ESPN's annual MMA Rank projects who will shine brightest in 2026, with Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev leading the list after their historic double-title runs in 2025. The volatile year saw multiple champions vacate belts to chase new divisions, creating a wide-open landscape for contenders. The list is a projection, not a past-performance recap, based on recent fights and future matchups.

The rankings highlight rising contenders and former champions seeking redemption. Anthony Hernandez and Benoît Saint Denis aim to crack the top five, while Dricus Du Plessis's fall from No. 19 to No. 43 shows the cost of a lopsided loss to Khamzat Chimaev. Fighters like Cory Sandhagen need win streaks to re-enter title contention in deep divisions.

The next 12 months will test these projections. Key matchups include Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong and a potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria superfight. With long-reigning champions gone, 2026 promises a new era of volatility and opportunity at the top of the sport.