The UFC must reassess its matchmaking approach as it heads into what could be another big year for the leading MMA organization. On the surface, 2025 looks promising, especially following a new $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount. However, unlike 2024, which featured standout main events that captivated fans for months, 2025 lacks a similarly iconic headliner. Looking ahead to 2026, top MMA organizations might need to introduce new regulations to address ongoing matchmaking challenges.
One suggestion is for the UFC to implement a “3-fight rule” for champions. Since Conor McGregor became the first UFC double champion in 2016, many titleholders have chosen to switch weight classes to become dual champions rather than defending their belts within their divisions. Fighters often announce plans to change weight before defending their titles, contributing to matchmaking difficulties. For instance, Ilya Topuria defended his belt once, vacated his featherweight title, then moved up to win the lightweight crown. In 2025, the UFC somewhat addressed this by encouraging champions to relinquish their titles instead of frequently switching weights. Additionally, suspensions disrupt activity and harm the promotion’s momentum. The proposed solution is that after winning a championship, a fighter must successfully defend that title three times before moving to a different weight class. This would compel champions to face top contenders regularly and potentially expedite their decision to move weight classes if desired.
Regarding the status of champions, while fighters like Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, and Ilya Topuria are highly skilled and current titleholders, they are not yet considered “great champions.” Merab Dvalishvili stands as one of the closest examples of a “great champion” recently. Anderson Silva still holds the record for the most UFC title defenses with 10, a benchmark unlikely to be surpassed unless the UFC makes deliberate changes.
Fan Take: The introduction of a “3-fight rule” could bring much-needed stability and excitement to UFC divisions by ensuring champions actively defend their titles against top contenders. For fans, this means more consistent, high-stakes matchups and a clearer path to recognizing true champions in the sport.
