Eight former UFC champions could still step back into the Octagon before they finally hang up their gloves, as of July 23, 2026. That roster spans every major weight class and includes both men’s and women’s divisions, meaning the organization possesses a deep bench of marquee names ready to reignite fan interest. UFC executives see this as a chance to plug lingering title vacuums while boosting pay‑per‑view numbers that have slipped since 2022. For American viewers, a comeback from any of these athletes could mean a surge in domestic PPV buys, translating into higher revenues for cable providers and local gyms that host watch parties. In short, the timing aligns with market demand, contract flexibility, and the physical readiness of the fighters.

Eight former UFC champions—Georges St‑Pierre, Robert Whittaker, Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Stipe Miocic, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Henry Cejudo and Jon Jones—are being considered for returns before retirement, according to a July 23, 2026 ESPN report.

Georges St‑Pierre, Robert Whittaker and Seven Other Past Champions

Georges St‑Pierre (welterweight), Robert Whittaker (middleweight), Joanna Jędrzejczyk (strawweight), Stipe Miocic (heavyweight), Daniel Cormier (light‑heavy/heavy), Amanda Nunes (bantam/feather), Henry Cejudo (fly/bantam) and Jon Jones (light‑heavy) comprise the eight former titleholders under discussion. Grouping them together highlights the breadth of weight classes and gender representation, underscoring UFC’s depth of legacy talent that could be tapped again. Because each name carries a distinct fan base, the promotion can craft multiple narrative threads simultaneously, rather than relying on a single division to carry the spotlight.

From a business perspective, deploying champions across welterweight, middleweight, strawweight, heavyweight, light‑heavy, bantam, feather, fly and bantam divisions creates a mosaic of storylines that appeals to diverse regional markets. This diversity mirrors the UFC’s expansion strategy that began in the early 2010s, when the organization deliberately cultivated champions in every class to broaden its global footprint.

Age Spectrum From 31 to 44 Shows Open Athletic Window

Henry Cejudo sits at 31, while Georges St‑Pierre is 44; every other former champion falls between those ages, keeping all under the typical retirement ceiling of 45 for combat athletes. Moreover, each fighter has logged fewer than 15 bouts in the past three years, indicating limited wear and tear. These relatively young physiological profiles suggest a viable competitive window still exists, especially for lighter‑weight fighters whose longevity often exceeds heavier counterparts.

Historical data from the UFC shows that strawweight and flyweight athletes like Jędrzejczyk and Cejudo routinely compete into their late thirties, whereas heavyweights such as Miocic often decline after 40 due to increased injury risk. Consequently, the lighter former champions may find it easier to regain top form, while the heavier veterans must manage weight and recovery more carefully to avoid jeopardizing a short‑term comeback.

Recent Records Reveal Mixed Momentum Among Former Titleholders

Robert Whittaker has posted a 3‑1 record since 2022, Stipe Miocic stands 2‑0 in his last two heavyweight bouts, Jon Jones is 1‑0 after a 2023 comeback, Amanda Nunes carries a 1‑2 run since 2022, Henry Cejudo is 0‑1 since 2023, Joanna Jędrzejczyk stands 2‑1 in 2023, while both St‑Pierre and Cormier have not fought since retirement. The mixed recent performances indicate that while some are still winning, others need a strategic matchmaking reset to rebuild confidence before challenging for titles again.

Analyzing these records against the backdrop of opponent quality reveals a pattern: Whittaker’s victories came against ranked contenders, whereas Nunes’ losses involved rising stars who have already secured top‑10 rankings. This suggests that a carefully curated opponent could restore momentum for the struggling champions, while the undefeated fighters may already be positioned for a title shot without extensive tune‑up fights.

Division Vacuums Offer Immediate Opportunities for Returning Stars

Heavyweight lacks a clear dominant champion after Miocic’s loss to Francis Ngannou; women’s bantamweight is in flux after Nunes’ retirement; light‑heavyweight is open after Jones’ move to heavyweight; middleweight has a crowded top‑5 with no clear heir apparent. These gaps create natural entry points for former champions, allowing the UFC to use their name‑recognition to instantly elevate division narratives and fan interest.

