https://unsplash.com/photos/2-men-in-red-and-black-boxing-gloves-NIZS__PjZyM

During 2026, the UFC has given us plenty of talking points. There have been title defenses as well as major changes in divisions. Established champions have boosted their records, while some prominent fighters have seen major setbacks. The biggest names aren’t just those who have won every fight. Instead, they are the ones whose performances keep everyone talking.

Islam Makhachev: Setting the Pace at Welterweight

Islam Makhachev has continued his success after moving from lightweight to welterweight. His wrestling and improved striking have helped him maintain his standing among the sport’s top fighters. The Russian has a real ability to dictate a contest, making him a tough opponent for anyone.

At UFC 330 in Philadelphia on 15 August, Makhachev defended his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry. He won by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47. The victory extended his UFC winning streak to 17 fights, a new promotional record, and added another achievement to his two-division championship career.

Alexander Volkanovski: A Remarkable Featherweight Reign

Alexander Volkanovski has given us one of the year’s most impressive performances in the featherweight division. The Australian took on the previously undefeated Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. He won with a second-round technical knockout, having hurt Evloev with a right hand before following up with strikes that forced the stoppage.

The result took Volkanovski past Jose Aldo for the most featherweight title-fight victories in UFC history. At 38, he continues to demonstrate the timing, tactical awareness and adaptability that helped make him a champion. His latest defense also gives fans another reason to debate his place among the greatest featherweights ever to compete in mixed martial arts.

Ilia Topuria: Still a Major Lightweight Attraction

Ilia Topuria came into the year with a reputation that had been built on the back of knockout wins against Volkanovski and Holloway. He had also taken the lightweight championship by stopping Charles Oliveira in 2025, becoming a champion in two divisions.

That unbeaten run ended when Justin Gaethje defeated him at the UFC’s White House event in June 2026. Topuria remains a major name in the lightweight picture, but his next appearance now carries a different question: how will he respond to his first professional defeat? Fans assessing upcoming UFC fights will be watching for confirmation of his next opponent rather than assuming a rematch or title opportunity has already been arranged.

Alex Pereira: Heavyweight Ambitions Meet Reality

Alex Pereira is still a headline attraction thanks to his powerful striking, as well as his achievements across weight classes. The Brazilian has previously taken titles at both middleweight and heavyweight, making him one of the rare fighters to hold titles across two divisions. His kickboxing experience and ability to finish his opponents give him a formidable presence in the Octagon.

Pereira pursued another championship opportunity at heavyweight in June but was stopped by Ciryl Gane. The defeat ended his immediate attempt to become the UFC’s first three-division champion, although it did not erase his earlier accomplishments. His next decision, whether to continue at heavyweight or return to light heavyweight, is yet to be answered.

Tom Aspinall: An Unusual Year for Britain’s Heavyweight Star

With his speed and finishing ability, Tom Aspinall is one of Britain’s top MMA fighters. He became the undisputed heavyweight champion on the back of Jon Jones’ retirement. He combines boxing and grappling, and this makes him a major challenge for other leading heavyweights.

His first undisputed title defense against Ciryl Gane in October 2025 ended in a no-contest following accidental eye pokes. The resulting injury problems ultimately led Aspinall to vacate the championship in September 2026. Although the setback interrupted his reign, his return remains a significant story in a division that has undergone major changes.

Petr Yan: A Bantamweight Champion Reasserting Himself

Following a difficult period earlier in his career, Petr Yan has restored his position at the top of the bantamweight division. He regained the title with a win against Merab Dvalishvili in December 2025, before going on to meet the Georgian again at UFC 333 in October 2026. The latest contest saw a five-round battle with Yan overcoming early pressure.

All three judges scored the fight 48-47 in Yan’s favor, giving him a successful title defense. The victory added another chapter to one of the division’s most prominent rivalries and demonstrated his ability to adjust during a demanding contest. With several established contenders still competing at bantamweight, attention now turns to who will challenge him next.

Joshua Van: A New Generation at Flyweight

Joshua Van has emerged as one of the UFC’s most exciting younger champions. The flyweight took the title last December after Alexandre Pantoja suffered an injury to his arm early in the contest. The way that this fight came to an end left many questioning how Van would cope in later championship appearances.

He answered those questions in 2026, recording victories over Tatsuro Taira and Pantoja in their rematch. Van’s activity, speed, and attacking style have helped him stand out in a division filled with technically skilled opponents. His progress offers a contrast to the established champions elsewhere on this list, showing how quickly a newer name can become a central part of the UFC conversation.

Which Fighters Will Dominate the Conversation Next?

The leading UFC stories of 2026 have involved big wins, defeats and unexpected interruptions to championship reigns. Makhachev and Volkanovski have strengthened their legacies, while Yan and Van have made major statements in their respective divisions. Topuria, Pereira and Aspinall face different challenges as they consider their next appearances.

Those contrasting circumstances are part of what makes the sport so interesting to follow. A single performance can completely transform the rankings, create a new rivalry or change the direction of a fighter’s career. With 2027 almost upon us, the fighters we have looked at here are just some of those worthy of attention as the next year unfolds.