UFC 2026 Calendar Confirms McGregor Return and Fiziev-Torres Lightweight Clash
Conor McGregor is set to face Max Holloway nearly five years after his last fight, while Rafael Fiziev attempts to rebound against Manuel Torres in the lightweight division.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has confirmed its 2026 event schedule, highlighting a return to the octagon for Conor McGregor and a marquee lightweight bout between Rafael Fiziev and Manuel Torres. The organisation’s calendar underscores the continued prominence of the 155-pound weight class, which has long been regarded as the promotion’s premium division due to its combination of technical skill and star power.
On Saturday, Fiziev will face Torres in a lightweight contest that serves as a critical juncture for both competitors. The Muay Thai specialist enters the bout with a record of 1-4 in his last five fights, including defeats to current lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and Mauricio Ruffy. Conversely, Torres, who is 6-1 under the UFC umbrella, makes his first main event appearance. Torres has only seen a decision once in his professional career, with all other outcomes ending in the first round.
Less than a month later, the schedule features the highly anticipated return of Conor McGregor. The Irish fighter is set to face Max Holloway nearly five years after his previous bout, where he suffered a severe leg injury against Dustin Poirier. The matchup carries historical weight, as Holloway, a former featherweight and BMF champion, seeks to overturn an early loss to McGregor from more than a decade ago.
The calendar also establishes UFC 329 as the anchor event for this year’s International Fight Week. Scheduled for 11 July, the event will feature Paddy Pimblett against Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event. This bout follows UFC Freedom 250, continuing the promotion’s momentum through the mid-year period.
These scheduled events reflect the UFC’s strategy to leverage high-profile returns and competitive lightweight matchups to drive engagement. The organisation continues to utilise its subscription platform, Paramount+, to broadcast numbered events and Fight Nights, ensuring broad accessibility for its global audience throughout the 2026 season.
