In the world of mixed martial arts, 2025 is already shaping up to be one for the history books. The UFC has unveiled a fight schedule packed with blockbuster matchups, title defenses, and long-awaited rematches that have fans buzzing. The first quarter alone promises to deliver fireworks that will keep the MMA community talking for years.
The Year Kicks Off with a Rematch
The action starts on January 11, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas will face off in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first bout in 2019 saw Ribas emerge victorious via unanimous decision, but much has changed since then. Dern's striking has improved significantly, and her elite ground game makes her a constant submission threat. Ribas, known for her technique and resilience, is equally determined to hold her ground. Both fighters have evolved into top contenders, making this rematch one of the most exciting strawweight clashes in recent memory.
Lightweight Title Showdown
One week later, on January 18, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, will host UFC 311, headlined by a lightweight title rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. Their first encounter in 2019 was a grueling battle that showcased their immense potential. Makhachev, now the reigning champion, has been unstoppable, dominating his competition with precision and strength. Tsarukyan, however, has come into his own, rising through the ranks with standout performances that make this rematch more than just a fight—it's a clash of legacies.
The co-main event is equally stacked, with Merab Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight title against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. This bout pits relentless wrestling against technical mastery and could herald the dawn of a new era in the bantamweight division.
Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Clashes
On February 1, the UFC heads to Saudi Arabia for a middleweight bout between former champion Israel Adesanya and rising contender Nassourdine Imavov. Adesanya’s precision striking and showmanship have made him a global icon, but Imavov represents the next wave of elite fighters—a powerful, technical competitor who could shake up the division.
A week later, UFC 312 takes place in Sydney, Australia, featuring a heated rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland for the middleweight belt. Their first bout was a razor-close contest that left fans wanting more. Du Plessis’s relentless pace and power will be tested against Strickland’s iron chin and relentless striking. This fight isn’t just for the belt—it’s a battle for pride and legacy.
Heavyweight Collision Course
The heavyweight division is also heating up, with whispers of a potential showdown between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane later in the year. Aspinall’s sharp boxing and explosive movement have made him a formidable contender, while Gane’s kickboxing and defensive agility make him one of the most technically sound heavyweights in the game. If this bout becomes official, it could easily steal the spotlight as one of the best heavyweight matchups of the year.
March Madness in the Octagon
The excitement continues on March 8 with UFC 313 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. While the main event is yet to be announced, rumors of a potential superfight or blockbuster title defense are already circulating. Just two weeks later, the UFC returns to London on March 22, with local heroes expected to take center stage in front of a roaring UK crowd.
The Undercurrents of 2025
Beyond the headline fights, the UFC’s 2025 narrative includes the rise of future stars, the potential return of beloved legends, and perhaps even the retirement of long-standing champions. Fighters like Payton Talbott, who have made waves in recent months, are poised to become household names. The year is as much about personal journeys as it is about victories and losses. Every event adds another chapter to the unfolding story of mixed martial arts, reminding fans why they fell in love with the sport in the first place.
Each punch, kick, and submission attempt carries the weight of ambition, struggle, and legacy. In 2025, every UFC fight is more than just a contest—it’s a story of resilience, a celebration of skill, and a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the fighters who step into the octagon.
