With June coming to a close, we find ourselves at the halfway mark of the year, and what a rollercoaster it's been in the UFC Octagon. The first half of 2026 has already set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable year in mixed martial arts.
The "Paramount Era" of the UFC began in January, ushering in a new chapter with Justin Gaethje claiming the interim lightweight title against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. Just five months later, Gaethje celebrated again, this time as the new undisputed UFC lightweight champion, famously executing a backflip off the Octagon while the White House loomed in the background. It’s been a thrilling first half of the year for fans and fighters alike.
The action-packed bouts, remarkable athletes, outstanding moments, and historic milestones have defined these six months. In light of all this, CBS Sports’ combat sports experts gathered to discuss six standout stories from the first half of the UFC calendar.
Gaethje for Fighter of the Year: A Done Deal?
Although there’s still half a year remaining for contenders to emerge, it seems all but certain that Justin Gaethje will take home the Fighter of the Year title, easily fitting next to his newly acquired lightweight championship.
Gaethje's journey began with a commanding performance against Paddy Pimblett, winning the interim title in what many called an entertaining showdown. While fans praised Gaethje’s skills, the match also highlighted concerns about Pimblett’s readiness for title contention, considering he seemed somewhat overrated.
Fast forward to UFC Freedom 250 where Gaethje secured an emotionally charged victory over elite fighter Ilia Topuria, clinching the undisputed championship that had eluded him twice before. This win only elevated his stature; even Pimblett gained recognition for his toughness due to the intensity of their mutual competition. Given Gaethje’s achievements, it’s hard to envision another fighter catching up to him for this prestigious accolade unless they deliver standout performances in the latter half of the year.
Even Sean Strickland, who nabbed a significant victory over Khamzat Chimaev, faces an uphill battle despite being a two-time champion. Similarly, Josh Hokit is seeing a solid year but is currently falling short of championship-level competition. His recent win against Derrick Lewis, who appeared to lack engagement in the match, doesn’t help his cause.
Should anyone else be in the conversation with Gaethje by the end of the year, they will have made a significant impact in these final months. -- Brent Brookhouse
Race for Fight of the Year Heating Up
While recency bias often clouds End-of-Year awards, 2026 has already set a high bar that will be tough to surpass. The first standout came in March when Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hokit delivered an unexpected heavyweight clash that many deem the most exciting since Mark Hunt faced Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva. Both fighters exchanged nearly 400 strikes over 15 minutes, resulting in serious injuries that sent them both to the hospital. This bout elevated Hokit from relative obscurity to a top-five heavyweight contender.
It’s no wonder Gaethje continues to headline the Fight of the Year discussions. Previously honored in 2017, 2018, and 2021, he has once again made his case with a thrilling title showdown against Max Holloway, which earned the 2024 President's Choice for Fight of the Year.
However, this year, his biggest competition may end up being himself. Gaethje commenced the Paramount Era with a striking five-round decision win over Pimblett, and many believe he topped that five months later. In June, he unleashed a memorable performance against Topuria, overcoming a challenging second round where he was knocked down but fighting back to clinch a decisive win. With the implication that he might retire soon, this victory carried even greater weight. Amidst self-doubt and the challenge of facing younger opponents, Gaethje's resilience shone through, producing an unforgettable moment epitomized by the iconic backflip in front of the White House after a hard-fought battle.
Some images from this electrifying fight should surely be enshrined in MMA history. -- Shakiel Mahjouri
