Dana White announced several major UFC bouts for 2026, including Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett and Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes. The announcement also included Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong, Alexa Grasso vs. Rose Namajunas, Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva, Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, and Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo. The lineup is important because it clarifies the early title picture in multiple divisions and sets up a high-profile slate for the coming year. The UFC also revealed another numbered event in Sydney one week later, headlined by Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2.
Dana White has officially announced a packed slate of UFC matchups for 2026, revealing several high-profile bouts across multiple divisions that begin to clarify the title picture heading into the new year.
Among the most anticipated announcements is a lightweight collision between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, a pairing that carries significant divisional weight given both men's finishing ability and fan following. Also confirmed is a bantamweight showdown between former champion Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison, a fight with championship implications in the women's division. The full slate additionally includes Sean O'Malley versus Song Yadong, Alexa Grasso versus Rose Namajunas, Arnold Allen versus Jean Silva, Derrick Lewis versus Waldo Cortes-Acosta, and Umar Nurmagomedov versus Deiveson Figueiredo.
Arnold Allen, ranked fifth in the featherweight division, brings a 21-4 record into his matchup with Jean Silva. The 32-year-old Englishman, who trains out of Tristar Gym, lands 3.52 significant strikes per minute and averages 1.24 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat on the feet and on the mat.
Rose Namajunas, ranked sixth at women's flyweight, enters her bout with Alexa Grasso carrying a 15-8 record. The 34-year-old from the United States lands 3.5 significant strikes per minute and has shown consistent grappling output throughout her career.
Umar Nurmagomedov brings one of the most compelling statistical profiles on the card. The second-ranked bantamweight holds a 20-1 record and averages an exceptional 4.03 takedowns per 15 minutes, while also posting a 56 percent striking accuracy — among the highest in his division. The 30-year-old Russian will face former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in what shapes up as a pivotal fight near the top of the bantamweight rankings.
Why it matters
- The Gaethje-Pimblett and Nurmagomedov-Figueiredo bouts carry direct title-contender implications in their respective divisions
- Grasso vs. Namajunas adds clarity to the women's flyweight title picture
- White also confirmed a Sydney numbered event headlined by Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2, scheduled one week after this announcement's associated card
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Song Yadong
See the AI pick, live odds and the full matchup breakdown
