UFC 326 takes place in early March at the T-Mobile Arena as the Paramount era continues to excite MMA fans for 2026.
The headliner sees the BMF Champion Max Holloway defend his title against the #2 contender Charles Oliveira.
The scheduled five-round bout is likely being viewed as a lightweight championship eliminator, as Gaethje and Pimblett are battling for the interim belt at UFC 324.
Recently, the UFC announced four key matchups that have increasingly picked up interest from the MMA community.
Caio Borralho vs Reinier de Ridder
A Middleweight fight that sees two contenders aiming for redemption after losing their potential title-eliminator bouts.
Borralho suffered his first UFC defeat in enemy territory, losing by unanimous decision to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Paris.
The #7 contender salvaged victories over Michal Oleksiejczuk, Paul Craig and Jared Cannonier, which brought him a lot of promise in the 185-pound division.
‘RDR’ is coming off a fourth-round TKO loss to Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver, which was seen as a big upset since the American stepped in on short notice.
The Dutchman created hype around himself after earning four wins in less than a year, defeating the likes of Kevin Holland, Bo Nickal and Robert Whittaker.
‘The Natural’ will be hoping to maintain his place above de Ridder, but with the #8 contender taking a longer break than usual, he may be facing a tougher opponent.
Renato Moicano vs Brian Ortega II
A lightweight battle which will witness one fighter break their two-fight losing streak.
Moicano has had a rough 2025, suffering a one-day noticed title defeat to Islam Makhachev and a decision loss to Beneil Dariush.
The Brazilian was in top form before this year, scoring TKO victories over Jalin Turner and Benoit Saint-Denis.
Ortega fought only once this year, against Aljamain Sterling at UFC Shanghai, losing by unanimous decision.
‘T-City’ looks as if he’s had enough of featherweight after competing for the undisputed title twice, but losing both times to Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski.
This is a rematch in the making, as the last time these two submission artists fought each other, Ortega won by third-round submission at UFC 214, as ‘Money’ Moicano eyes revenge on a familiar foe.
Paulo Costa vs Brunno Ferreira
It’s the Battle of the Brazilians at 185 pounds as a veteran takes on a prospect in an intriguing fight.
Costa returned to the win column in his last fight, triumphing over Roman Kopylov with an unanimous decision win at UFC 318.
‘The Eraser’ is looking to make his comeback as he’s only won two fights in his last six.
Ferreira went the distance for the first time in his career as he defeated Marvin Vettori by unanimous decision at UFC 323.
The 33-year-old has finished 14 of his 15 conquered opponents with nine by knockout and five by submission.
‘The Hulk’ is hoping to finally enter the middleweight rankings, as Costa is willing to do anything to keep himself in the top 15.
Cody Garbrandt vs Xiao Long
A fan-favourite is desperate to bounce back as he takes on a young Chinese fighter who also wants to redeem himself.
Garbrandt only competed once this year, suffering a disappointing decision loss to Raoni Barcelos at UFC Atlanta.
The former bantamweight champion failed to return to the rankings last year with a submission loss to Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 300.
Long fought just once this year, and the Hunan-born fighter lost by unanimous decision to Su-Young You at UFC Shanghai.
In his debut year, the 27-year-old captured a third-round knockout over Quang Le at UFC Macau.
Long has a fantastic opportunity by conquering a former UFC Champion on his record, while Garbrandt aims for a statement win for his comeback.
