2025 saw many fighters enter the UFC rankings for the first time, and while not all became immediate contenders, they set themselves up for a big 2026.
The latest of them was featherweight Kevin Vallejos, who knocked out Giga Chikadze in last month’s ESPN swan song, and the following three fighters could join him this year.
Next opponent: #13 Nikita Krylov, UFC 324
Believe it or not, Modestas Bukauskas is actually in his second UFC stint. He was raw during his first promotional tenure, and it showed in his record. After a sensational knockout in his debut, he lost three straight and was released.
That did not deter “The Baltic Gladiator”, however, as he rebuilt himself in the regional circuit to earn a second chance. A knockout loss to Vitor Petrino thankfully did not become the beginning of another end, as he has won four straight since. The highlight of that streak so far has been sending Paul Graig to retirement.
Now, Bukauskas has his highest-profile opponent yet. Nikita Krylov is a veteran who is also on his second stint, and a win over him will bolster the former Cage Warriors champion’s title prospects.
Next opponent: #12 Roman Dolidze, UFC Fight Night 270
Speaking of former Cage Warriors champions, Christian Leroy Duncan is another name to watch. Currently on a three-win streak, he is also coming off consecutive bonus-winning spinning attack knockouts that have made him a highlight-reel machine.
Dolidze is a veteran who has shared the cage with a who’s who of people, like former title challengers Marvin Vettori and Anthony Smith. A win over him should propel “CLD” to a step just behind the elites.
Next opponent: NR Montserrat Rendon, UFC Fight Night 269
Beatriz Mesquita is a no-brainer to top this list given the dearth of fresh names at women’s bantamweight.
As mentioned before, “Bia” is an enigma among prospects. At 34 years of age, she is further from her physical peak than most. Yet at the same time, she is still a neophyte in MMA despite her jiujitsu credentials, with just six fights to her name.
There is no guarantee as to whether Kayla Harrison will still be champion when Mesquita becomes a top contender, but it will be tantalizing if it happens.
There are clearly many other fighters who are expected to break out and through and enter the rankings as 2026 continues, though not in the first quarter.
Among them is flyweight Carli Judice, who has proven herself to be quite the action fighter in her first three UFC fights. Coming off two straight bonus-winning knockouts, she will look to continue her momentum against The Ultimate Fighter 30 winner Juliana Miller.
These four names should hopefully be joined by many more in the months to come.
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