Murzakanov stands as a promising future championship challenger. Entering the promotion in 2021 by scoring a UFC contract on the Contender Series, the Russian has embarked on a blazing warpath through the rankings. In his past three bouts, “The Profesional” has starched his opposition, netting a trio of back-to-back finishes over Alonzo Menifield, Brendson Ribeiro and Aleksandar Rakic.
Originally, these two were scheduled to throw down at UFC on ESPN 52 back in 2023. However, Murzakanov had to unfortunately bow out of the contest due to falling ill with pneumonia. Coming up short to previous belt-holder Jiří Procházka at UFC 320 back in October, Rountree Jr. will need to demonstrate a phenomenal performance to get his name back into the championship mix.
Not too far off from a title shot himself, Murzakanov resides at the number six spot on the UFC’s light heavyweight rankings. Should he manage to best the Syndicate MMA standout in high-profile fashion, the Russian could secure an opportunity to vie for organizational gold for the first time.
Four Light Heavyweight Fights to Make: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Jan Błachowicz 2
For the better part of seven years, Magomed Ankalaev absolutely terrified the opposition in the light heavyweight class. Stringing together a wholly incredible 13-fight unbeaten streak, the Dagestan native rose from prospect status to the pinnacle of the sport. This lengthy run of utter domination delivered him UFC gold at UFC 313, where he handed mixed martial arts superstar Alex Pereira his first loss in the division.
What was appearing to be the start of a superb and long reign, Ankalaev was booked in an immediate rematch with the Brazilian later on in the year at UFC 320. While most expected a repeat showing from the incumbent, Pereira shocked the world by flooring the Russian in the first round, dealing him just the second defeat of his professional career.
At one point, Jan Błachowicz was easily one of the UFC’s pound-for-pound best fighters. In the wake of a knockout setback to Thiago Santos in 2019, the Pole proceeded to win his next four consecutive tilts, pushing away Luke Rockhold, Ronaldo Souza, Corey Anderson and Dominick Reyes, acquiring the light heavyweight title. He then defended said strap once opposite then middleweight king Israel Adesanya before being submitted by Glover Teixeira at UFC 267.
At the last event of 2022, UFC 282, Ankalaev and Błachowicz met for the first time for the vacant 205-lb crown after then champion Jiří Procházka relinquished his title due to injuring his shoulder. Logging a very competitive contest, the pair’s clash ultimately came to an end after a controversial split draw, drawing much criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Now, more than three years later, the two can settle the score in their respective quests to take back their championships. For the aging Błachowicz, it likely will be his last shot at reaching the summit of the light heavyweight weight class. Given how he will be 43-years old this coming February, along with being 0-2-2 in his last four, the Berkut WCA Fight Team product’s back is now firmly against the wall.
