Two major middleweight clashes could headline UFC 326 in Las Vegas. Max Holloway will defend his BMF title against Charles Oliveira on March 7. The card is quickly taking shape as the first quarter of 2026 approaches, and UFC aims to stack big fights for the event.
Middleweight contenders line up
Khamzat Chimaev plans to leave the middleweight division soon after reclaiming the title in August. Several contenders still hope to challenge the undefeated champion, but only a strong performance in upcoming bouts will secure them a shot. Chimaev has already named Nassourdine Imavov as his next opponent, making it unlikely anyone else will take that fight. Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez, set to headline a Fight Night in Houston on February 21, may aim for a future title opportunity.
Caio Borralho vs Reinier de Ridder and Paulo Costa vs Brunno Ferreira
Multiple fighters near the title picture reportedly joined UFC 326. Leo Guimaraes reported on December 14 that the card will feature two middleweight bouts: Reinier de Ridder against Caio Borralho, and Paulo Costa versus Brunno Ferreira. Both de Ridder and Borralho could have been the next title challenger if they had won their previous fights instead of suffering their first UFC losses. Brunno Ferreira, after defeating Marvin Vettori at UFC 323, appears set to return to Las Vegas. He reportedly requested a ranked opponent at 185 pounds, and UFC seems to have matched him with former title challenger Paulo Costa. Costa recently broke a two-fight skid at UFC 318 by defeating Roman Kopylov.
Another Brazilian star joins the card
Reports from Leo Guimaraes also mention Renato Moicano facing Brian Ortega in the lightweight division on March 7. Each of the four fights reported or officially announced so far for UFC 326 features at least one top Brazilian fighter. UFC clearly aims to showcase several Brazilian stars in Las Vegas alongside Holloway and Oliveira’s headline clash.
