In 2025, the UFC missed out on some huge fights, hopefully learning from their mistakes heading into a big 2026.

Despite 2025 seemingly being another solid year for the premier MMA promotion, there were several big fights that failed to be made by the UFC as windows closed.

Some of the biggest fights of the year included the likes of Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, however, there were no ‘super fights’ despite several fighters having called for big things.

And with the next chapter waiting to be written, here’s to hoping 2026 brings some mammoth fights along with it. Here are my top 5 dream fights I want to see happen this coming year.

5. Khamzat Chimaev vs Nassourdine Imavov

The first fight on my Christmas list is a fight that we will likely see in the early proceedings of 2026.

Since becoming the UFC middleweight champion, Khamzat Chimaev is going to have to get his activity in check, and in recent interviews, he has talked about wanting to make as much money as possible.

Nassourdine Imavov has been on an absolute tear in the 185lb division, and he stands as a genuinely serious test for ‘Borz’.

‘The Russian Sniper’ has incredible striking acumen and his grappling is nothing to be criticised.

This matchup has the potential to be electric, and it is currently the best middleweight fight that can be made.

4. Petr Yan vs Sean O’Malley 2

Following the end of Merab Dvalishvili‘s bantamweight title reign, a rematch between Petr Yan and Sean O’Malley has become extremely possible again.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dvalishvili given an immediate rematch against ‘No Mercy’ in the early stages of 2026, but considering how the promotion used to view the Georgian, maybe he will be thrown to the back of the pile.

With how controversial the first meeting between ‘Suga’ and Yan was, a rematch needs to happen at some point.

And although O’Malley doesn’t have the title, he is still one of the most popular fighters in the promotion. Ahead of his clash against Song Yadong at UFC 324, the former champion is hopeful that he can secure a rematch against Yan on the lawn of the White House.

3. Islam Makhachev vs Michael Morales

Controversially, the fight I most wanted to see for Makhachev in 2026, is a title defense against Michael Morales.

Partly that is because I am bored of seeing champions move up and down weight classes, leaving their own divisions unknown and without an active defending fighter at the helm.

In his last few outings, Morales has showcased that he has the relevant skills to cause any fighter issues, and the Russian champion isn’t exempt from that.

Because of the size advantage the Ecuadorian holds, I think it could turn out to be the toughest test of Makhachev’s career thus far, and who doesn’t want to see the best tested?

2. Tom Aspinall vs Alex Pereira

Potentially the only fight on my list that is considered a ‘super fight’ because it pits two fighters from different weight classes against each other is Tom Aspinall vs Alex Pereira.

Yes, that’s right, I don’t want to see Pereira vs Jon Jones.

I have no interest in seeing Jones returning to any sort of action, especially not giving him the gratification of competing on the UFC White House card.

Aspinall is the current heavyweight world champion, and if ‘Poatan’ is serious about wanting to move up, the only way he can make history is by becoming the champion.

First, though, the Brit has the task of beating Ciryl Gane in their likely rematch, before this matchup could become a possibility.

Outside of that rematch, there isn’t a clear fight in the division for Aspinall, making this fight make even more sense.

1. Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan

Cue the controversy.

I get it, I get it, I want to see Topuria vs Makhachev as much as the next person. But I DON’T want to see ‘El Matador’ move up to 170lbs. That takes away any excitement for that potential fight, in my opinion.

Rather than see the Spaniard move up to a third weight class, and one he would be extremely undersized in, I’d prefer him to attempt to break Makhachev’s record of the most title defenses in lightweight history.

And his first title defense at 155lbs should undoubtedly come against Arman Tsarukyan.

Not only is Tsarukyan as skilled as Makhachev, but it would also keep the division moving. People who are stirred at the thought of Topuria vs Makhachev should be as thrilled at the thought of Topuria vs the Armenian.