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UFC Fights to Watch: Second Half 2026 Preview

ESPN General •
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The first half of 2026 delivered the best UFC stretch since 2021, highlighted by title fights Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje and Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane on the White House South Lawn, plus Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev and Carlos Ulberg's championship win. Despite six champions yet to fight and 81% of ranked fighters unscheduled, matchmaking is active.

Key desired matchups include Alexander Volkanovski vs. undefeated Movsar Evloev at featherweight, Joshua Van vs. Manel Kape at flyweight, and Mackenzie Dern vs. Zhang Weili at strawweight. Jean Silva vs. Aaron Pico promises fireworks, while Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili offers technical intrigue.

Welterweight depth shines with Michael Morales vs. Gabriel Bonfim, and the heavyweight division demands Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane to resolve champion vs. interim champion chaos. Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes headlines women's bantamweight wishes.