The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to honor six former champions at the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony, taking place ahead of Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return at UFC 329. This year’s class of inductees is led by none other than Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson, widely regarded as the greatest flyweight of all time.

Demetrious Johnson: The Greatest Flyweight of All Time

With an unprecedented 11 consecutive UFC title defenses, Demetrious Johnson has etched his name in the annals of MMA history. His remarkable run, marked by several memorable moments, has solidified his position as the best flyweight of all time. Johnson’s impressive résumé includes a record-breaking armbar submission of Ray Borg, where he lifted Borg into the air and caught him on the way down, an iconic highlight in the sport’s history.

Against Yuta Sasaki, Johnson set the record for the latest finish in a UFC fight, earning a victory with just 1 second remaining in their five-round bout. Johnson’s dominance in the flyweight division has made him a strong contender for the Mount Rushmore of MMA.

Dominick Cruz and Chris Weidman Join the Modern Wing

In addition to Johnson, two more champions will be inducted into the modern wing for their accomplishments on Thursday. Former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and former middleweight champion Chris Weidman are set to join the esteemed group.

Cruz, a former WEC bantamweight champion, played a pivotal role in the creation of the flyweight division. His success in the bantamweight division paved the way for Johnson to compete at his natural weight, allowing him to establish himself as the best flyweight of all time.

Weidman, meanwhile, had one of the most iconic wins in UFC history, defeating Anderson Silva to earn the 185-pound title in 2013. He followed it up with a win in the rematch after Silva suffered a broken leg throwing a kick. Weidman’s impressive run included two successful title defenses against Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort, solidifying his position as one of the best middleweights of his era.

Alex Pereira Receives the Forrest Griffin Community Award

Former two-division champion Alex Pereira has already achieved Hall of Fame accolades, but he will receive the Forrest Griffin Community Award on Thursday. Pereira’s dedication to the sport and his community has made him a beloved figure in the MMA world.

Longtime UFC writer and editorial director Thomas Gerbasi will also be honored posthumously in the contributor wing. Gerbasi’s contributions to the sport and his commitment to telling the stories of MMA fighters have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Where to Watch the 2026 UFC Hall of Fame

The 2026 UFC Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 9, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event will be broadcast live on Paramount+, UFC Fight Pass, and YouTube. Fans can also catch the ceremony on the CBS Sports App, where they can participate in the new UFC Pick’em game and compete to win $5,000.