As UFC fans look ahead to 2026, the main topic of discussion centers on the welterweight division and who will step up to challenge Islam Makhachev. Ian Machado Garry is currently seen as the frontrunner for the title, with Carlos Prates and Michael Morales also gaining attention after their impressive knockout victories. However, a recent Bloody Elbow survey involving over 5,000 fans revealed that most do not favor these contenders. Instead, fans are more interested in seeing Makhachev return to compete in his old weight class rather than facing new welterweight challengers.
Since UFC 322, where Makhachev claimed the belt from Jacques Della Maddalena, the majority of fans polled have expressed a desire for Makhachev to defend his title in the lightweight division. Despite the hype around Garry, Prates, and Morales, they rank low among fans for a potential fight against Makhachev. Only a small percentage supported these fighters, with Garry receiving 9.41%, Prates 4.07%, and Morales 10.46%. Interestingly, Kamaru Usman, who hasn’t won a fight since 2021 but recently broke his losing streak, remains more popular among fans, gathering 16.45% backing for a matchup with Makhachev due to his wrestling skills and legacy.
Shavkat Rakhmonov, a contender sidelined by injury after beating Garry last year, holds the second spot in fan preferences, with 22.62% hoping to see him face Makhachev upon his return. Yet the top choice is Ilia Topuria, a fighter outside the welterweight division who has never fought above bantamweight in his pro career. Despite not having defended his lightweight title yet, 37% of fans voted for a showdown between Makhachev and Topuria. This fight garners excitement as Topuria aims to prove his elite status by taking on the widely regarded pound-for-pound best fighter, Makhachev.
Fan Take: This strong fan interest in Makhachev returning to the lightweight division and facing a dynamic fighter like Ilia Topuria highlights a yearning for classic, high-stakes matchups that test the very best in the sport. Such a bout could significantly elevate the UFC’s excitement and competitive landscape, reaffirming why fans crave challenges between true elite fighters.
