2026 Combat Sports Promotional Draft: Who are the biggest stars in combat sports?

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off tonight in Pittsburgh. It’s a fun and hopeful time in the world of the NFL, where for at least one night, franchises can look to the future and dream of a better tomorrow. There’s nothing like it in MMA. So, many years ago, we here at MMA Fighting decided to change all that.

For the last five years, MMA Fighting has circled the wagons like the Buffalo Bills and divvied up the biggest stars in combat sports across the premier promotions in the game. And it’s time to do

it again. Welcome to the 5th annual MMA Fighting Promotional Draft!

If you don’t remember how it all works, the concept is simple: Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, Damon Martin, and Jed Meshew each take the reins of one of the top combat sports promotions in the world, and then draft their choice of fighters to build the franchise around. Once it’s all said and done, the fine readers of MMAFighting.com determine who has assembled the best collection of talent.

Let’s briefly run down the rules as a reminder.

All fighters are eligible to be drafted, and drafting a fighter locks them into a five-year contract with the organization.
Getting a fighter under contract does not mean the fighter has to fight for that organization; they just cannot compete for any other organization. This rule is especially important this year, as it means the end of all the niceties between the RAF and UFC.
The draft is seven rounds, mirroring the NFL draft, and at the end of the exercise, any fighter who goes undrafted reverts to the company they are currently under contract with.

Last year, the MMA promotions were BKFC, PFL, the UFC, and the upstart GFL promotion. Uhhh, that didn’t work out so hot. So, as has been the case every year we’ve done this, we’ve once again shuffled the deck, relegating GFL to the developmental league, and elevating the new kid on the block, Real American Freestyle!

All general managers have been randomly reassigned to new organizations, with Jed Meshew helming RAF, Damon Martin taking over the PFL, Mike Heck running BKFC, and Alexander K. Lee becoming the new Dana White. As the newest member of the team, RAF has the first pick, then PFL, then BKFC, with the UFC ending each round.

Got it? Good. Let the 2026 MMA Fighting Promotional Draft commence!

Round 1

RAF: Arman Tsarukyan

Meshew: As the new kids on the block, RAF is thrilled to be invited to such a storied and wonderful spectacle like the Promotional Draft, and we hope to bring the same sort of fast-paced excitement that we’ve brought to the combat sports world in our brief lifetime.

With that in mind, RAF firmly believes in following the “dance with the girl who brought you” policy of promotion building, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without Arman Tsarukyan. The man headlines every other card for us, and we’re happy to make things official with Arman. We think we’ll be very happy together.

PFL: Islam Makhachev

Martin: First off, we are finally rebranding, so from here on out, the PFL is known as FIGHTS. Yes, just FIGHTS.

And with our first selection, we know that name value and star power matter a lot in this sport, but you also can’t ignore talent, and that’s why we are taking the best of all worlds with our first pick. That’s none other than the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport — Islam Makhachev. He’s got everything you could want to represent an organization, especially as we kick off the FIGHTS era.

BKFC: Ilia Topuria

Heck: We need headlines. We need a spark, and we’ve made one with arguably the UFC’s current biggest star.

It also doesn’t hurt that he’s one of the best and most exciting fighters in the world right now. On a roster that’s lacking real star power these days, having “El Matador” bring the UFC lightweight title over to BKFC gives us the most street cred we’ve ever had. Now, to figure out who he can fight.

UFC: Mike Perry

Lee: Traditionally, whoever has the UFC as their promotion has had to play defense, desperately clinging on to champions and marquee fighters in a desperate attempt to stem the rising tide.

No more. Our new motto is “attack, attack, attack,” and if that means letting some malcontents and barely active fighters go, then so be it. In their absence, we’re happy to bring back a young man who made a name for himself in the octagon and went on to become the face of BKFC: Mike Perry. Welcome home.

