Upcoming MMA Fights: Real Bouts to Watch
Looking ahead at the MMA calendar, it’s fair to say that the next few months are packed with fights that come with title implications and the return of some big names.
One of the biggest fights of late was when Evloev and Murphy headlined UFC London. At the time, both fighters were undefeated, with Evloev ranked at number one and Murphy number three. At the end of the bout, Evloev won a close decision, which now means he has the chance to go for the champion, Volkanovski.
As we look ahead, UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, is set to be one of the cards that attracts the most attention during the year. The main event here will see Chimaev take on Strickland for the middleweight title. Right now, Chimaev is undefeated and will be defending his belt for the first time. Meanwhile, Strickland will be coming in on the back of a strong TKO win.
There is also significant hype around the unusual but high-profile card on June 14 at the White House, where fights such as Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje are expected to headline. This event is being set up as one of the most unique in UFC history, both for its setting and the scale of attention it will attract.
Other Notable Fights and Returns
Casting an eye outside of the UFC’s main schedule, there are other headline-grabbing fights that are well worth watching.
One of the biggest talking points is the return of Nate Diaz, who is looking to face Mike Perry in May. Diaz has not competed since 2022, and his comeback is sure to be challenging with Perry having built real momentum with bare-knuckle fighting.
Divisions to Watch Right Now
Right now, it’s easy to see that the featherweight division is the most active. This is especially the case after Evloev’s win over Murphy, which completely reshaped the title picture.
Middleweight is also garnering interest due to the Chimaev vs Strickland clash, with the outcome likely determining the next set of contenders.
At the same time, welterweight continues to evolve with matchups like Belal Muhammad vs Gabriel Bonfim expected on upcoming cards, adding a mix of experience with rising talent.
Betting on Upcoming MMA Fights
Interest in MMA betting has long been growing, but it spikes around these major cards. Betting sites, such as LV BET allow you to place wagers on confirmed fights such as Chimaev Vs Stickland or Allen Vs Shahbazyan. Markets such as fight winner, method of victory, and round betting mean that there’s plenty of variety.
Things such as Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy style may well influence odds on the likes of submissions or decision outcomes, while Strickland’s sheer striking volume is likely to appeal to bettors who back a points win.
Final Thoughts
There is no shortage of meaningful fights coming up. With title bouts, contender matchups, and major returns all confirmed, the next stretch of MMA events should have a real impact on rankings across multiple divisions.
