June 4, 2026
By Ryan Baker
Rivalry Weekend is here! Week 7 in the UFA brings us 11 games, just a week after the biggest slate of the 2026 season, and it didn’t disappoint. Now, as we look ahead, this week has all the ingredients to keep the excitement going. From the classic DC and Carolina history, to the Belgian faceoff between two championship contenders in the East, and gritty Central Division matchups, the stage is set. Here are seven guys to keep an eye on this weekend:
Jeff Babbitt, Boston Glory
Last week, Jeff Babbitt accomplished one of the most impressive feats, accruing four blocks to surpass the 200-career-block threshold and become the third player in UFA history to do so. This performance helped Boston win by a pinch over the Toronto Rush, keeping the Glory undefeated. However, this week, their unbeaten record could be in jeopardy as they host the New York Empire. The Empire is converting on offense at a historic rate, making this first matchup between the two teams this year especially significant. Additionally, it marks Babbitt’s fifth game against his former team, and he typically performs well in these contests, averaging 4.75 goals, 0.75 blocks, 0.75 assists, and over 300 yards per game. Although he carries a questionable status heading into the game, history shows that his performance rarely dips due to injury. Recently, Babbitt has shifted to playing more D-line in the last two games (31 DPP and 13 OPP), so it appears he will be central in Boston’s attempt to stop New York's high-powered offense, which is getting even better this weekend.
Justin Burnett, Minnesota Wind Chill
After missing last week’s game against the Madison Radicals, Justin Burnett returns fresh and ready to energize the Wind Chill against the Indianapolis AlleyCats in the Game of the Week. Although Burnett has played only three games this season, he remains the leader of the Wind Chill defense with eight blocks—enough to keep him in the league’s top ten. Three of those blocks came in the previous matchup with Indy, when he also tallied three goals and celebrated with his signature wave. For this weekend's contest, Burnett will aim for a similar showing as the AlleyCats’ offense appears more refined and connected. Having faced Indy four times in his career and collected at least two blocks in each game, Burnett could match up with another standout player on this list.
Tobe Decraene, Boston Glory (Pictured)
As we move into the first Belgian faceoff of the year, MVP candidate Tobe Decraene stands out on this list. After opening the season with video-game numbers in his first three games, he has slightly cooled off but still notched six assists and four goals in the last two games. Historically, New York is a team Decraene has excelled against—even in his rookie season with Montreal, he was a major challenge for the team from the Big Apple. Across four career games, he has collected 19 assists, 9 goals, and 6 blocks. For Boston to maintain its undefeated record, the team will have to match the Empire’s offense play for play. This contest is Boston’s toughest test so far this season and should provide more clarity on the potential core of the 2025 champions. While Decraene plays almost exclusively on offense, fans will hope to see at least a few direct matchups with the next player on this list: the other half of the Belgian faceoff.
Daan De Marrée, New York Empire
Daan De Marrée, one of the world's best ultimate players, has finally touched down in the United States and will join the New York Empire for his highly anticipated 2026 debut. The 2025 MVP runner-up is set to showcase his unbelievable talent, enhancing an Empire offense already playing with impressive precision. De Marrée’s statistical achievements last season with Chicago underscore his versatile impact: in 10 games, he recorded at least two assists and a block per game, scored five goals in six contests, and surpassed 300 total yards in nine. He brings a unique blend of throwing skill, relentless energy, and exceptional field vision, especially when tracking and timing the disc in the air. With him playing both offense and defense, this game should be a must-watch for any ultimate fan.
Jacob Fairfax, Carolina Flyers
Turning to another standout performer, Jacob Fairfax is dominating every game he plays. He has been the primary force behind the Carolina Flyers’ impressive 5-1 start, and there’s no sign he will slow down. Despite missing one game, Fairfax is currently on pace for 72 total scores and over 3,600 receiving yards—figures that would break all his previous career highs. Remarkably, this 10-year veteran is achieving these numbers without his main shooter, Allan Laviolette, who has missed the last three games. As Carolina continues adjusting its lineup throughout each contest, Fairfax remains the constant star. He’s recorded two games with over 550 total yards, two with four or more assists, and three with at least five goals. As he builds chemistry with Tobias Brooks, his streak seems likely to continue. The upcoming game with DC should add to his MVP-caliber campaign rather than slow it down.
Miles Grovic, DC Breeze
Next, focusing on Miles Grovic: his game has reached new heights in 2026. After serving primarily as a defender during his first three years in the league, with only four assists over that span, he has transitioned to an offensive role for the Breeze—already notching 18 assists in just five games. Grovic is coming off his best career game, tallying nine assists and more than 500 total yards. Furthermore, he has been omnipresent for DC this season, registering at least three goals and over 300 total yards in every game but his first. The Breeze now face the challenge of going up against the 5-1 Carolina Flyers, one of the league’s most polished teams. As this is the only meeting between these teams, it promises to be one of the best interdivisional matchups of the season, with Grovic’s play poised as a potential decider between a win and a loss for DC.
Elliot Hawkins, Indianapolis AlleyCats
The question for Elliot Hawkins is: How does he follow up his remarkable season debut of 15 assists? That performance last week against Chicago was nothing short of miraculous, as he reached 10 assists by halftime—a feat accomplished only 58 times in UFA history over a full game. Moving into this week, Hawkins faces arguably the league’s best defense in the Minnesota Wind Chill and the challenge of matching up against Burnett and his team. At 20 years old, Hawkins just delivered the best individual showing of 2026 and perhaps recent memory, making eight of nine deep shots and exhibiting clear confidence from the outset. For example, his second throw was an 81-yard bomb to Jake Felton. Yet, while the last game is worth celebrating, Hawkins must now prepare for a heightened defensive focus and a formidable opponent. The Minnesota defense excels at limiting deep throws, allowing the fewest hucks per game and generating the third-most huck throwaways per game. Although Hawkins’ game extends beyond deep throws—he totaled 462 receiving yards last week—he will need to adapt to find success this time.
Previous weeks
