MMA Fighting’s 2026 Fight of the Midyear: 2 all-time battles share top spot

Key Points:

• The MMA Fighting panel named two fights as the best of mid-2026: Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria at UFC White House and Josh Hokit vs. Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327, both delivering unforgettable moments inside the octagon.
• Justin Gaethje achieved a historic upset by defeating Ilia Topuria to become the undisputed lightweight champion, a victory he described as his “Miracle on Ice” moment, while Topuria showed resilience despite a critical mistake in Round 2.
• Josh Hokit shocked fans and UFC CEO Dana White by engaging in a brutal, back-and-forth battle with Curtis Blaydes, ultimately earning a decision win that marked one of the greatest heavyweight fights in UFC history.
• Joshua Van defended his flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328 in a thrilling slugfest, culminating in a fifth-round TKO, setting up a highly anticipated rematch with Alexandre Pantoja that could also be a top fight of the year.
• The first half of 2026 showcased a mix of traditional brawls and technical battles, with several fights already cementing their place as classics and promising an exciting remainder of the year for UFC fans.