UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Conor McGregor is expected to fight not once, but twice in 2026, while the future of Jon Jones remains clouded in uncertainty. As the MMA world gears up for UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas, fans are buzzing with predictions and bold forecasts for the year ahead.
With over three weeks of inactivity since the last event, anticipation is building for the UFC’s upcoming fights. Fans are feeling the absence, and the excitement for 2026 is palpable. According to MMA insiders, the expectations surrounding Jones have reached a fever pitch. He announced plans to return to the Octagon this summer, ideally facing Alex Pereira. However, skepticism abounds regarding his likelihood to fight, especially after he declined a lucrative offer to battle Tom Aspinall. UFC President Dana White himself remarked that the odds of Jones headlining the White House card are “billion-to-1.”
In stark contrast, McGregor is poised to reclaim his spot as the face of MMA, with speculations suggesting he will return to action against Michael Chandler in June. Many believe that the upcoming White House event will ignite a sense of discipline in McGregor, who remains the sport’s biggest star. If he performs well against Chandler, UFC matchmakers are likely to offer him further opportunities, potentially even a title fight later in the year.
As the clock ticks down to the first major event of the year, the stakes are high. Not only are fans eager for McGregor’s return, but they are also questioning the future of other top fighters. Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is recovering from an eye injury, while Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev face their own challenges as champions. The potential retirement of established stars like Justin Gaethje and Alexander Volkanovski looms large, raising questions about the sport’s future landscape.
Looking beyond the UFC, Usman Nurmagomedov, the undefeated PFL lightweight champion, is gaining attention as he prepares for his next bout on February 7. His growing reputation and success in the PFL could lead to significant changes in the MMA hierarchy. With Nurmagomedov’s exciting performances and the PFL’s dedication to retaining him, the MMA scene promises to remain vibrant and competitive.
As 2026 unfolds, all eyes will be on the Octagon. The MMA community is buzzing with excitement over possible fights, retirements, and the future of the sport. Will McGregor truly return to form? Will Jones step back into the ring? The answers are just around the corner, and fans are eager to witness how these narratives develop.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates as the year progresses and the fight cards begin to fill up!
