UFC 2026 Predictions: McGregor Set to Fight Twice, Jones Uncertain

UPDATE: Major developments in the MMA world as predictions for 2026 emerge: Conor McGregor is poised to fight twice this year, while Jon Jones’s return remains uncertain. With UFC inactivity since December 13, 2025, the anticipation is building for UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, in Las Vegas.

The ongoing void without fights has left fans restless, but bold predictions are surfacing as the MMA community prepares for the year ahead. Despite the widespread belief that Jon Jones will make a comeback, doubts linger about whether he will actually step into the Octagon. The 38-year-old fighter announced plans to return after a brief retirement, sparking excitement among fans. However, UFC President Dana White has stated that the odds of Jones headlining the White House card are a “billion-to-1.”

Jones’s history of legal troubles and inconsistent fight schedule raises questions about his reliability. He has only fought twice in the past six years and opted out of a lucrative fight against Tom Aspinall in 2025. With such a lengthy absence, it’s unclear if he can be ready for a fight within six months.

In a surprising twist, predictions now suggest that McGregor will return to the Octagon not once, but twice in 2026. This shift is attributed to the upcoming White House card, an event McGregor is unlikely to ignore. His ego and star power in MMA make this a compelling opportunity for him to regain the spotlight. The expectation is that McGregor will face Michael Chandler in June, a matchup that plays favorably for him stylistically.

If McGregor performs well against Chandler, it’s highly likely that the UFC will offer him a second fight later in the year, potentially at Madison Square Garden in November. This scenario may seem improbable, especially given McGregor’s four-and-a-half-year hiatus from the UFC, but his return is becoming increasingly plausible.

As the year unfolds, several champions’ futures remain uncertain. Tom Aspinall, the heavyweight champion, is grappling with health issues, while other champions like Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev have expressed doubts about their long-term commitment to the sport. Notably, Ilia Topuria has hinted at retirement, and Alexander Volkanovski could also step away if he achieves his legacy goals.

The BMF title, which has become a staple in the UFC, may also see its end. As Charles Oliveira prepares to challenge Max Holloway for the belt at UFC 326 in March, speculation grows that this could be the final chapter for the BMF title.

Meanwhile, undefeated fighter Usman Nurmagomedov continues to make waves in the PFL, recently capturing the lightweight championship. He is expected to fight again on February 7, but his future beyond this contract remains a hot topic, with many anticipating his eventual move to the UFC.

As fans await the first events of 2026, all eyes will be on how these predictions unfold. The MMA landscape is unpredictable, and with each announcement, excitement builds for what promises to be an electrifying year in combat sports.

Stay tuned as the situation develops and the fights return to the Octagon!