UFC Needs To Make These Fights Before the End of 2026.

Sportz Nation Staff
1 day ago
7 min read

by Zak Drapeau and Matt Hylen

Sportz Nation - 8/10/2026

Quilan Salkilld vs

Diego Lopes

Zak Drapeau -

Salkilld has been one of the biggest rising stars of the division because of his violence and striking. The test he had against Gamrot was to see if he could keep himself up against a relentless wrestler and instead, he showed us that he may be just as dangerous on the ground and COMPLETELY altered his prospect status to contender... and a strong one at that.

At the same time that we see Salkilld make his way into the Top-7 or 8 in the division, Diego Lopes will be preparing for his transition to Lightweight as well where he should presumably be around the same mark. A battle between these two will answer the only remaining questions for both guys; "Can Lopes handle a power striker at Lightweight?", and "Can Salkilld stay elite and precise against another tough striker for multiple rounds?"

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Mateusz Gamrot vs

Tom Nolan

Matt Hylen -

Considering Mateusz Gamrot just fought in the last UFC event and got dominated, let’s give the division’s gatekeeper another prospect on the rise.

Regardless of what happened against Quilin Salkilld, Gamrot is as solid as they come in terms of overall ability. He’ll never hit that elite tier, but is good enough to help pass the torch to the younger prospects. With Tom Nolan having just got into the rankings, why not get a shot against a real threat to his rise?

Nolan has a chance to be a real contender at lightweight. His defense is elite, his guard is stout, but it’s his power mixed with his ground ability that is his calling card. I would love to see him get tested against a guy like Gamrot, who would be his biggest challenge yet.

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Usman Nurmagomedov

vs Paddy Pimblett

Zak Drapeau -

The Lightweight division is as stacked of a Top-5 as there is in the UFC and it's about to get even stronger. Usman Nurmagomedov is a 22-0 PFL Champion with 6 title defenses and a 55% finish rate. Usman is the consensus #1 ranked Lightweight outside of the UFC by various sites including Tapology and his arrival to the promotion was announced at the end of July and met with immediate thoughts of "How long will it take before another one of these Dagestanis are Lightweight champion again?"

The answer to that question has several parts including firstly, how highly ranked will Usman's first opponent be and I believe he should get a Top-7 guy if not a title eliminator right away. With the rankings the way they are, Topuria (1) will be out until 2027. Arman (2) has a fight in September then will probably wait for a title shot. Charles is a definite option but feels almost like a style-disaster and a tough introduction for him. Then Max (4) is likely to stay at Welterweight.

But Paddy Pimblett would be perfect. Gets Usman's name out there in a big way versus a highly marketable and skilled Lightweight, shows right away if he's able to fight at the top of the division, and his ability to fight someone proficient at boxing and jiu-jitsu. This fight wouldn't necessarily be enough for either man to get a title shot afterwards especially with guys like Ilia and Arman more deserving, but it will be a huge notch on either of their belts.

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Valentina Shevchenko vs

Natalia Silva

Matt Hylen -

This fight absolutely needs to happen in my opinion. In my eyes, Natalia Silva is the best non-champion in any UFC Women’s division. She has deserved a title shot for over a year now, so I’m not sure what the holdup is.

Of course, we all have seen how good Valentina Shevchenko is, but Natalia Silva may be her toughest test yet and the biggest threat to her throne since Alexa Grasso. Silva is better than Grasso at that point in her career; her kicks are otherworldly and her power in her fists and legs are something we’ve rarely seen in Women MMA. Silva has champion written all over her, it’s just a matter of time before she gets to show that against one of the best women fighters to ever do it in Shevchenko.

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Cory Sandhagen vs

Payton Talbott 2

Zak Drapeau -

If I were to make a shortlist of the best prospects in the UFC right now, (and I will be soon) Payton Talbott is around the very top of that list and his 9 month layoff has me going crazy. For his very anticipated, next fight I want to see him against a contender and someone that knows how to mix up their striking and grappling. There were rumors and a little more than rumors that Cory Sandhagen was supposed to fight Talbott before his fight with Bautista happened in July so why not try to run it back again.

