From Tom Aspinall’s rollercoaster year to Paddy Pimblett’s surprise UFC title shot, 2025 has set the stage for an exciting 2026 for British MMA fans. The new year promises high-stakes matchups, emerging stars, and potential title fights that could redefine the landscape of MMA in the UK and globally.

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Tom Aspinall Eyes Rematch After Unfortunate Setback

After being promoted to UFC heavyweight champion following Jon Jones’ retirement in June 2025, Tom Aspinall’s first title defense ended in disappointment due to an accidental eye poke from Ciryl Gane, resulting in a no-contest.

The 32-year-old fighter, currently recovering from a rare eye condition that has caused persistent double vision, is still unfit to train. Aspinall remains motivated for a rematch, hinting at a return later in the spring or summer. UFC President Dana White has expressed interest in rebooking the bout, which could become one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights of 2026.

Aspinall told fans on social media:
“I’m not medically cleared to fight and about to have surgery thanks to your disgusting fingernails. I’ll be back to smash your face in soon you cheat.”

This rematch, once scheduled, promises to deliver the intensity and drama fans expect from a clash between two elite heavyweights.

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Paddy Pimblett Steps Into the Spotlight

With Aspinall sidelined, Paddy Pimblett has emerged as Britain’s MMA focus in early 2026. Pimblett, from Liverpool, will face Justin Gaethje for the UFC interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on 24 January. The interim title opportunity arose because reigning champion Ilia Topuria is temporarily inactive due to personal issues.

Although Pimblett has yet to defeat any of the UFC’s current top 10 lightweight fighters, his selection is influenced not only by his fighting skill but also by his entertainment value and growing fan base. A victory over Gaethje could pave the way for a future clash with Topuria for the undisputed lightweight championship.

Pimblett has already had run-ins with Topuria, including a hotel incident prior to UFC London in 2022, adding extra intrigue to a potential undisputed title fight. Known for thrilling performances inside the octagon, Pimblett is expected to continue building his reputation as one of Britain’s most exciting MMA fighters.

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British Success in PFL and Beyond

Pimblett is joined by other British contenders in international MMA promotions, including:

• Alfie Davis, winner of the PFL lightweight tournament, will face Usman Nurmagomedov in Dubai on 7 February for the PFL title and $500,000 prize.
• Fabian Edwards, PFL middleweight champion, is scheduled to fight Costello van Steenis in Madrid on 20 March.
• Dakota Ditcheva, Britain’s first MMA world champion last year, takes on Dutch flyweight Denise Kielholtz on 7 February. A win could lead to a superfight with MMA legend Cris Cyborg, pending weight agreement negotiations.

These British fighters represent a growing global presence for the UK in MMA, with opportunities for titles and high-profile bouts throughout 2026.

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Rising Contenders: Machado Garry and Lerone Murphy

Other fighters on the cusp of title contention include:

• Ian Machado Garry, ranked third in the UFC welterweight division, called for a title shot after defeating former champion Belal Muhammad. He faces competition from Shavkat Rakhmonov, Michael Morales, and Carlos Prates, with a potential UFC title fight making him the first Irish contender since Conor McGregor in 2018.
• Lerone Murphy, fourth in the UFC featherweight rankings, narrowly missed a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 325. Murphy’s spectacular KO of Aaron Pico last August has positioned him as next in line should he secure another win in 2026.

These athletes highlight the depth of British and Irish MMA talent, promising exciting matchups and title opportunities in the coming year.

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Looking Ahead: Key Dates for British MMA Fans

• UFC 324: Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje – 24 January
• PFL Lightweight Title: Alfie Davis vs Usman Nurmagomedov – 7 February
• PFL Middleweight Title: Fabian Edwards vs Costello van Steenis – 20 March
• Dakota Ditcheva vs Denise Kielholtz: 7 February

With interim and undisputed titles, the PFL championships, and emerging contenders, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for British MMA fighters on the world stage.