Round 2

RAF: Khamzat Chimaev

Meshew: Arman Tsarukyan is the straw that stirs the drink for us here at RAF, but the man needs a running mate. And who better to fill that role than his good friend, the current (now former) UFC middleweight champion, Khamzat Chimaev! We’ve yet to actually see “Borz” on the RAF mats, but we just asked him to come over, and he said yes, and we’re very excited about the possibilities, so we’re locking this down early.

PFL FIGHTS: Alex Pereira

Martin: From the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter to quite possibly one of the most electric athletes in combat sports today, Alex Pereira.

A man who can fight across three divisions and demolish the competition, and he needs to say nothing more than “Chama” after delivering another jaw-rattling knockout. Heavyweight may be on life support in many other promotions, but with Pereira anchoring that division in FIGHTS, we are confident in the future.

BKFC: Conor McGregor

Heck: McGregor could not be more grateful to be out of his UFC contract, and now he can compete in one of the biggest fights ever in combat sports. “The Notorious” makes his return to action, takes the gloves off, and will headline BKFC KnuckleMania 6.5 in Dublin, Ireland, against Ilia Topuria to crown a NEW “King of Violence” champion.

Things just got very real, and a message has been sent to the rest of the fighting world.

UFC: Dakota Ditcheva

Lee: Out with the old, in with the new!

With respect to the fine, hard-working women on our current roster, there’s a distinct lack of buzz around the bantamweights, flyweights, and strawweight divisions. It’s not a stretch at all to say that the most talked-about female prospect of the past five years is PFL’s Dakota Ditcheva, and guess what? She’s ours now.

Round 3

RAF: Gable Steveson

Meshew: Man, everything is coming up RAF right now. When I put together my big board, Arman, Khamzat, and Gable were the three names at the top, as they are all big stars with big potential, and fit what we do here. Frankly, I didn’t think I’d get all three of them, and we’re ecstatic to have yet another Olympic gold medalist under the RAF banner. High-profile matchups with Abdulrashid Sadulaev, Wyatt Hendrickson, and others await.

PFL FIGHTS: Sean Strickland

Martin: Like it or not, FIGHTS needs to draw a crowd, and few fighters drum up more emotion in this sport than Sean Strickland.

Love him or hate him, Strickland evokes serious emotions from anybody who watches him or listens to him talk for more than about two minutes. Sure, Strickland isn’t always the most exciting fighter on the planet, but neither was Georges St-Pierre, and people adored him. Strickland definitely isn’t GSP, but he’s got a massive following, and that counts for a lot in this sport!

BKFC: Brock Lesnar

Heck: Like I said, we’re here to make headlines. You think this does the trick?

After “retiring” from WWE at WrestleMania (we know he probably has one more match ahead of him, and he’ll be allowed to take part as part of this historic contract), Lesnar is now a massive free agent. “The Beast” does not love to get hit; we are aware of that, so we will be strategic in how we matchmake.

But then again, the phone is ringing!

UFC: Wyatt Hendrickson

Lee: Why get Steveson when you can get the man who beat Steveson? 2025 NCAA national champion Wyatt Hendrickson!

Listen, it may seem wrong to force a talented wrestler to mix the martial arts, but Hendrickson has actually expressed interest in cagefighting someday, so why don’t we just skip the whole RAF and Olympic portion of his career and get right down to it? The UFC PI is all yours, Mr. Hendrickson.

Round 4

RAF: Josh Hokit

Meshew: WHAT?!?!?!?!

I’m reeling. Of all the names I thought might be in danger, Big Wyatt was not one of them. The Gable pick certainly lost some steam now, so it’s time to call an audible. If AK is going to take one of my heavyweights, I’m just going to have to take one of his to refill the coffers. “The Incredible Hok” is the hottest name in the heavyweight division right now, and not only does he bring the promotional energy we want, but he’s already tried to beef with Gable.

Take that, UFC!

