The Professional Fighters’ League (PFL) has begun a new era. On Tuesday, the world’s second most-prominent mixed martial arts organization released its first-ever rankings, completing its transition from the old tournament format.
Some of the leading fighters are no surprise, like Usman Nurmagomedov, Vadim Nemkov, and Dakota Ditcheva. Meanwhile, a pleasant surprise is Sergio Pettis leading the bantamweight rankings – a remarkable turnaround from when he used to hover in the UFC’s flyweight midpack.
In light of this development, here are three fights that must happen in the promotion in 2026.
Timur Khizriev is not exactly a household name in the United States, but he is arguably the best featherweight outside the UFC. He has not fought since winning the PFL featherweight final in 2024, but it is not for lack of effort, as he was hospitalized after a shooting in his native Dagestan.
“Imam” has since spent the time recovering, but a big name should await him. AJ McKee made a triumphant return to 145 just five days after Khizriev was attacked, taking a decision against Akhmed Magomedov. He next draws Adam Borics in March, and there is only one logical next move for whoever wins: a title shot against the PFL’s No. 1 featherweight.
In hindsight, the injury that took Dakota Ditcheva out of this week’s event in Dubai was a blessing in disguise. A fighter of her reputation deserved better than a middling fellow kickboxing convert who has not fought in over two years.
“Better” in this case means Liz Carmouche, the winner of the last women’s flyweight tournament. It will be the ultimate test of Ditcheva’s career: a gritty, smothering wrestle-boxer with plenty of big-fight experience. If she wins this, especially convincingly, then it may leave the UFC as the only place left that is worth conquering.
This is it. This is the one fight that the PFL, especially its new batch of executives led by CEO John Martin, will constantly pray for.
Francis Ngannou has not fought since demolishing Renan Ferreira in October 2024, ostensibly preferring to focus on his executive role in PFL’s African offshoot. His inactivity, however, has been gradually hurting both his and the promotion’s brand.
Vadim Nemkov wants this fight; now it is time for Ngannou to reciprocate the interest. If the new PFL wants to immediately position itself as a near-peer competitor to the UFC, then it needs to get this booked.
2026 promises to be a landmark year for the PFL.
This week alone in Dubai, Nurmagomedov defends the lightweight title against Alfie Davis, while the inaugural welterweight strap will be up for grabs between Ramazan Kuramagomedov and Shamil Musaev. As a bonus, Abdoul “Lazy King” Abdouragimov, one of MMA’s top prospects, will also be in action.
In March, the PFL will become the first major MMA organization to visit Spain. Besides McKee-Borics, that card also boasts Spanish-descended Costello van Steenis defending the middleweight title in a rematch against Fabian Edwards. Former Bellator challengers Alexandr Shabliy and Linton Vassell will also compete.
Finally, around a week after that, former The Ultimate Fighter winner Bryan Battle gets his highest-profile assignment yet: former champion Johnny Eblen in Pittsburgh. Another former champion in Impa Kasanganay, will also be in action, drawing highly-touted Dalton Rosta.
That being said, here is hoping that the three fights mentioned above happen at some point this year…
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