Three UFC Fights to Make Before the End of 2026
2026 is quickly coming to an end, and with several fights being booked for the remaining UFC cards of the year, we look at three fights that must be made.
2026 has been a big year for the UFC. The Paramount + deal, The White House card and the return of Conor McGregor are some of the biggest stories to have hit headlines this year.
The UFC can likely chalk 2026 down as a good year in their books, albeit with a few unwanted headlines. With that being said, we're still in need of several big fights to round out the year, so let's look at three fights to make before the end of 2026.
Three Fights to Make Ahead of 2027
Alex Pereira vs Alexander Volkov
Two men who could have found themselves in a fight against Ciryl Gane at MSG; however, somehow, someway, it's Josh Hokit getting the shot.
Alex Pereira appears to be sticking around at heavyweight in his pursuit of a third world title in a third weight class, but he'll certainly need a win at the eight ahead of gaining a second shot at gold. He didn't pull up trees in his heavyweight debut; however, his skillset is still one of the best in the entire UFC.
Alexander Volkov can deem himself very unlucky not to get a shot at Gane after a run of six wins and one controversial loss to Gane himself.
The logical next move is to book these two men against each other next; the winner gets the next title shot - Book it.
Sean Strickland vs Nassourdine Imavov 2 - Middleweight Title Fight
The next fight for the middleweight title must see Nassourdine Imavov challenge Sean Strickland. The two men first met in 2023 at light heavyweight when Strickland won a unanimous decision on short notice.
Since then, Strickland has gone 5-2, including his most recent victory over Khamzat Chimaev to regain the belt. Imavov has gone 5-0-0-1, including four main event wins (and a knockout over Israel Adesanya).
It's a competitive match-up, a logical fight to make and, more than anything, makes sense for the division.
Paddy Pimblett vs Charles Oliveira
The lightweight division is hot at the moment. Justin Gaethje reigns supreme and will face either Ilia Topuria in a rematch or take on Arman Tsarukyan. Either fight will have fans on the edge of their seats and both are equally as competative.
The next logical fight to make is Paddy Pimblett vs Charles Oliveira. Two submission grappling specialists who can throw down on the feet, Pimblett and Oliveria impressed massively in their last outings.
Pimblett blasted through Benoit Saint Denis in just 52 seconds, whereas Oliveira dominated Max Holloway to secure the BMF title.
The winner progresses on to the title picture, the loser becomes a gatekeeper to the top of the division - Make it happen.
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