The UFC continues constructing out its early 2026 fight calendar with an intriguing feather clash, as Ricky Turcio moves up in weight to challenge Alberto Montes at UFC 326 on March seventh. The bout represents a very important opportunity for each fighters to make their mark within the stacked 145-pound division.
Alberto Montes will fight Ricky Turcios at #UFC326 on March seventh. (first rep. @mma_kings) #UFC #MMA #UFCParamount #UFConParamount #UFC2026 #FW pic.twitter.com/kH5aChDAvT
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) February 12, 2026
Turcios, a fan favorite who emerged from Season 29 of The Ultimate Fighter, has been working to be consistent within the UFC since winning the fact show. Known for his well-rounded skill set and relentless pressure, the American bantamweight brings excitement each time he steps into the Octagon despite his inconsistency. His grappling acumen combined with improving striking has made him a difficult matchup for anyone within the division.
Montes enters this matchup trying to construct momentum and climb the featherweight rankings with a win. The bout represents a critical test for each fighters, as a victory could open doors to more high-profile matchups later in 2026. For Montes, defeating a recognized name like Turcios would function a press release win and validate his place among the many division’s emerging talents.
The featherweight division stays one in every of the UFC’s best weight classes, with a deep roster of expert fighters all vying for championship opportunities. This makes every fight crucial, as even mid-card matchups can significantly impact a fighter’s trajectory. Each Montes and Turcios understand that spectacular performances in March could speed up their paths toward larger fights and potentially title elimination bouts.
UFC 326 is shaping up as an action-packed event for early March, with this featherweight bout adding one other compelling element to the cardboard. The promotion has been aggressive in booking competitive matchups across all weight classes for the primary quarter of 2026, and Montes vs. Turcios matches that pattern perfectly.
Fans can expect a competitive battle between two hungry bantamweights when UFC 326 goes down on March seventh. With each fighters trying to make statements and climb the divisional ladder, this matchup has all of the ingredients for an entertaining scrap that might produce Fight of the Night potential.
Confirmed Fights for UFC 326
- Max Holloway (c) -200 vs. Charles Oliveira +154, lightweights (BMF title)
- Caio Borralho -225 vs. Reinier de Ridder +185, middleweights
- Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brunno Ferreira, middleweights
- Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr., bantamweights
- Cody Garbrandt vs. Xiao Long, bantamweights
- Cody Durden vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel, flyweights
- Donte Johnson vs. Duško Todorovic, middleweights
- Yoo Joo-sang vs. Gaston Bolanos, featherweights
- Luke Fernandez vs. Rodolfo Bellato, light heavyweights
- Su Mudaerji vs. Jesús Santos Aguilar, flyweights
- Ricky Turcios vs. Alberto Montes, featherweights