The Prowling UFC Predators of 2026
An apex predator is what nature uses as the perfect tool for balance. However, all predators age, and as they do, another will seek its place to maintain this balance. The UFC is no different, and as 2026 begins, the fight for division dominance unfolds. In this fight, the fighters Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong face each other at UFC 324. Song is currently fifth in the Bantamweight Division, and a win here could mean a closer shot at the title since he was listed as eighth in 2023. At the Lightweight Division, Dan Hooker faces Benoît Saint Denis in UFC 325, where Denis could usurp Hooker to further his path into the top five. This is likely, considering he is coming off a winning streak going into 2026. However, time will only tell if this former French Army officer will move up in the rankings.
The Middleweight Division will see its share of action too, in February, as Anthony Hernandez could find a victory over Sean Strickland. UFC Fight Night on the 21st of that month is interesting in that the fight card could see development of its lineup. The fight of Strickland vs. Hernandez has the fighters at third and fourth, respectively, in the rankings. This almost makes it not just an underdog fight but a prelude to a title shot if Strickland can win. Overall, UFC Fight Nights help shape the rankings of the UFC and prepare underdogs for the title shots that these men eventually fight for. The men will not be the only ones to see underdog stories form, because women like Erin Blanchfield recently moved up in the top five of the Women’s Flyweight Division. Her takedown defence is currently higher than the average at 78% with a record of 14-2-0. This could be what led her to claim victory while grappling to secure four submissions in her time with the UFC.
The UFC is vast too, with 12 Divisions total, but not so vast to see the Women’s Strawweight Division Loopy Godinez is sitting sixth after winning many fights under her belt. Hopefully, 2026 will see her past work rewarded with more shots at upcoming fight cards yet to be determined. It would be beneficial to UFC to do so due to her long fight times, making it worth the spectator viewership, and great defense work on the ground. Also, she has racked up 2025 with two solid wins. Both came with unanimous decisions, and both went three full five-minute rounds with no slowing down. Underdogs are chosen because of that tenacity to go the distance, and with these fighters, it's probable that they will. After all, predators are the perfect way for the UFC to continue to be in balance.
