Las Vegas, December 29, 2025 – The bantamweight division is poised for a shakeup in 2026, with several contenders circling champion Sean O’Malley and eager to challenge for the title. A win over O’Malley could be Song Yadong’s ticket to the elite ranks, potentially launching him into championship contention.
Rising Stars and Veteran Resurgence
The bantamweight landscape is shifting, with a mix of established fighters and emerging talents vying for dominance.
- Song Yadong is a serious threat to Sean O’Malley’s title reign.
- Cory Sandhagen remains a contender despite a recent loss.
- Aiemann Zahabi is making a late-career push into the top-5.
- David Martinez, Payton Talbott, and Vinicius Oliveira are quickly rising through the ranks.
Cory Sandhagen, despite falling short in his first undisputed bid in October 2025, remains a significant force in the division. The Colorado native holds a victory over Song, but past losses to Petr Yan and Islam Nurmagomedov suggest he may need to climb the rankings further before another title shot.
Among those aggressively pursuing a spot in the top-5 is 38-year-old Aiemann Zahabi. The Canadian quietly amassed a five-fight winning streak leading into 2025, adding impressive decision victories over José Aldo and Marlno “Chito” Vera to solidify his position as a top-10 bantamweight. Given his age, Zahabi is focused on rapidly ascending the ladder, hoping to capitalize on his current form for a fight against a top-5 opponent.
New Faces Making Waves
Three newer fighters—David Martinez, Payton Talbott, and Vinicius Oliveira—have quickly made their mark in the top-15. All three are alumni of Dana White’s Contender Series and secured notable wins in 2025 to break into the pack. Martinez’s victory over Rob Font on short notice was particularly surprising, propelling him into the top-10 just two fights into his UFC career. Oliveira and Talbott haven’t lagged behind. Oliveira secured wins over Said Nurmagomedov and Kyler Phillips in 2025, reaching the rankings two years after earning his contract, while Talbott rebounded from a loss to Raoni Barcelos with a win over Felipe Lima and a victory over Henry Cejudo in Cejudo’s retirement fight. These three could be pivotal in reshaping the bantamweight division in 2026.
Other names to watch include Montel Jackson, Charles Jourdain, Aleksandre Topuria, and Felipe Lima.
