UFC 334 and 335 predictions: 5 massive fights to make

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• Big fight logic: why Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates belongs in New York
  • Why Prates is a natural next challenger
• Where Alex Pereira could land: heavyweight intrigue with Josh Hokit
  • Why Josh Hokit makes sense as a test
• Paddy Pimblett vs. Charles Oliveira: a BMF-style clash with mass appeal
  • Match dynamics and marketability
• Ilia Topuria’s path back: a rematch with Justin Gaethje as a lightweight headline
  • What’s at stake in Topuria vs. Gaethje II
• Interim light heavyweight title: how an extra belt could headline Las Vegas
  • Scenarios and considerations
• How the UFC could stack the final two cards — proposed lineups and card-building logic
  • UFC 334 — Madison Square Garden (concept)
  • UFC 335 — T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas (concept)

With dates and arenas already locked in for the season’s final two numbered cards, the UFC now faces the creative — and promotional — work of turning blank fight cards into must-see events. Madison Square Garden and T-Mobile Arena will host the year-end spectacles, and the matchmaking that follows could reshape several divisions heading into 2027.

UFC 334 is slated for November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York, while UFC 335 lands December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Neither card has an official headline yet, but a handful of high-profile names make it easy to imagine blockbuster matchups that would sell out both venues and light up pay-per-view.

Big fight logic: why Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates belongs in New York

Title on the line — welterweight

Islam Makhachev’s momentum is undeniable. His recent victory extended a historic winning streak and pushed him past a long-standing benchmark in the sport. That kind of profile begs for a signature defense on a marquee stage.

Why Prates is a natural next challenger

• He’s publicly campaigned for the shot and claims the promotion promised him the next title opportunity.
• Prates offers heavy knockout power at 170 pounds, which creates a stylistic contrast to Makhachev’s grappling-first approach.
• Madison Square Garden magnifies big names: the bout checks the boxes for drama, stakes, and mainstream visibility.

Makhachev vs. Prates pairs a dominant, methodical champion with a dangerous finisher — the kind of main event that fits both a sellout arena and a year-end boxing-style main event slot.

Where Alex Pereira could land: heavyweight intrigue with Josh Hokit

Heavyweight storyline

Alex Pereira’s shift toward the heavyweight ranks has left fans debating his best long-term path. A loss to Ciryl Gane raised new questions, but Pereira remains intent on chasing another historic run.

Why Josh Hokit makes sense as a test

• Hokit is an unbeaten prospect fast gaining attention; his rise would be accelerated by a fight with Pereira.
• The matchup offers Pereira a dangerous yet winnable opponent who brings hunger and unpredictability.
• From a promotional angle, Pereira’s name value plus Hokit’s upside equals a compelling co-main or main-card attraction at MSG.

Booking Pereira vs. Hokit would give Pereira a high-profile tune-up at heavyweight while spotlighting a new contender, which fits neatly into the year-end narrative the UFC often seeks.

Paddy Pimblett vs. Charles Oliveira: a BMF-style clash with mass appeal

BMF implications, entertainment value

Paddy Pimblett has hinted that his next appearance is imminent, naming several possible opponents and leaving both New York and Las Vegas on the table. Charles Oliveira remains one of the sport’s most dangerous submission threats and one of its most recognizable former champions.

Match dynamics and marketability

• Pimblett’s personality and crowd-pulling ability make him a ratings magnet; Oliveira’s resume brings technical credibility.
• Putting the bout in contention for the BMF belt elevates it beyond a standard lightweight matchup and adds a tangible prize for fans to rally around.
• Both fighters have aggressive styles that often produce highlight-reel moments — exactly the kind of back-and-forth the BMF concept was designed to showcase.

Ilia Topuria’s path back: a rematch with Justin Gaethje as a lightweight headline

Redemption and title ramifications

Ilia Topuria’s first professional defeat shifted his trajectory and created an immediate narrative: can he return to form and reclaim momentum in the 155-pound ranks? The man who beat him, Justin Gaethje, provides a ready-made storyline for a high-stakes rematch.

What’s at stake in Topuria vs. Gaethje II

• For Topuria: an opportunity to erase a career-defining loss and reassert himself as a title challenger.
• For Gaethje: another signature victory that cements his status as a dangerous contender in any era.
• The winner could re-enter the lightweight title picture or force a reshuffle of the division’s top contenders heading into 2027.

If health and timing align, Topuria vs. Gaethje II has the kind of emotional stakes and stylistic contrast that could anchor UFC 335 in Las Vegas.

Interim light heavyweight title: how an extra belt could headline Las Vegas

Possible tournament-style booking at 205 pounds

With several marquee names moving between divisions or occupying other timelines, the light heavyweight picture could create an opening for an interim championship fight to cap off the year. That would give UFC 335 a championship narrative even if the undisputed title holder is unavailable.

Scenarios and considerations

• If top contenders are tied up or injured, the promotion can pit two in-form fighters against each other for interim hardware.
• An interim belt provides a built-in storyline: winner becomes the immediate mandatory and sets up a unification bout in 2027.
• Matchmakers would weigh star power, recent form, and marketability when choosing participants for a 205-pound interim title.

How the UFC could stack the final two cards — proposed lineups and card-building logic

Matchmakers have flexibility. Below are concept cards that mix title fights, novelty bouts, and rising prospects to maximize both arenas’ drawing power.

UFC 334 — Madison Square Garden (concept)

• Welterweight title: Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates
• Co-main: Alex Pereira vs. Josh Hokit
• Paddy Pimblett vs. Charles Oliveira (BMF designation)
• High-level grappler vs. striker matchup to round out the top five
• Local or rising prospect feature to energize the crowd

UFC 335 — T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas (concept)

• Lightweight grudge rematch: Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje II
• Interim light heavyweight title fight or high-stakes contender bout at 205
• Feature fight between established veterans to anchor the middle of the card
• Showcase bout for a rapidly rising contender to build momentum into 2027

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