UFC’s 2026 strategy: more violence – they’re done with boring fighters

The UFC enters 2026 with a clear message: entertainment matters. According to host and analyst Laura Sanko, the trend of cutting fighters who fail to deliver action-packed performances will continue this year, with the promotion placing more emphasis on finishes and aggressive fighting styles.

UFC done with boring fights: Laura Sanko on what will happen in 2026

“I believe the trend in favor of violence will continue,” Sanko said said. “There is a lot of discussion now about rewarding aggressive fighters, celebrating victories, and fighters who strive for those decisive results. There is a palpable feeling that with this new broadcast partnership we need to show viewers what real fighting is all about.”

The timing is significant. The UFC debuts on Decisive+ on January 24, 2026, at UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, featuring Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title. The seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal eliminates the pay-per-view model, making all 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights available to Paramount+ subscribers at no additional cost.

UFC will cut fighters who fail to take action in 2026

Recent roster decisions reflect this philosophy. In December 2025, the UFC parted ways with welterweight Rinat Fakhretdinov, despite his undefeated record of 6-0-1. Fakhretdinov had just scored a 54-second knockout over Andreas Gustafsson, but the promotion opted not to re-sign him after his contract expired.

Heavyweight Martin Buday suffered a similar fate. Despite a 7-1 UFC record and a No. 12 ranking, Buday was released in July 2025 after a unanimous decision win over Marcus Buchecha. Buday acknowledged that his fights did not have the finish the UFC wanted. “My fights may not be visually appealing to fans,” he admitted. “However, I will do whatever it takes to secure victory.”

The UFC also delisted heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik in February 2025 after a mediocre decision loss to Sergei Pavlovich, with UFC president Dana White calling the fight “terrible.” These actions indicate the promotion’s willingness to release even ranked fighters who fail to generate excitement.

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has publicly echoed this sentiment, offering advice to fighters from Russia and other non-English speaking regions. “Rinat is a talented fighter with impressive skills,” Makhachev said. “However, the UFC needs athletes who can generate revenue, and Rinat tends to focus solely on winning.”

“I tell my gym mates that the UFC doesn’t need fighters who simply win and stay silent,” Makhachev explained. “It’s critical to learn English, understand how to market yourself and engage with the audience. The American audience is excited about wrestling and WWE.”

This approach is not new to the UFC. In 2013, former fighter Kenny Florian revealed that the promotion aimed to distance itself from fighters known for boring fights. Jon Fitch, despite a 14-3-1 record with the organization, was notably released that year. White explained at the time that Fitch’s style and salary no longer fit the direction of the UFC, sending the message that winning alone wasn’t enough if fights weren’t fun.

Sanko believes the Paramount deal will reinforce this focus. “We’re going to attract a new audience,” she said. “What captivated fans initially was the mix of storylines and the actual performances of the fighters. The athletes who become famous will be the ones who deliver those spectacular finishes.”

Of UFC324 Set to kick off the Paramount era in just days, the promotion is under pressure to deliver the kind of action that will turn new subscribers into loyal fans. The main event pits Gaethje, known for his aggressive style and willingness to wage wars, against Pimblett, a charismatic fighter with a seven-fight win streak. The co-main event sees bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison defend her title against returning legend Amanda Nunes.