The rivalry between two major DeFi tokens, Chainlink (LINK) and Hyperliquid (HYPE), is intensifying as 2026 begins, with recent price action indicating a potential shift in leadership. According to analyst Our Crypto Talk, Hyperliquid dominated much of 2025, with HYPE price outperforming LINK as capital rotated toward newer DeFi narratives. The move was significant as it occurred despite competition from other emerging protocols like ASTER, signaling traders' willingness to take risks on newer platforms.
However, momentum appears to be shifting in early 2026. Our Crypto Talk highlights that LINK price has started to reclaim ground, even managing to flip HYPE in recent performance. A key technical development is Chainlink's ability to hold above the $10 level during a broader market downtrend. Charts show LINK printing a green candle on the 3-day timeframe, indicating buyer support at a trendline that has held for nearly two years, giving Chainlink a more stable technical structure compared to HYPE.
In contrast, Hyperliquid price is facing its first real structural test. While HYPE's 2025 rally was undeniable, current price action shows rejection at a key golden pocket resistance zone, with bulls struggling to flip this area into durable support. The token is printing lower highs and lows, with the RSI unable to break a descending trendline and On-Balance Volume (OBV) draining, suggesting a potential pullback toward the $20 support level.
The analyst emphasizes that Chainlink continues to benefit from its long-standing role within institutional-focused infrastructure, which often gives LINK an edge when market conditions shift toward stability. Both projects are large-cap tokens where capital rotation can occur without extreme volatility. The current setup favors LINK for traders prioritizing reliability over hype-driven momentum, though HYPE remains a strong contender after its successful 2025 breakout.
This back-and-forth battle highlights the dynamic nature of the DeFi sector, with each leadership flip reflecting where market confidence is moving. Both projects are expected to remain relevant throughout 2026 given their scale and deep integration within DeFi, but current charts suggest Chainlink has the tactical edge for the next leg higher.
