Encore Fights: Why UFC Rematches Could Define the 2026 Calendar

Rematches have always played a special role in mixed martial arts. Unlike other sports, where teams can adjust strategy across a long season, UFC fighters often settle unfinished business inside a single cage, under unforgiving conditions. As the promotion heads into 2026, several potential rematches stand out as more than simple do-overs. These fights could redefine championships, reshape divisions, and answer questions left unresolved by controversy, razor-thin decisions, or sudden endings.

One of the most anticipated rematches involves heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and former title challenger Ciryl Gane. Their first meeting ended abruptly in a no-contest after an accidental foul halted the bout before it could truly begin. For fans, the result felt deeply unsatisfying. Heavyweight title fights are rare, and when one ends without clarity, the demand for a rematch becomes unavoidable. Aspinall’s technical boxing and speed contrast sharply with Gane’s movement-based kickboxing, making the matchup as much a stylistic chess match as a test of power. If rebooked in 2026, the stakes would be enormous—not only because of the belt, but because both fighters would be fighting for legitimacy in the eyes of the division.

At featherweight, a rematch between champion Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes represents a different kind of intrigue. Their first encounter showed how quickly the division is evolving. Volkanovski’s experience and adaptability allowed him to survive difficult moments, while Lopes proved he belongs among the elite. A second fight would likely look very different, as both fighters would enter with a full understanding of each other’s tendencies. For Volkanovski, a rematch would be about reaffirming his dominance; for Lopes, it would be a chance to prove that his earlier success was no fluke. Another possible rematch with major fan appeal is Max Holloway versus Charles Oliveira. While their first fight occurred years ago under different circumstances, both fighters have since reinvented themselves. Holloway’s volume striking and durability have made him one of the most beloved fighters in UFC history, while Oliveira’s submission-heavy style has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport. A rematch in 2026 would not simply revisit the past—it would reflect how far both athletes have come, making it feel like an entirely new contest.

The flyweight division could also see a crucial rematch if Brandon Royval earns another shot at the title. His previous loss to the current champion was widely praised for its pace and creativity, and many fans felt it could have gone either way.

Flyweight fights often lack mainstream attention, but rematches like this help change that perception by showcasing skill, speed, and nonstop action. A second fight would give both competitors the opportunity to make adjustments, potentially producing an even more compelling result. Finally, rematches matter because they offer narrative closure. In a sport where injuries, fouls, and judging controversies are unavoidable, a second fight allows athletes to settle debates without excuses. For the UFC, these bouts also make sense commercially. Fans are already invested, storylines are built-in, and the emotional stakes are easy to communicate.

As 2026 approaches, rematches are poised to shape the UFC’s biggest events. Whether it is a heavyweight title fight clouded by controversy or a technical battle between evolving contenders, these second chances remind audiences why combat sports remain so compelling. In the end, a rematch is not just about repeating history—it is about rewriting it.