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Oct 27, 2026, 11:43 AM GMT
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With the 2026 UFC calendar heading towards its final stretch, the race for Fighter of the Year is beginning to take shape. From championship triumphs and statement victories to breakout performances and career-defining moments, this year has delivered plenty of compelling contenders for the sport's most prestigious individual accolade. But who has done enough to stand above the rest?
These power rankings assess the top 15 fighters in contention for UFC Fighter of the Year in 2026, taking into account their performances and achievements throughout the calendar year.
The rankings are based on a combination of factors, including the quality of opposition faced, the significance of victories, championship success, performance level, finishing ability, and overall consistency. Activity also plays an important role, with fighters who have repeatedly delivered against elite competition holding an advantage over those whose campaigns have been built around a single standout result.
Winning UFC gold undoubtedly strengthens a fighter's case, but it is not the only measure of a successful year. Dominant performances, major upsets, and victories over highly ranked opponents can be just as influential in separating the leading candidates from the chasing pack.
Equally, reputation and pound-for-pound standing alone are not enough; these rankings focus on what each fighter has accomplished in 2026, rather than their overall standing in the sport.
With the year not yet complete, the order remains open to change as further fights and championship bouts unfold. For now, these are the 15 fighters who have made the strongest cases for Fighter of the Year, ranked according to their achievements, impact, and performances inside the Octagon in 2026.
| UFC Fighter of the Year Power Ranking [15-11] |
||
|---|---|---|
| Position |
Fighter |
2026 Highlights |
| 15. |
Aaron Pico |
Beat Patricio Pitbull & Losene Keita |
| 14. |
Sean O'Malley |
Beat Song Yadong & Aiemann Zahabi |
| 13. |
Ciryl Gane |
Beat Alex Peirera |
| 12. |
Mackenzie Dern |
Beat Gillian Robertson |
| 11. |
Islam Makhachev |
Beat Ian Machado Garry |
Lone’er Kavanagh has experienced a significant year in 2026, establishing himself as an exciting flyweight contender. He began the year impressively by defeating former champion Brandon Moreno via unanimous decision in February, demonstrating his striking ability and composure over five rounds. However, Kavanagh suffered a setback in July when Brandon Royval submitted him with a rear-naked choke.
He responded emphatically in October, though, knocking out Ramazan Temirov in the first round at UFC 333. This victory restored his momentum and showcased his finishing power. Kavanagh’s performances have strengthened his reputation as a promising British fighter with considerable potential.
Josh Hokit has enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2026, emerging as an increasingly dangerous heavyweight prospect. He opened his campaign in January with a first-round knockout victory over Denzel Freeman, demonstrating his explosive punching power. In April, Hokit defeated Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision, an important result that showcased his ability to compete against established heavyweight opposition.
He continued his impressive run in June, stopping Derrick Lewis by technical knockout in the second round. These three victories highlighted his versatility, combining knockout power with the ability to go longer distances. Hokit has considerably raised his profile and strengthened his case for tougher heavyweight challenges.
Jasmine Jasudavicius has enjoyed an outstanding 2026, strengthening her position among the UFC’s leading women’s flyweights. In April, she defeated Karine Silva by unanimous decision, demonstrating her wrestling, control, and ability to maintain a demanding pace.
Her biggest victory, however, came in October, when she defeated highly regarded contender Erin Blanchfield by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night in Edmonton. Winning against such a respected opponent represented a significant achievement and boosted her championship credentials. With two victories over formidable competition, Jasudavicius has demonstrated consistency, experience, and determination. Her performances have placed her firmly in contention for an eventual title opportunity.
Carlos Ulberg achieved the defining milestone of his career in April 2026 by becoming UFC light heavyweight champion. At UFC 327, he faced former champion Jiri Prochazka in a high-stakes contest. Despite facing adversity during the fight, Ulberg recovered and delivered a spectacular first-round knockout at 3:45, capturing the championship.
The victory rewarded his years of development and showcased the precision, composure, and explosive striking that have made him a dangerous contender. Representing New Zealand and City Kickboxing, Ulberg entered a new chapter as champion. His next challenge will be establishing a successful title reign against the division’s strongest challengers.
Mauricio Ruffy has experienced an action-packed 2026, recording two impressive victories before suffering a significant setback. He began by stopping Rafael Fiziev with strikes in the second round in January, establishing himself as a dangerous lightweight. In June, Ruffy continued his momentum by knocking out Michael Chandler in the first round, a victory that attracted considerable attention.
However, his progress encountered an obstacle in September when Arman Tsarukyan knocked him out in the opening round. Despite this defeat, Ruffy’s finishing ability remains undeniable. His aggressive striking style makes him an exciting competitor, and a strong comeback could restore his standing among the division’s emerging contenders.
Sean Strickland has had a noteworthy 2026, returning to form with two important middleweight victories. In February, he defeated Anthony Hernandez by technical knockout in the third round, demonstrating his effectiveness under pressure and ability to capitalise on opportunities.
His next major challenge came in May against Khamzat Chimaev, where he secured a closely contested split-decision victory over five rounds. That result represented a significant achievement against one of the division’s most feared competitors. Known for his relentless jab, defensive discipline, and outspoken personality, Strickland remains a prominent figure in the middleweight division.
These performances have strengthened his championship credentials and positioned him for further high-profile fights.
Joshua Van has enjoyed a remarkable 2026, establishing himself as a dominant force in the UFC flyweight division. In May, he defended his championship against Tatsuro Taira, securing a fifth-round technical knockout after a competitive contest. Van then faced former champion Alexandre Pantoja in September and won by unanimous decision, demonstrating his endurance, striking volume, and ability to perform over five rounds.
These victories reinforced his status as champion and highlighted his rapid development at just 25 years old. Representing Myanmar, Van has become an important figure in the division’s future.
His aggressive boxing and relentless pace make him difficult to overcome, while further title defences could cement his legacy.
Petr Yan has enjoyed a successful 2026, further establishing his position among the UFC’s elite bantamweights. His defining moment came in October at UFC 333, where he defended his championship against former champion Merab Dvalishvili in their highly anticipated rematch.
After facing relentless pressure and repeated takedown attempts early, Yan adapted effectively, finding his rhythm with precise boxing and damaging body shots. He ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory, with all three judges scoring the contest 48–47.
The win demonstrated his tactical intelligence, resilience, and championship experience. By defeating Dvalishvili again, Yan strengthened his legacy and reinforced his status as one of the division’s leading fighters.
Alexander Volkanovski has produced an exceptional 2026, reinforcing his reputation as one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history. In January, he successfully defended his championship against Diego Lopes, winning a five-round unanimous decision in a competitive rematch.
His biggest achievement, though, arrived in October at UFC 333, when he faced undefeated challenger Movsar Evloev. Volkanovski secured a spectacular second-round technical knockout, handing Evloev his first professional defeat. The victory further strengthened his championship legacy and added another remarkable achievement to his career.
Even at 38, Volkanovski continues to demonstrate elite striking, adaptability, and fight intelligence, proving he remains a formidable champion in a demanding division.
Justin Gaethje has enjoyed a career-defining 2026, adding major achievements to his already impressive lightweight resume. In January, he defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision after five competitive rounds, earning the interim UFC lightweight championship. He then faced undisputed champion Ilia Topuria in June at UFC Freedom 250.
Gaethje produced a remarkable performance, stopping Topuria by technical knockout following the fourth round to capture the undisputed title. The victory represented a major milestone for the veteran American, whose aggressive striking and relentless pressure have made him one of the sport’s most exciting fighters.
At 37, Gaethje has finally reached the top of the lightweight division.
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