A rising star in the UFC is poised to make a significant impact.
As the world of major mixed martial arts promotions gears up for another busy year, attention is rapidly turning toward 2026—a year anticipated to bring substantial growth for the UFC. With the UFC’s new $7.7 billion broadcasting partnership with Paramount kicking off in January, following ESPN’s tenure, the organization has even planned a landmark event, aiming to hold a fight at the White House in June.
Notably, fighters like Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, who both exited the Octagon in 2025, have their sights set on returning to the UFC, potentially making a comeback in this landmark year. Beyond these seasoned champions and prominent contenders, there are several promising prospects ready to shake up the scene, with Gable Stevenson standing out as the foremost figure poised to break through.
Several newcomers expected to make waves in 2026 include Alexander Topria (younger sibling of UFC lightweight champ Ilya Topria), Peyton Talbot, Amur Magomedov, Miktibek Olorubai, and Magomed “Chunko” Zakhnukov. Yet, currently, only one attracts the most buzz—Gable Stevenson.
After securing the 2020 Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling, Stevenson initially tried his hand at American football and professional wrestling, but those paths didn’t pan out for the 25-year-old. However, his foray into MMA has been impressive from the start. Noteworthy victories include a 24-second knockout of Anthony Pettis FC 21 in November and a 15-second knockout debut in Dirty Boxing last month, following a TKO win in his MMA debut just a few months earlier.
While Olympic wrestlers often face less elite competition early on, Stevenson’s explosive style—knocking opponents down decisively and with flair—signals a special talent. In a heavyweight division frequently criticized for lacking athleticism and speed, Stevenson’s skill set shines, suggesting a quick ascent to the top.
Jon Jones, a former heavyweight and light heavyweight UFC champion, has made bold claims about Stevenson’s potential. Although Stevenson has yet to officially sign with the UFC, he has already expressed eagerness to join, even appealing directly to matchmaker Mick Maynard after his recent bout. With the heavyweight division relatively sparse in talent, Stevenson’s rise could be swift, and Jones’ mentorship could play a crucial role in shaping his success.
Jones, who briefly retired over the summer, has taken Stevenson under his wing as a protégé, marking his first move into coaching. Given Jones’ legendary accomplishments and influence, his guidance strengthens the belief that Stevenson could become one of the UFC’s top heavyweights by the end of 2026. While fighters like Tom Aspinall remain formidable rivals, the possibility that Stevenson breaks into the title conversation within the next year is very real.
Fan Take: For fight enthusiasts, Gable Stevenson’s entry into the UFC represents an electrifying new chapter in heavyweight competition, promising fresh dynamism in a division craving standout talent. His rapid progression and Jon Jones’ backing could redefine the heavyweight landscape and inject renewed excitement into the sport.
