​We are at the midpoint of 2026, and the UFC has already delivered a string of unforgettable moments inside the octagon, with battles that left fans craving more. While there are plenty of standout fights to recall from the first half of the year, the cage action ranged from classic slugfests to technical masterclasses, featuring two all-time showdowns that are destined for year-end lists and beyond. With that in mind, here are our picks for the best fights of 2026 so far.
No. 1: Tie – Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria (UFC White House)
In a rare turn, the MMA Fighting voting panel could not reach a majority in the Fight of the Midyear category, resulting in a tie for the top spot. At the forefront is Justin Gaethje’s iconic moment against Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC White House. Gaethje, accustomed to the spotlight, achieved what many considered impossible: he dethroned Topuria to become the undisputed lightweight champion, a victory that could reshape Topuria’s career. Gaethje described it as his “Miracle on Ice” moment, and it certainly qualified as one of the greatest feats in UFC history. Yet it was a true two-way battle: Topuria stood his ground, having Gaethje on the ropes in the second round, and fought through a grueling contest until he simply could not continue. Both men laid it all on the line, and it was the American champion who celebrated one of the sport’s most shocking upsets on the White House South Lawn.
No. 1: Tie – Josh Hokit vs. Curtis Blaydes (UFC 327)
Josh Hokit’s arc took a dramatic turn in his most significant test to date at UFC 327. After defeating several lower-tier heavyweights and generating controversy with his mic work, Hokit earned a major opportunity to challenge perennial contender and former interim title challenger Curtis Blaydes. Throughout fight week, Hokit did not generate the kind of fan heat one might expect; the reception hovered around a reluctant curiosity rather than outright skepticism or disdain. Then the bell rang, and chaos ensued in a way no one anticipated. Hokit walked straight to Blaydes, and the two immediately engaged in a high-octane exchange that set the tone for a fight that would live long in the memory.