Justin Gaethje Named MMA Fighting's 2026 Fighter of the Midyear

Justin Gaethje has been named MMA Fighting's Fighter of the Midyear for 2026 after a remarkable first six months that saw the 37-year-old lightweight champion author one of the sport's greatest comeback stories.

Gaethje's run included an interim title win over Paddy Pimblett earlier this year — making him the first fighter in UFC history to capture two interim belts — followed by a massive upset of Ilia Topuria at UFC White House in June. The Topuria victory came on the biggest stage the promotion has ever staged, with Gaethje breaking down the former pound-for-pound No. 2 in a Fight of the Year contender to claim undisputed gold. "Gaethje did deliver a perfect performance, breaking Topuria down in another Fight of the Year contender, and authoring one of the greatest upsets in UFC history, all on the grandest stage possible," MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew wrote in announcing the honor.

Carlos Ulberg's Surprise Second-Place Finish

Carlos Ulberg landed in second place despite competing just once, knocking out Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 in April after suffering an early knee injury that appeared to doom his title shot. The comeback knockout earned the New Zealand fighter his first UFC championship and a spot near the top of the midyear rankings. Ulberg's injury is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the year, according to the report.

Sean Strickland and Josh Hokit tied for third after prolific first halves. Strickland stopped Anthony Hernandez in February before edging Khamzat Chimaev via split decision in May to become a two-time middleweight champion. Hokit posted three wins, two finishes, and three bonuses in six months, including a Fight of the Year candidate against Curtis Blaydes at UFC White House.

The second half of 2026 begins with UFC 329 next week.

Photo: The White House / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — MMA Fighting’s 2026 Fighter of the Midyear: Justin Gaethje | MMA Fighting