The 10 Biggest MMA Fights Fans Want in 2026

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What's up, guys? John Gustilo here. You've probably imagined the dream MMA matchups you'd love to witness in the coming years. By 2026, the fight landscape will have evolved dramatically, with new champions crowned and legends making final stands. While Jones vs. Aspinall and Islam vs. Usman sit atop many wishlists, there are several other potential clashes that could redefine the sport's boundaries. What other blockbuster matchups might emerge that we haven't even considered yet?

Jones vs. Aspinall: The Heavyweight Showdown for Greatest of All Time Status​

While Jon Jones has spent years cementing his legacy as potentially the greatest fighter in MMA history, Tom Aspinall's meteoric rise through the heavyweight ranks has positioned him as the perfect foil for a 2026 clash of titans.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more compelling matchup among potential heavyweight superfights. Jones, with his unparalleled fight IQ and versatility, against Aspinall's explosive power and surprising technical prowess, creates the ultimate stylistic puzzle.

What makes this potential bout so intriguing is that it transcends being merely a champion vs. contender scenario; it's a legacy fight between former champions with different eras at stake. Jones represents the old guard's technical mastery, while Aspinall embodies the new breed of complete heavyweights. Their collision would answer the question: Can the innovator defeat the evolution he helped create?

Islam vs. Usman: The Cross-Divisional Battle of Dominant Champions​

Speaking of generational talents, the potential cross-divisional clash between Islam Makhachev and Kamaru Usman represents MMA's version of a chess match between grandmasters. You're looking at two fighters with unparalleled wrestling credentials who've dominated their divisions with suffocating ground games.

What makes this one of 2026's most anticipated cross-division super fights isn't just the technical mastery both men possess, but the stylistic questions it raises. Can Usman's power and striking improvements neutralize Makhachev's Dagestani pressure? Will Islam's submission threats overcome Kamaru's defensive wrestling?

Unlike typical championship unification bouts that match stylistic opposites, this contest would determine which grappling-based system reigns supreme. The winner wouldn't just claim victory, they'd establish their approach as the gold standard for MMA's evolving technical landscape.

McGregor vs. Chandler 2: The Money Fight That Would Shatter PPV Records​

The rematch that's been brewing since their first encounter would certainly become MMA's financial juggernaut by 2026. Even after their initial showdown, McGregor's star power remains unmatched, while Chandler's fan-friendly style continues to garner admiration across the combat sports world.

You'll notice this potential clash sits atop many analysts' predictions for blockbuster PPV fights in the coming years. Despite both fighters aging, their names alone drive interest that transcends casual viewership. The storylines write themselves: McGregor seeking redemption or Chandler cementing his legacy.

Among all the MMA super fights 2026 could deliver, this rematch carries unique financial implications. The first bout's drama, combined with years of additional narrative building, positions McGregor-Chandler 2 as the rare sequel that could outperform its predecessor at the box office.

Shavkat vs. Belal: The Next Generation Welterweight War​

Few welterweight matchups generate as much intrigue as Shavkat Rakhmonov facing Belal Muhammad in what could become 2026's definitive 170-pound clash. MMA fight predictions consistently favor Rakhmonov's perfect finishing record against Muhammad's calculated dominance.

You're looking at the epitome of contrasting styles - Shavkat's lethal finishing ability versus Belal's suffocating control. By 2026, this rising contender vs champion scenario could finally materialize after years of near misses and parallel ascensions.

What makes this potential bout so compelling is the chess match aspect - Shavkat's terrifying submission game against Belal's wrestling-heavy approach. Both fighters represent the evolution of complete MMA skillsets, combining striking fluidity with grappling excellence. The winner would indisputably cement their legacy as the true welterweight standard-bearer of the post-Usman era.

East Meets West: Topuria vs. Holloway and the Global Superfights​

While welterweight storylines command attention, the featherweight international clash between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway represents MMA's growing global appeal.

You'll witness the Spanish-Georgian champion facing Hawaii's beloved former titleholder in what could be 2026's most electrifying UFC superfight. Topuria's European star power colliding with Holloway's Pacific fanbase creates a truly global spectacle that transcends regional markets.

The stylistic contrast makes this one of the premier MMA dream fights 2026 has to offer. Topuria's explosive power and technical precision against Holloway's volume striking and legendary durability promise an elite chess match on the feet.

Their contrasting personalities, Topuria's confident swagger versus Holloway's laid-back warrior spirit, provide the perfect narrative for a fight that symbolizes MMA's worldwide evolution.