9 Bold Predictions for Combat Sports & Pro Wrestling in 2025
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Predicting the future in combat sports and pro wrestling is no easy task. But, it’s always exciting to think outside the box and imagine what might happen next. After a monumental year in 2024 across all the sports referenced in this article, 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger, with higher stakes and soaring expectations.
From WWE and UFC to BKFC and TV shows, we’ve compiled nine bold predictions for what could unfold in the coming year. Let’s dive in:
Bron Breakker Retires John Cena & Goldberg
Let’s kick things off bold as f**k. Bron Breakker will be the one to retire both John Cena and Goldberg. WWE has made it abundantly clear how highly they regard Breakker. It’s evident in the way he’s been booked since his call-up to the main roster. Bron has already establishing himself as a future world champion and WrestleMania main-eventer. He has been on a tear currently as the Intercontinental Champion, and putting on bangers with seasoned veterans. Needless to say, Bron has steadily built his reputation as a top-tier talent thus far.
With John Cena and Goldberg expected to retire in 2025, the timing feels perfect for WWE to use their departures to elevate the next big star. Having Breakker retire both legends would catapult him to an entirely new level. It will also solidify him as a dominant force and a credible future face of the company. It’s a bold prediction, but two icons putting Bron Breakker over on their way out would firmly establish him as thee cornerstone of WWE’s future.
UFC Will Announce A Second Event At The Sphere
The UFC returning to the Sphere in Las Vegas for a second event might seem unlikely. But, it’s a bold prediction worth considering. Dana White has called UFC 306 at the Sphere a “one-time occurrence”. With its high production costs and the unique backdrop, some argue the venue overshadows the fights. Additionally, the UFC’s contract with MGM, which operates T-Mobile Arena, complicates the logistics of regular events at the Sphere. However, the venue’s one-of-a-kind design makes it a perfect choice for truly special occasions.
Noche UFC proved the Sphere can deliver a spectacle worthy of its grandeur. And if any event warrants the same level of extravagance, it’s International Fight Week. While a 2025 return might not be officially in the works, the success of UFC 306 and the buzz around the venue could change the UFC’s plans. If it doesn’t happen in 2025, there will be a Sphere event announcement for 2026. It feels inevitable as the UFC looks to integrate innovation with tradition.
Netflix Picks Up Heels Season 3
Netflix might just be the ones to resurrect Heels for a third season. And we’re thinking sometime in 2025. With Monday Night Raw set to begin streaming on the platform starting January 6th, WWE’s massive global fanbase could lead to a surge in wrestling-related viewership. This crossover appeal could work in favor of Heels, a series that captures the drama and passion of life inside the squared circle. Originally a Starz series, Heels gained new life when its first two seasons debuted on Netflix in July. It has recently exposed the show to a broader audience and reigniting interest in its unfinished storylines.
Adding to the momentum, Stephen Amell, who stars as Jack Spade, has campaigned for a Season 3. While Netflix hasn’t officially greenlit another season, Amell’s enthusiasm and the show’s growing popularity could turn the tide. The timing couldn’t be better: WWE’s streaming success will likely make new viewers curious about wrestling-inspired content, and Heels is primed to fill that gap. With the combination of Amell’s push and Netflix’s proven ability to revive fan-favorite shows, the chances of Heels making a comeback look brighter than ever.
Christine Ferea vs. Cris Cyborg Happens In BKFC
A bare-knuckle clash between Christine Ferea and Cris Cyborg in 2025 might seem like a long shot. But, the stars are aligning perfectly for it. Cyborg has won gold in every major promotion, recently adding the PFL Featherweight Championship to her collection. She’s now chasing challenges worthy of her legendary status. Adding a BKFC title to her resume seems like the logical next step, especially as she seeks big-money matchups to cap off her storied career.
Christine Ferea, fresh off her win at BKFC 56, has already planted the seeds for this showdown. Publicly calling out Cyborg and confronting her after a boxing match, Ferea made it clear she’s ready to test her mettle against the MMA icon in the squared circle. With PFL’s roster thin on marquee names for Cyborg, the timing feels right for this blockbuster fight to come together. Both women bring unmatched grit, and star power. 2025 could be the year we see them collide.
