The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is gearing up for a thrilling start to 2026, with a series of high-profile matchups capturing the attention of MMA fans worldwide. Among these, the much-anticipated interim lightweight title bout between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje stands out as the highlight, set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on January 24. This event puts the Justin Gaethje UFC fight at the center of early-year discussions in the sport.
The promotion, overseen by Dana White, has already unveiled key headline fights scheduled through to March, offering a packed calendar filled with compelling clashes that promise intense competition and potential shifts in divisional rankings.
Preview of the Interim Lightweight Title Clash: Pimblett vs Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett, nicknamed ‘Paddy The Baddy,’ enters his showdown with Justin Gaethje at a career high after his decisive win over Michael Chandler last month. Undefeated and brimming with confidence, Pimblett is now favored to secure the interim lightweight crown in this pivotal contest.
However, Gaethje presents a significant challenge. The former interim champion, known as ‘The Highlight,’ has rebounded strongly following his loss to Max Holloway, notably delivering a powerful victory against Rafael Fiziev. Gaethje’s experience, relentless fighting style, and knockout power make this fight the toughest test Pimblett has faced so far, raising questions about how the younger fighter will handle the pressure inside the Octagon.
Featherweight Showdown: Volkanovski Battles Lopes in Sydney Rematch
Following the Pimblett-Gaethje fight, the UFC will move to Sydney on February 1 for another title defense. Alexander Volkanovski, an Australian star, will face Diego Lopes for the featherweight belt in a rematch that is expected to be as close as their first encounter. Though Volkanovski lost the title to Ilia Topuria earlier in 2024, he regained the championship after Topuria relinquished it, setting the stage for a competitive return to the spotlight.
The initial fight between Volkanovski and Lopes went the distance, with Lopes pushing the champion hard. Their upcoming meeting promises an intense contest before a passionate home crowd, showcasing elite-level MMA at its best.
Legacy Bout in Vegas: Holloway Versus Oliveira 2
Las Vegas will host another high-stakes fight on March 7 as Max Holloway defends the coveted Baddest Motherfucker (BMF) title against Charles Oliveira. These two fighters first crossed paths over a decade ago in Canada, where Holloway won by submission. Since then, both athletes have evolved extensively, making this a fascinating rematch.
Although the BMF title is a unique accolade without a traditional championship belt, this fight carries heavy significance for both men’s legacies. Holloway and Oliveira are widely regarded as fan favorites and potential future Hall of Famers, and their contest is expected to be a standout moment early in the year’s UFC schedule.
Additional Key Encounters to Follow in Early 2026
Between these major clashes, several notable fights will keep MMA enthusiasts engaged. On February 7, Mario Bautista and Vinicius Oliveira will meet in a bantamweight bout at the UFC Apex, while February 21 brings a middleweight contest at Houston’s Toyota Center between former champion Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez.
Meanwhile, a flyweight headline featuring Brandon Moreno and Asu Almabayev is set for February 28 at Arena CDMX in Mexico. This diverse lineup ensures that fans will witness exciting matchups across multiple weight classes in the coming weeks.
What This Means for UFC Fans and Future Matchups
With top-tier title fights, fierce rematches, and significant shifts expected across several divisions, the early part of 2026 is shaping up to be a thrilling period in the UFC calendar. The outcomes of these bouts will likely influence UFC odds markets and redefine contender hierarchies, adding layers of intrigue both inside the cage and among watchers worldwide.
