The UFC matchmakers have been busy, dropping a fresh slate of exciting matchups that promise fireworks across multiple divisions. From light heavyweight clashes to pivotal flyweight encounters, fans have plenty to look forward to in July and September.
July 25, 2026: Quick Turnarounds and Debuts
Kicking off the action on July 25th, we have a compelling light heavyweight bout featuring Dustin Jacoby against Muhammad Said. Jacoby, with a professional MMA record of 22-9-1 and a UFC record of 10-6-1, is a seasoned striker known for his kickboxing background. He currently sits at #20 in the light heavyweight rankings. He'll face the undefeated Muhammad Said, who boasts an impressive 9-0-0 professional record with eight finishes. Said, a Russian light heavyweight, is making his highly anticipated UFC debut, bringing a reputation for devastating head kicks and early stoppages. This promises to be a classic striker vs. striker showdown with Said looking to make a statement against a veteran presence.
Also on July 25th, Cody Gibson (22-12-0 pro, 3-7-0 UFC) will step into the bantamweight octagon against Abdul Hussein. Gibson, a bantamweight veteran, will look to leverage his experience against Hussein, who holds a professional record of 15-2-0 with fourteen finishes. Hussein, known as 'Abba', is a Finnish fighter with a penchant for submissions and knockouts, making this a dangerous stylistic matchup for Gibson.
September 12, 2026: High Stakes in Multiple Divisions
September 12th brings a packed card, starting with a heavyweight clash between Waldo Cortes Acosta and Curtis Blaydes. Cortes Acosta, with a professional record of 17-3-0 and a UFC record of 10-3-0, is ranked #6 in the heavyweight division. He'll face the formidable #8 ranked Curtis Blaydes, who holds a professional record of 19-6-0 (1 NC) and a UFC record of 14-6-0 (1 NC). Blaydes, known for his elite wrestling, will test the striking prowess of Cortes Acosta in a fight that could have significant title implications.
The women's flyweight division will see a highly anticipated bout between former champion Alexa Grasso and Manon Fiorot. Grasso, with a 17-5-1 professional record and 9-5-1 in the UFC, is currently ranked #3 in the women's flyweight division and #7 pound-for-pound. She'll face the #2 ranked Manon Fiorot, who has a professional record of 13-2-0 and an 8-1-0 UFC record. Fiorot, known as 'The Beast', is a dangerous striker with a strong karate and Muay Thai background, making this a potential Fight of the Night candidate.
In the flyweight division, former two-time champion Brandon Moreno (23-10-2 pro, 11-7-2 UFC) is set to face Joseph Morales. Moreno, ranked #9 in the flyweight division, is looking to climb back to title contention. He'll take on Joseph Morales, who enters with a 15-2-0 professional record and a 3-2-0 UFC record, having won The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 flyweight final. This is a crucial fight for both men in the competitive flyweight landscape.
Another flyweight bout features Tim Elliott (22-14-1 pro, 10-12-0 UFC), ranked #11, against Edgar Chairez. Elliott, a veteran known for his unorthodox style, will aim to defend his ranking against Chairez, whose professional record is not widely available but will undoubtedly be looking to make a name for himself against a ranked opponent.
Middleweight action will see Kelvin Gastelum (21-11-0, 1 NC pro; 14-11-0, 1 NC UFC) square off against Yousri Belgaroui. Gastelum, a former Ultimate Fighter winner, is a seasoned competitor with a wealth of experience. He'll face the undefeated Yousri Belgaroui, who holds a professional record of 10-3-0 with a 2-0-0 UFC record. Belgaroui, a Dutch middleweight, brings a strong kickboxing background to the octagon.
Finally, in the women's flyweight division, JJ Aldrich (15-7-0 pro, 7-4-0 UFC), ranked #12, will meet the undefeated Regina Tarin. Tarin comes into the UFC with a perfect 8-0-0 professional record, making her debut against a ranked opponent. This fight presents a significant opportunity for Tarin to establish herself in the division against the experienced Aldrich.
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