Charles, Pantoja and Poatan during a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
With the end of the 2025 season, MMA fans are preparing for the holidays and are already starting to make plans and projections for the coming year. And at SUPER LUTAS it's no different. Right at Christmas, our reporting team listed the gifts that sports lovers would like to receive from Brazilian UFC fighters in 2026.
With the 'Brazilian Squad' still going strong in the UFC, it will be up to its main representatives to delight the fans. It's worth noting that, at the moment, Alex Poatan and Mackenzie Dern are the only Brazilian professionals to hold the title of champion in the world's largest MMA organization.
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Charles, champion of everything.
It's no secret that Charles Oliveira is one of the most decorated, popular, and beloved fighters in MMA. And, despite already having a vast history in the UFC and in the sport, the Brazilian could expand his legacy. Currently, the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) of the company is preparing to face Max Holloway , former featherweight champion (up to 65,8 kg) and current holder of the BMF title (baddest motherfucker in the company), in March. In fact, the clash between the legends of the sport is a rematch.
Therefore, Charles has the chance to get revenge on Holloway and, consequently, win the symbolic UFC belt, something he has always coveted. And it doesn't stop there. If he wins, the Brazilian will be in a comfortable position to compete for the division title again. Since champion Ilia Topuria stepped aside to resolve personal issues, the company has decided that Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will fight for the interim belt.
Therefore, many are hoping that Charles will overcome Holloway, Gaethje will knock out Pimblett, Topuria will take a long time to return, and Arman Tsarukyan will continue to be ignored by the UFC so that the veterans can have a rematch for the undisputed lightweight title. It's worth remembering that in 2022, the Brazilian, as champion of the division, submitted the American in the first round. Thus, this would be the perfect scenario for the division and one of the greatest gifts for fans in 2026: Charles with both the BMF and undisputed titles.
Poatan versus Jones and with the 3rd belt
Poatan focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Renowned striker Alex Poatan has made history in kickboxing and the UFC, and he could achieve a unique and special feat in the organization. The Brazilian is already part of the select hall of double champions in the company. However, the veteran is not satisfied and has the chance to become the first fighter to win the belt in three different weight classes in the company.
Alex Poatan was the middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), began his second reign in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), and has already stated his desire to venture into the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). In fact, in that category, the athlete could headline superfights. A star of the company, the Brazilian constantly makes public his desire to face Jon Jones at UFC Casa Branca in June. Another possible scenario is Alex fighting Ciryl Gane for the interim title while Tom Aspinall , the undisputed champion, remains sidelined due to an eye injury caused by the Frenchman.
It's true that Dana White revealed he wasn't a fan of the idea of Poatan migrating to the UFC heavyweight division. However, the Brazilian seems willing to test himself in search of challenges and to solidify himself as the biggest name in the history of the sport. Therefore, the athlete has the chance to reward fans in two ways: by making the super fight against Jones a reality and by competing for a third different belt in the company.
Pantoja finishes off Van in return.
Pantoja backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Alexandre Pantoja suffered one of the toughest defeats involving a Brazilian fighter in 2025. In December, the veteran defended his UFC flyweight title (up to 57 kg) for the fifth time against Joshua Van , but suffered an elbow injury and had to withdraw from the fight. Unfortunately for him, he lost the bout and also saw his opponent become champion of the category.
Currently, Pantoja has no return date set, but Van has promised a rematch between them. The problem is Dana White, who has already stated he's inclined to announce a fight between the new champion and Tatsuro Taira in Japan. However, if the Brazilian's injury isn't serious, his return could happen at the beginning of the season and, who knows, maybe even for the title against the fighter who defeated him. This would be a great gift for fans in 2026: seeing the veteran return fully recovered in a rematch against Van and winning by submission.
Lioness reclaims belt and defends it in Brazil.
Amanda proudly displays her UFC belts. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
It's official! The 2026 season marks Amanda Nunes ' return to MMA. At UFC 324, scheduled for January 24th, the Brazilian will challenge Kayla Harrison , the bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg), a category she dominated for years. The highly anticipated encounter has the status of a super fight, as both athletes are considered two of the best fighters of today and also of all time in the sport.
Interestingly, Amanda and Kayla trained at the same gym, 'American Top Team', and a rivalry developed. Now, the pair will settle their differences. In the fight, the Brazilian has the opportunity to add another big name in MMA to her record. If she wins and becomes bantamweight champion again, fans are already hoping that the Bahia native will make her first title defense in Brazil against Norma Dumont , ranked third.
Fringe becomes champion and seeks rematch in Brazil.
Diego Lopes backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Diego Lopes had the chance to become the UFC featherweight champion (up to 65,8 kg) in 2025, he didn't manage it, but he made a triumphant comeback. In September, the Brazilian recovered by knocking out Jean Silva in a true battle. Now, the athlete has been scheduled by the company to once again compete for the category title against champion Alexander Volkanovski , who defeated him on January 31st.
And Diego has no shortage of confidence, as he assured that he has learned from the mistakes of the first fight. So much so that, to win the featherweight belt and avenge his tormentor, 'Franja' promised to be aggressive in the rematch. If the athlete manages to become UFC champion, Brazilian fans are already rooting for him to defend the division title in the country and against an old acquaintance.
Knocked out by Diego, Jean doesn't hide his desire for a rematch and asserts that the outcome of the new duel will be different. On January 24th, the Brazilian faces Arnold Allen and has the chance to move from tenth to sixth place in the rankings. Therefore, the Fighting Nerds academy member would be close to competing for the belt and, being an exciting and popular athlete, could surpass the competition.
Honorable mention
Cyborg's farewell match against Ronda
Cyborg celebrates victory at the PFL. Photo: Reproduction/X/PFL
The 2026 season will be Cris Cyborg 's last in MMA. A legend of the sport, the 40-year-old Brazilian announced her decision in December and revealed that she intends to focus on boxing. In fact, the PFL featherweight champion has already been competing in boxing.
Venturing into the ring since 2022, Cyborg is undefeated and often challenges big names like Claressa Shields . Interestingly, an old acquaintance has reappeared on the Brazilian's radar. Having not fought since 2016, Ronda Rousey has returned to training and has been linked to a possible boxing match against the legendary multi-champion Katie Taylor.
Therefore, the rumor involving the UFC Hall of Famer in boxing was all Cyborg needed. Since the Brazilian is a long-time rival of Ronda and hasn't given up on facing her, there's a possibility, however remote, that the long-awaited MMA encounter could happen in the noble art and, who knows, end her career in a memorable way.
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