Main MMA Fights of August 2026

For MMA fans and sports betting enthusiasts, August 2026 is preparing a truly hot program. In the upcoming month, we will see the long-awaited UFC welterweight belt defense by Islam Makhachev, the return to the cage of Umar Nurmagomedov, a title fight in the UFC women's division, and the farewell match of the legendary Cris Cyborg. In this article, we have compiled for you a calendar of the main fights in August so that you don't miss anything.

Read the latest MMA predictions in a special section of our website.

Uroš Medić — Daniel Rodriguez (August 1, UFC Fight Night 283, Belgrade, Serbia)

The August MMA marathon will kick off with a heated confrontation in Belgrade, where two strong welterweights will clash. Uroš Medić is ranked 14th, while his opponent Daniel Rodriguez is hot on his heels, occupying the 15th position. The winner of this duel will be able to consolidate their position in the top-15 and expect bigger names in the near future.

Mateusz Gamrot — Quillan Salkild (August 9, UFC Fight Night 284, Las Vegas, USA)

In Las Vegas, we are in for an intriguing clash of styles in the lightweight division. Mateusz Gamrot enters the octagon with one goal — to prove his title race claims and confirm his status as a favorite. He will be opposed by the daring Quillan Salkild, known for his uncompromising fighting style and aggressive pressure. For Salkild, this meeting is the biggest chance of his career. Will the talented Australian fighter cope with such a level of opposition? We'll find out very soon.

Mackenzie Dern — Gillian Robertson (August 16, UFC 330, Philadelphia, USA)

The card of the tournament in Philadelphia will delight fans with a long-awaited women's title confrontation in the strawweight division. Mackenzie Dern will defend her championship belt for the first time. The dangerous contender Gillian Robertson, who ranks fourth in the division's best fighter rankings, will try to take the title from the American. Both athletes are famous for their excellent jiu-jitsu schools, so grappling fans will almost certainly get a true aesthetic pleasure from this battle.

Islam Makhachev — Ian Garry (August 16, UFC 330, Philadelphia, USA)

The main event of the same tournament in Philadelphia will be the battle for the belt in the welterweight division. Islam Makhachev will make his debut defense of his title, which he won in November 2025, defeating Jack Della Maddalena. The dominating champion will be opposed by one of the most vibrant and flamboyant prospects of the organization, Ian Garry. The Irishman ranks second in the rankings and gets his first chance to try on the championship gold. Can the young and daring Garryto pull off an upset? Or will the belt go back to Dagestan again?

Reinier de Ridder — Roman Dolidze (August 23, UFC Fight Night 285, Sacramento, USA)

Two top middleweights, whose careers are currently at a crossroads, will clash in Sacramento. Former double champion of the prestigious Asian promotion ONE, Reinier de Ridder, is eager to end a two-fight losing streak and get back into the title race. His opponent will be the strong Georgian fighter Roman Dolidze, who also finds himself on a two-fight losing streak. Therefore, this fight is extremely important for both fighters, as it seems their careers in the world's best league are reaching a moment of truth.

Anthony Hernandez — Gregory Rodrigues (August 23, UFC Fight Night 285, Sacramento, USA)

Anthony Hernandez is eager to get back on the winning track after a disappointing loss to Sean Strickland. Prior to this defeat, the American was on an impressive eight-fight winning streak and was just a step away from a title shot. His opponent, Gregory Rodrigues, on the other hand, is currently on a great run and has a streak of three consecutive victories. The Brazilian is ready to make a statement as a new contender for the top positions. The clash of two bright fighters will headline the event in Sacramento and is unlikely to go to a judges' decision.

Gadji Rabadanov — Jakub Kowalewicz (August 23, PFL, Tampa, USA)

Russian lightweight Gadji Rabadanov returns to the PFL cage at the event in Tampa. After last year's defeat in the Grand Prix final, the 33-year-old fighter successfully bounced back with a victory over Alexander Chizhov in May and is now leading the league's rankings. His opponent will be the dangerous 31-year-old Jakub Kowalewicz, who has yet to taste defeat in his professional career. The Pole has not previously faced opposition of this level. Therefore, it is extremely interesting to see how he will perform in a fight against one of the best lightweights in the world.

Cris Cyborg — Ketlen Vieira (August 23, PFL, Tampa, USA)

A women's title fight in the featherweight division will headline the PFL event in Tampa. Legendary champion Cris Cyborg will defend her belt against compatriot Ketlen Vieira, for whom this will be a debut under the league's banner. It's important to note that this fight will be the farewell in the great career of 40-year-old Cris. The former UFC, Bellator and Strikeforce champion is firmly intent on retiring as the queen of PFL. Will the young contender be able to spoil the legend's farewell evening, or will Cyborg leave the sport on a high note with a beautiful victory?

Umar Nurmagomedov — Song Yadong (August 29, UFC Fight Night 286, Shanghai, China)

The main event of the tournament in Shanghai will be an intriguing confrontation in the bantamweight division, where former title contender Umar Nurmagomedov will face local favorite Song Yadong. The Russian fighter approaches this meeting as aThe clear favorite, having made up for the annoying defeat from Merab Dvalishvili with two confident victories over Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo. Yadong has not been consistent in his recent performances, but underestimating him could cost any top division opponent dearly. In May, the Chinese athlete once again proved his danger, spectacularly finishing Figueiredo with a choking technique in the second round. For Song, this is the perfect opportunity to make a statement as a legitimate contender for the belt in front of his home crowd, while Nurmagomedov is firmly intent on reclaiming his right to the title fight.