5 UFC Fights That Could Happen In 2025
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As the UFC roster continues to grow with talent and big personalities, 2025 promises to be a year filled with high-stakes matchups. Fans are already buzzing about potential fights that could reshape divisions and elevate careers. From legendary veterans looking to solidify their legacies to rising stars eager to claim their spot at the top, the possibilities are worth discussing. While nothing is confirmed, these five matchups could headline events, deliver fireworks, and keep the MMA world buzzing.
Let’s explore some dream bouts that could define the upcoming year:
Max Holloway (2) vs. Diego Lopes (3)
Max Holloway has cleaned out the featherweight division, except for Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria. Although his days are numbered at 145lbs, I think a 5-round fight with Diego Lopes is a no-brainer. Lopes had a step up in competition when he secured a unanimous decision over Brian Ortega. He is currently riding a 5-fight win streak, but Holloway is standing between him and a title shot. Holloway’s volume striking and KO power versus Lopes’ quality striking and above average grappling could prove to be a helluva co-main event.
Joaquin Buckley (6) vs. Carlos Prates (13)
Carlos Prates has finished four opponents since February 2024 and has proven to be the real deal. He called out Joaquin Buckley after a win back in February. Spring forward 10 months, Buckley is coming off a dominant performance against Colby Covington and riding a 6-fight win streak. Buckley is now the #6 ranked welterweight and seems like the type of fighter who will fight anybody regardless of rankings. Prates would have his hands full as Buckley can do it all inside the Octagon. But, this fight would be PPV worthy.
Khamzat Chimaev (3) vs. Caio Borralho (6)
Khamzat Chimaev is undefeated in the middleweight division. While the #6-ranked middleweight, Caio Borralho, is coming off an exceptional performance against Jared Cannonier. He has put himself in the title picture recently as well. Chimaev may not have his former training partner in his sights. But since both are ranked in the top 10, this matchup may be coming down the pipe in 2025. Normally when you get grappler vs. grappler, the fights have a chance to be duds. With Borralho’s striking and Khamzat’s willingness to mix it up, this fight could be a banger. Although, Chimaev should be looking to fight for the title instead of fighting down, the UFC might want to give him one more test before then.
Dan Hooker (6) vs. Paddy Pimblett (13)
The build up to this fight would be off the charts, with the trash talk going both ways. Pimblett is riding an 8-fight win streak and has said Hooker could be a good matchup at some point. So, let’s make it happen in 2025. Hooker is coming off a narrow-split decision win over Mateusz Gamrot and has fought the who’s who at lightweight. Pimblett is known for his ground game, but would need to show he can implore timely striking due to Hooker’s impeccable takedown defense. Hooker is also known for dishing out punishment on the feet. These two are destined to clash on a main card in 2025.
Kayla Harrison (2) vs. Amanda Nunes
Since signing with the UFC, Kayla Harrison has been on a beat everyone up tour to bring Amanda Nunes out of retirement. The only way Harrison coaxes Nunes out of retirement is if she is wearing the bantamweight title. After running through Ketlen Viera, Harrison is widely considered to be the next challenger for Julianna Peña. Pena will likely get walked down and beat up by Harrison. This will set the stage for Nunes’ return. Nunes vs. Harrison would be one of the biggest fights in women’s combat sports history. With a win, Nunes can cement her GOAT status. A win for Harrison would prove that despite her brief stint in the UFC, she could be viewed as the best the company has ever seen.
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