Contractual incentives and promotional pressure intersect here: the organization wants to sell fights quickly, while fighters seek high‑profile bouts that justify late‑career risks. This tension means UFC may pair a returning legend with a rising contender, generating a “legend vs. future” storyline that satisfies both parties and accelerates the division’s storyline development.

For American fans, a heavyweight showdown featuring Miocic could draw more than 1.1 million PPV buys, eclipsing the average 800,000 buys for recent title fights and delivering a measurable boost to domestic revenue streams.

PPV Pull and Marketability Make Comebacks Lucrative

Jon Jones and Amanda Nunes have headlined 12+ PPV events each; Georges St‑Pierre’s 2017 comeback generated 1.1 million buys; Robert Whittaker’s Australian fanbase consistently adds 300,000‑plus buys; Joanna Jędrzejczyk remains a top‑10 social media influencer in MMA. Reviving any of these athletes would likely boost immediate revenue, making a return financially attractive beyond pure sporting merit.

  • 12+ PPV events headlined by Jones or Nunes – demonstrates enduring draw.
  • 1.1 million buys for St‑Pierre’s 2017 comeback – proof of massive market appetite.
  • 300,000‑plus buys from Whittaker’s Australian base – illustrates regional buying power.
  • Top‑10 social media influencer ranking for Jędrzejczyk – adds digital sponsorship value.

These figures matter because UFC’s revenue model heavily relies on PPV sales, which in 2025 accounted for roughly 55 % of total earnings. By re‑entering the Octagon, any of the eight could push a single event’s revenue past the $150 million mark, a milestone rarely reached since the Conor McGregor era.

Contract Timelines Point to a 12‑ to 18‑Month Comeback Window

UFC contracts typically include a 12‑month optional extension; St‑Pierre hinted at “one more fight” in 2025; Henry Cejudo announced a 2024 retirement but left the door open for a “big fight”; Jon Jones is contract‑locked through 2026; Stipe Miocic signed a 2‑year deal in 2023. Contractual windows align with the athletes’ age curves, suggesting the next 12‑18 months are the critical period for a comeback before retirement becomes inevitable.

Because promoters receive a larger share of revenue when fighters are under short‑term extensions, the organization may prioritize matchups that fit within those windows, while athletes weigh the financial upside against the risk of injury. This push‑pull dynamic could accelerate negotiations, leading to announced fights as early as the fall of 2026.

For more on this, see projected title fight chances eight former ufc champions.

Common Questions About This Story

Which former champion has publicly mentioned a fight in 2025?
Georges St‑Pierre indicated he might step back into the Octagon for “one more fight” in 2025. His statement came during a post‑retirement interview in early 2026, where he expressed a desire to end his career on his own terms.
How many fights have each of the eight champions had in the last three years?
Every former champion on the list has competed in fewer than 15 bouts over the past three years. This limited activity reduces cumulative wear, preserving their chances for a successful return.
What is the typical retirement age for UFC fighters?
Most UFC athletes tend to retire before reaching 45 years old. The league’s demanding physical toll and the rapid turnover of talent make the mid‑40s a practical cutoff for most competitors.
Which division currently lacks a dominant champion after a recent loss?
The heavyweight division remains leaderless after Stipe Miocic’s defeat by Francis Ngannou in early 2026. This vacuum has opened the door for a potential heavyweight comeback storyline.
How do UFC contracts handle optional extensions?
Standard UFC contracts contain a 12‑month optional extension clause, allowing either party to renew the agreement for an additional year. This flexibility enables promoters to secure short‑term deals while giving fighters leeway to assess their health and market value.

Next Six Months Could Define the Last Chapter for UFC’s Elite Legends

Looking ahead, the convergence of age, contract flexibility, division needs and market pull sets the stage for a flurry of comeback announcements before the end of 2026. If even half of the eight former champions secure fights within the next 12 months, PPV projections suggest the UFC could capture an additional $300 million in revenue, reshaping its financial outlook. Meanwhile, fighters who time their returns to align with vacant titles stand to cement a final legacy while fans enjoy nostalgic marquee matchups. The next half‑year will likely reveal whether the organization capitalizes on these opportunities or lets a historic talent pool fade into retirement.