A fun Featherweight fight has been added to the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) card of 2026.
No. 6-ranked Featherweight Arnold Allen will not be moving up to Lightweight as previously hinted.
Instead, he’ll throw down with Brazilian madman and No. 11-ranked contender Jean Silva at UFC 324 on Sat., Jan. 24, 2026, inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
MMAFighting was first to report the news.
Unfortunately, Allen (20-3) did not compete this year; however, he snapped his two-fight losing streak last year at UFC 304, earning a unanimous decision win over Giga Chikadze. Before returning to the win column, “Almighty” dropped a razor-close fight to Movsar Evloev and then a unanimous decision to Max Holloway in his second main event appearance.
He’ll now look to defend his Top 10 ranking against one of the division’s most dangerous rising contenders.
Silva (16-3) aims to rebound after suffering his first UFC loss in September, when Diego Lopes stopped him at Noche UFC 3 (watch highlights). Prior to the setback, “Lord” was on an absolute tear, finishing everyone in sight — including Bryce Mitchell (watch highlights), Drew Dober, and Charles Jourdain.
Only one other bout has been announced for UFC 324 so far: a Light Heavyweight clash between Nikita Krylov and Modestas Bukauskas. Expect more additions soon.
To checkout UFC’s upcoming schedule of events click here.