PFL FIGHTS: Eddie Hall

Martin: As the new FIGHTS era starts, we need a big draw for our debut event, and there’s not much bigger than booking a former Strongman like Eddie Hall against Alex Pereira in the main event. Hall may not be the most skilled fighter, but he’s like 350 pounds of pure muscle, and he may not last more than three minutes in a fight, but it’s going to be an exhilarating experience until he either flattens somebody or passes out from exhaustion.

BKFC: Justin Gaethje

Heck: I’m reeling right now. BKFC was going to take Eddie Hall and build to a superfight with Brock Lesnar down the line. So with that excitement no longer possible, let’s pivot to a man that many consider to be the most exciting in the history of MMA: Justin Gaethje.

Not only does Gaethje fit in with the BKFC vibe, but we’ve got a few obvious matchups already on the roster. First up will be the winner of Topuria vs. McGregor, meaning BKFC is set as we move into our post-Perry era. And, we just stole the White House main event.

UFC: Francis Ngannou

Lee: Perry isn’t the only ex-UFC star we’re bringing back.

Francis Ngannou, don’t worry about any of that Dana White beef. I’m in charge now, and I guarantee you the TKO overlords will be happy to have you back. I argue Ngannou is still the biggest name in heavyweight MMA, and as for who we plan to match him up with… to be continued.

Round 5

RAF: Kayla Harrison

Meshew: The late rounds are where you draft for value, and what could be more valuable than a two-time Olympic gold medalist? I know judo and wrestling aren’t the same, but it’s close enough for what we’re trying to do as we build women’s wrestling, and there are obvious matchups with some of our other female talent on the roster. Helen Maroulis vs. Kayla Harrison, gold medalist vs. gold medalist. Let’s go!

PFL FIGHTS: Paddy Pimblett

Martin: One thing that the organization formerly known as the PFL managed to do well was build a solid following internationally with the European series of events. So with a focus on massive, marquee events, few fighters on Earth could draw a bigger crowd in England than Paddy the Baddy.

He’s a magnetic personality, and despite a loss to Justin Gaethje in his last outing, Pimblett still has plenty of room to grow. We’ll let him flourish at FIGHTS while packing in sold-out crowds at the same time!

BKFC: Jon Jones

Heck: After getting off the phone with Lesnar’s advocate, Paul Heyman, he had a message to send to me and the rest of the fighting universe.

“The Beast wants to fight The GOAT. Make it happen.”

Well, Mr. Heyman, we’ve done exactly that. Headlining BKFC KnuckleMania 6 3/4: Season’s Beatings, the weekend before Christmas, our main event is set as Brock Lesnar faces Jon Jones in a battle of former UFC heavyweight champions.

UFC: Cédric Doumbé

Lee: Seriously, where has Cédric Doumbé been?

I’m assuming the nefarious PFL (apologies, FIGHTS) has been unable to get on the same page with its biggest international star, so the always magnanimous UFC will do both parties a favor and solve the problem for them. Doumbé joins a welterweight division in need of a shake-up and gives us an automatic blockbuster headliner anytime we decide to visit the City of Light.

Round 6

RAF: Khabib Nurmagomedov

Meshew: OK, I love how my draft is unfolding right now. I’m getting all the people I want, and only losing a few I’d like. So now it’s time to take a risk. We can’t get Islam Makhachev like we wanted, but maybe we can get someone even better.

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired after the tragic death of his father, Abdulmanap, swearing to his mother that he would never fight again. But here’s the thing, wrestling isn’t fighting! “The Eagle” may not lace up the gloves ever again, but perhaps we could get him to put his books back on and have some fun. And if we can, he’d be a steal of a pick.

It’s entirely possible this doesn’t work out for us, but we here at RAF dare to dream big.

PFL FIGHTS: Joe Rogan

Martin: Not to keep repeating the same thing over and over again, FIGHTS needs to draw a crowd, and that’s going to require extra support than just the new TV deal we’re going to sign by the end of 2026. Joe Rogan provides us with a lot of opportunities not only as a color commentator, but he hosts the biggest podcast on Earth, and imagine him sitting between Alex Pereira and Eddie Hall prior to our “Battle of the Monsters” event.