Sandhagen is experienced, tough and well-rounded. He is also seemingly clinging on to his contender-status at 135 with 3 losses in his last 4 fights. Therefore, this fight fills both fighters needs; Talbott gets a shot at Top-5 while Sandhagen gets a fight that at least on paper, should be his way back into the win column.

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Joe Pyfer vs

Caio Borralho

Matt Hylen -

This matchup is an extremely fun fight between two heavy hitters. Both Borralho and Pyfer were on the fast track to get to where they are, but are still a statement win away from marking themselves as championship contenders.

Pyfer may be the most powerful man in this division. He is one of those guys that truly has one-punch KO power, yet he classifies as a wrestler. His ability to stalk you down and put you out has been the main reason why he has climbed up the ranks so fast. Yet, Caio Borralho is extremely balanced and could pose a real threat to Pyfer. He may be a “jack of all trades, master of none”, but Borralho is very good anywhere the fight goes. It’s these sorts of fighters that can make it far, but he needs to prove he can stay on his feet if he gets hit.

With Pyfer and Borralho in similar spots, this allows the UFC to create a new contender while getting rid of one in the process. Stylistically it is a toss up, but what would make me excited is the fact that both fighters could win it anywhere.

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Photo Credits to Mark J. Rebilas via Imagn Images

Max Holloway vs

Jack Della Maddelena

Zak Drapeau -

Yes please.

If Max decides to stay at 170 he should get a Top-5 guy right away but the top-top of the division is busy. JDM is definitiely not busy though and needs a win after losing 2-straight after his title.

Then there's the fact that you could make a case these are the two best boxers in the UFC. Both of these guys have built a reputation in outboxing almost everyone they've fought minus one or more instances. I'd love to see how the extra weight changes Max's ability to throw 300+ strikes in a fight or his cardio to make it 3+ rounds. For JDM, this fight is a necessary step for him after being dismantled by Prates to prove he's still an elite boxer and someone that belongs at the top of the division still.

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Photo Credits to Alex Brandon via Associated Press

Josh Hokit vs

Sergei Pavlovich

Matt Hylen -

It’s getting harder and harder to deny how good Josh Hokit has been. He has faced some pretty legitimate competition in his fast track to the top, and he’s passed every single test that’s come his way. You may not like the way he behaves or carries himself, but from a pure fighter standpoint Hokit is the next man up in the heavyweight division.

With that said, I think Hokit needs a real challenge before getting a title shot. Sergei Pavlovich is that guy; he’s back to his dominant ways, going in a streak of vicious KO victories. Pavlovich is exactly the guy Hokit would need on his resume in order to warrant a title shot. As for Pavlovich, turning down an opportunity to shut down the divisions biggest prospect is too good to pass up, especially with the KO power he possesses.

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Jiri Prochazka vs

Paulo Costa

Zak Drapeau -

So I won't lie, this fight isn't exactly the style matchup that I'm super into but it definitely will be intriguing to see how Paulo Costa will do against an elite 205-er. His Light Heavyweight debut was a showcase that he looks to be even better at 205 after a great 185-career so why not give him a shot at the top?

For Jiri, this fight makes all to much sense after his disappointing championship loss in April tells me that he needs another prove-it fight. Jiri is a lock at the top of this division for at least another year or two but lately, he's shown that he can beat up contenders but will lose to champions. How many times do you get that opportunity before you have to fight someone else looking to take his spot?

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Michael Morales vs

Carlos Prates

Matt Hylen -

Out of any potential dream matchup the UFC could make, this might be the first on my list. I mean, this fight couldn’t be better. You have two HEAVY hitters, both huge for the division, and are one step away from being undeniable for a title shot.

Choosing between Prates and Morales is basically impossible. They are so close in basically every metric that it could be the most pick ‘em fight the UFC could make. Their striking is elite, the power is otherworldly, but the technicality when needed makes this such a fun fight.

Prates and Morales are basically in a situation where, if it’s not a title shot next, what else makes sense besides fighting each other. Not only would it help the UFC clear out this crowded top of the Welterweight division, but make one the next in line for whomever wins between Islam Makachev and Ian Machado Garry.

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