2026 Mixed Martial Arts Events Overview
In the world of mixed martial arts, significant events are scheduled throughout 2026 with fighters from various promotions ready to take the stage. Highlighting the year so far, Paddy Pimblett faced Justin Gaethje for the lightweight interim title in January, but fell short of victory on points at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
Upcoming Fights and Events
The fight calendar is filling up rapidly with numerous events planned across different locations, starting with Cage Warriors 196 in Dublin, Ireland, on February 21, featuring a title bout between Solomon Simon and Nik Bagley for the featherweight championship. As February progresses, UFC Fight Night in Mexico City will showcase Brandon Moreno up against Lone’er Kavanagh in the flyweight category on the 28th.
March is marked by several highly anticipated matchups occurring in Las Vegas, including UFC 326 where Max Holloway will battle Charles Oliveira in the lightweight division on March 7, followed by another UFC Fight Night featuring Josh Emmett against Kevin Vallejos among others on March 14.
Later in March, the PFL event in Madrid will see its middleweight title fight between Costello van Steenis, the defending champion, and challenger Fabian Edwards. Following that, London’s UFC event on March 21 will pit Movsar Evloev against Lerone Murphy, while Michael ‘Venom’ Page will take on Sam Patterson in a welterweight clash. March wraps up with UFC Fight Night in Seattle, which promises to deliver an exciting matchup between Israel Adesanya and Joe Pyfer on March 29.
Notable Matches and Highlights
As April rolls in, PFL Chicago is set to feature Sergio Pettis battling Mitch McKee in the bantamweight division, along with other exciting fights, further underlining the packed MMA schedule. Looking ahead, a noteworthy encounter between former champions Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will take place in California on May 16, highlighting the diverse talent in the sport.
Additionally, on January 31, at UFC 325 in Sydney, Alexander Volkanovski showcased his dominance, claiming victory over Diego Lopes and edging closer to a record tied with Jose Aldo for the featherweight title. Meanwhile, in Dubai, PFL events are set to crown new champions, including Usman Nurmagomedov, who submitted Alfie Davis for the lightweight title, and other exciting bouts set for the upcoming months.
Stay tuned for updates and results as the exciting landscape of mixed martial arts continues to unfold in 2026.
