UFC 2026 Half-Year Awards: The Fights That Stole the Show
Fan-voted mid-year awards spotlight five fights that defined 2026 so far, with Makhachev and Jones leading the charge.
Fan-voted mid-year awards spotlight five fights that defined 2026 so far, with Makhachev and Jones leading the charge.
The UFC has unveiled its 2026 mid-year awards, and the fights that made the cut aren’t just good—they’re the ones that kept fans glued to screens all year. The fan-voted list highlights five standout battles that defined the first half of 2026, with Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones anchoring a year packed with blockbusters. The awards spotlight five fights that topped fan ballots, each a war of attrition or a technical masterclass.
3 million pay-per-view buys, the highest non-title gate of 2026. Jones, meanwhile, ended a two-year retirement with a first-round guillotine over Stipe Miocic in January, a submission that earned Fight of the Night honors. The other three entries—Dustin Poirier vs.
Michael Chandler in Tokyo, Leon Edwards vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov in London, and Amanda Nunes vs. 8 million buys and delivered finishes inside the distance.
2 million ballots cast across UFC Fight Pass and social platforms. The results reflect a year where knockouts and submissions weren’t just outcomes—they were statements. Makhachev’s trilogy opener set the tone for 2026’s relentless pace, while Jones’ return proved age is just a number when the cardio’s dialed in.
’ The awards, UFC officials noted, aren’t just about crowning winners—they’re about spotlighting the fights that shape title chases and legacy narratives. What’s next: The awards feed directly into UFC’s end-of-year ballot, where the same fights will compete for 2026’s top honors. Title eliminators for Makhachev and Jones are penciled in for November, setting up a potential superfight that could rewrite the pound-for-pound hierarchy. Read at UFC.com News
Mid-year awards give fans a direct line to shape the UFC’s narrative, turning five fights into potential title-shot springboards. The 2026 slate—packed with finishes and superstars—proves the UFC’s ability to deliver marquee moments year-round, not just at year-end. These awards aren’t just trophies; they’re the fuel for title chases, legacy debates, and the next wave of super fights.
UFC.com Newsufc.comBy By E. Spencer KyteJul 2, 1:00 PMen
UFC.com Newsufc.comBy By E. Spencer KyteJul 1, 1:00 PMen
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