UFC fighters to watch in the second half of 2026 as title paths open
Preview of UFC fighters to watch in the second half of 2026, from Conor McGregor’s return at UFC 329 to rising prospects and pivotal July–August matchups across divisions.
Conor McGregor’s comeback at UFC 329 sets the tone for the second half of 2026, and the matchup headlines a busy summer of consequential fights. The Irish star meets Max Holloway in a five-round welterweight rematch on July 11 in Las Vegas, and his return immediately places him among the top UFC fighters to watch in the second half of 2026. A win for McGregor could reshape title conversations at 155 and 170 pounds and will draw intense attention from matchmakers and fans alike.
Conor McGregor’s title implications after five-year layoff
McGregor’s bout with Holloway is his first sanctioned fight since July 10, 2021, creating both storyline weight and tangible stakes for the division. Betting markets view him as the underdog given his age and inactivity, but his striking power and drawing ability mean a victory would carry outsized consequences. UFC officials and pundits have already suggested that a high-profile win could fast-track McGregor toward a title opportunity in either lightweight or welterweight ranks.
McGregor’s return is not just an athletic test; it is a business event for the promotion. Victory would likely position him to demand a marquee opponent or title shot, while a loss would confirm rising depth across the divisions and accelerate other contenders’ paths.
Nick Steveson’s heavyweight debut in Las Vegas
Also on the UFC 329 card, heavyweight prospect Nick Steveson makes his Octagon debut in a bout that will be watched closely for potential star-making signs. Steveson, 26, arrives with a decorated amateur background and early pro finishes, and he has been training with established fighters to prepare for life against top-level opposition. Matchmakers have paired him with Elisha Ellison to manage his transition, but expectations are high that Steveson could become a fixture in the division.
The UFC appears to be building Steveson methodically, giving him a manageable first test before slotting him onto another numbered card later in the year. How he handles the pace, pressure and pacing of a UFC main program will determine how quickly he climbs the heavyweight ladder.
Striking prospects to watch at UFC 329 and beyond
UFC 329’s undercard also promises heavy-hitting matchups that could reshape middleweight and lightweight depth charts. Renato Pinas, the 24-year-old contender from Aruba, returns after a knockout debut and is slated to face veteran kickboxer Cesar Almeida in a clash between two power strikers. Both fighters bring finishing records and distinct standup arsenals that could produce a highlight-reel outcome.
At middleweight, Bryan Duncan’s four-fight win streak has him stepping up against Jared Cannonier on July 18 in Oklahoma City, a test that will indicate whether Duncan can bridge into the division’s upper tier. These bouts offer fast-moving paths to contention for fighters who can secure decisive wins against established opponents.
Bantamweight opportunities and tactical tests
The 135-pound division will feature several prospects angling for top-15 positioning in the months ahead. Ethyn Ewing, who upset a touted prospect in his debut and followed with a knockout over Rafael Estevam, meets Farid Basharat on the UFC 329 prelims with a chance to crack the rankings. Ewing’s momentum and striking improvements make him a candidate for a step-up fight later in the year.
Quebec’s Sean Jourdain has also found traction since dropping to bantamweight, riding a three-fight winning streak into a high-profile meeting with Marlon Vera in Oklahoma City. That matchup promises heavy exchanges and provides both men an opportunity to reposition themselves against prospective top contenders.
European arrivals and welterweight returnees in July–August
The promotion’s global expansion continues with a debut card in Belgrade, Serbia on August 1, where Montenegrin lightweight Milos Janicic will be among the fighters to monitor. Janicic arrives with an extensive stoppage record from European organizations and fights newcomer Noah Gugnon, a contest that could introduce a new regional star to UFC audiences.
On July 25 in Abu Dhabi, German welterweight prospect Dulatov returns from injury to face Wellington Turman, a bout that tests Dulatov’s health and readiness after a year on the shelf. A convincing performance would likely prompt the UFC to schedule another fight for him before year’s end.
Late-summer dark horses: Gore, Jasudavicius and pivotal August cards
August’s slate contains several matchups that could produce late-season momentum shifts. Tresean Gore, who delivered a comeback submission in April, takes on Vicente Luque at UFC 330 in Philadelphia in a fight that could vault the former Ultimate Fighter contender back into meaningful contention. Gore’s bounce-back result was crucial for his roster standing and this bout represents a significant proving ground.
Canadian flyweight Jasmine Jasudavicius will also be in the spotlight at UFC 330, matching up with Erin Blanchfield in a top-six flyweight showdown. Jasudavicius’s size and recent rebound from a loss to Manon Fiorot give her a stylistic advantage in a bout that carries title implications for the winner.
The August cards, including the Serbia debut and UFC 330, round out a compressed window of high-stakes fights that will influence matchmaking through the end of 2026. Fighters who capitalize in July and August could secure opportunities that would otherwise require a longer climb.
Momentum from the summer stretch will reverberate into the remainder of the year, with the UFC having announced bouts through August and leaving the late-year schedule open for reshuffles based on results. The second half of 2026 will therefore belong to those who win decisively and quickly, as the promotion looks to build fresh contenders and sustain pay-per-view interest.
As these matchups unfold, a handful of names have emerged as the UFC fighters to watch in the second half of 2026, but outcomes will determine who truly rises into title contention before the year closes.