Plus, Rogan has President Donald Trump on speed dial, so if we ever need to figure out some visa problems, he’s going to be a key asset for the entire organization!

BKFC: Jiri Prochazka

Heck: There’s no room for mercy in the BKFC squared circle, and we feel Jiri Prochazka needs to go back to his roots and get a fresh coat of paint.

He’s been painted in the UFC corner of the room for far too long, and “BJP” has lost his edge. Prochazka will have run of the land — fights at middleweight, light heavyweight, even heavyweight. Prochazka fits our message very well, and we’re officially announcing that Prochazka will make his official debut at BKFCSea: The Bruise Cruise on Jan. 23.

In the meantime, Prochazka will serve as color commentator, host, and ring announcer for select events.

UFC: Kennedy Blades

Lee: RAF, I swear it’s not personal.

I’ve always been a proponent of turning the women’s bantamweight division into 135-and-up, opening the door for the likes of Cris Cyborg, Gabi Garcia, and whoever else doesn’t have time to worry about pesky weight-cutting rules. Blades, who competed at 168 pounds when she won silver at the Olympics, will be the face of this new super division, an athlete with the “It” factor and the ability to suplex other women on their heads.

Round 7

RAF: Bo Nickal

Meshew: Alexander K. Lee is a terrorist. He’s personally attacking me, and I don’t care for it. RAF is just starting to find our footing, and the Big Bad UFC man is trying to throttle us before we even stand up. Fie! Fie on you!

And, I’ll be honest, I don’t have any great names left to draft. There are plenty of people I could try to convince to come to RAF — Ronda Rousey, Aaron Pico, Daniel Cormier — but honestly, I don’t have high hopes for most of them. So, let’s end with a whimper and take a man who may never have moved into MMA in the first place were RAF around years ago: Bo Nickal. We already have a relationship with Bo, and we’re going to pair him with Chael Sonnen to do his talking for him, meaning we can build him up to be a cornerstone of the promotion.

PFL FIGHTS: Abdulrashid Sadulaev

Martin: The international flavor for FIGHTS rounds out our draft with arguably the best wrestler of the past 20 years, with two-time Olympic gold medalist Abdulrashid Sadulaev joining our ranks. Sadulaev has spent time training with Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team in the past, and he might be the single greatest prospect to ever crossover into MMA. With FIGHTS taking cards across Europe and other international territories, Sadulaev is going to command a crowd, and we’ll also support him in his efforts to become a three-time Olympic champion in 2028.

Plus if he can even remotely throw hands, Sadulaev is going to be a problem for anyone fighting at heavyweight all the way down to middleweight. That’s an investment worth making!

BKFC: Eric Bischoff

Heck: I know this is an off-the-board selection, but hear me out.

BKFC has taken, arguably, the most important piece to RAF’s success to this point, the man who helped WCW crush the WWE in the ratings for 83 weeks, the man who is the main producer of RAF events, Eric Bischoff.

If you’ve watched our events this year — especially this past KnuckleMania card, we’ve lost our way a little bit when it comes to one of the main things that has kept us on the map for so long: The pacing and production of our cards. KnuckleMania was a disaster, quite frankly, in that regard. The card took FOREVER, and the fans were not thrilled about it. We’ve heard you loud and clear, fans. Now, we have the man who understands that pacing and keeping things moving is a MUST for combat sports fans, which is why RAF shows so well on television and in the arenas.

We’re going back to our no-downtime ways. Fight to fight to fight with very little in between, the BKFC you’ve always loved is so back!

UFC: Deontay Wilder

Lee: Deontay Wilder is coming off a spirited win over Derek Chisora, and while that would be a lovely capper to the hard-hitting American’s fighting career, I still think we can work something out before he hangs up the gloves for good.

Maybe the rules will have to be modified, but I’m not passing up on making Ngannou vs. Wilder happen under the UFC banner, and I doubt many fight fans would either.

Final draft results:

RAF (Jed Meshew)