With three title fights and several contender bouts on the immediate horizon, here is how we see the UFC’s next run of main events playing out.
## Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja 2 (September 19)
Their first meeting ended in bizarre fashion, with Pantoja’s own arm injury handing Van the title just 26 seconds in. Expect a very different fight this time, with Pantoja motivated to prove the first result was circumstantial rather than a true reflection of the gap between them. Pantoja’s four successful defenses before that loss suggest he remains a live threat.
## Valentina Shevchenko vs Natália Silva (October 3)
Shevchenko has not lost a fight since regaining the flyweight title in September 2024, and her technical striking gives her a clear stylistic advantage over most of the division. Silva will need a finish or a genuinely standout performance to pull off the upset.
## Alexander Volkanovski vs Movsar Evloev (October 24)
Volkanovski’s own advocacy for this matchup speaks to his confidence, but Evloev remains undefeated for a reason. This is the most competitive title fight on the near-term calendar, and a close decision would not be a surprise.
## Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili 3 (October 24)
The rubber match in this rivalry carries real stakes after a 1-1 series. Yan’s recent form, including his December win over Dvalishvili, gives him a slight edge heading in, but Dvalishvili’s relentless pace has troubled nearly everyone in the division.
For the full context on these title reigns, see our current UFC champions list and our breakdown of every upcoming title fight. If you’re newer to the sport, our weight classes guide explains how these divisions are structured.
## Final Word
Between a rematch, a bounce-back bid and a genuine trilogy, this stretch of main events could look very different by the time the final bell rings on each one.