Evolution 2 Will Happen
Can you believe it has been over six years since the first Evolution card? In 2025, WWE has to bring the event back. The first card took place at the peak of WWE’s women’s revolution. But despite fan demand for a sequel, low ticket sales and backstage politics have kept Evolution 2 from happening. The landscape of WWE’s women’s division has never been more exciting though. They have an incredibly stacked roster across all three brands. The introduction of mid-card titles for both RAW & SmackDown, along with the Women’s Tag Team Championships being defended across all brands, makes Evolution 2 feel like a natural next step.
The partnership between WWE & TNA, alongside the powerhouse women’s roster in NXT, further fuels the case for a potential Evolution 2 in 2025. With the upcoming Netflix deal and viewership numbers on the rise for Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, there has never been a better time for WWE to bring back the all-women’s PLE. Whether this prediction is bold or a personal wish, 2025 could be the perfect year to capitalize on the momentum of the women’s division. It’s time to deliver a groundbreaking sequel to the inaugural Evolution card.
The Conor McGregor-Nate Diaz Trilogy Happens
Joey: With each passing year, it becomes harder to trust that a Conor McGregor fight announcement will actually materialize. Beyond his ongoing legal troubles and complications with re-entering the testing pool, it’s important to remember that he’s still recovering from one of the worst injuries a fighter could endure. Given his immense wealth and fame, why even risk it? The answer lies in what could arguably be the biggest fight left for him: The trilogy with Nate Diaz. But this time, it wouldn’t happen in MMA—it would happen in boxing. A boxing trilogy would allow both men to co-promote under their own brands, free from UFC’s involvement. With Nate already venturing into boxing multiple times since leaving the UFC, it’s hard to imagine him returning to MMA… Especially when the payday for a boxing match with McGregor could be astronomical.
Connor: This fight makes perfect sense and would be a dream matchup for fans, especially in MMA for a few reasons. Nate Diaz’s dangerous submission game adds intrigue, especially since he won the first fight by submission. Given his underwhelming performance in boxing, a return to MMA feels more fitting for the trilogy. This matchup is undeniably PPV worthy, particularly as McGregor is lacking other interesting options currently. While a rebooking with Michael Chandler is still on the table, Chandler’s 2-4 record in the UFC has likely diminished fan interest. The biggest obstacle, of course, is the contractual situation: McGregor remains under UFC contract, while Diaz is not. If this fight happens, the ball is in the UFC’s court. There’s no doubt they’d capitalize on such a lucrative opportunity. With the payday this trilogy promises, it’s hard to imagine the UFC letting it slip through their fingers.
Zhang Weili Challenges For Flyweight Title
Joey: The strawweight division has finally regained some stability, thanks to Zhang Weili, who has delivered thrilling fights and highlight-reel knockouts. As new contenders emerge, Zhang continues to dominate. Looking ahead to 2025, I predict she will move up to flyweight and challenge for the belt. Her muscular frame and unmatched strength in the strawweight division make her a formidable opponent for anyone, including “The Bullet”. Valentina Shevchenko’s reign at flyweight has shown cracks in recent years, as up-and-coming fighters have pushed her to the brink. Zhang’s combination of striking ability, speed, and sheer power could overwhelm Shevchenko. Her strength, in particular, might pose challenges even Valentina has never faced. I definitely see Champ Champ status in Zhang Weili’s future.
Connor: This is an intriguing prediction because Zhang Weili could very well get the opportunity to become a double champion. If she’s able to defeat Tatiana Suarez, her next logical step might be moving up to flyweight. The division’s rankings are in flux, especially outside of Valentina Shevchenko defending against Manon Fiorot next. The uncertainty at the top of the 125-pound division makes Zhang’s move even more compelling. However, the challenge for Zhang will be the size difference at flyweight. She’s accustomed to being the stronger, more physically dominant fighter at strawweight. But that advantage may not carry over against the flyweights. Opponents like Shevchenko or Fiorot will present a new kind of test for the strawweight champion. Despite having the opportunity, I don’t think she will be able to become a double champion.
An NXT Superstar Wins The Royal Rumble
It’s time that someone from NXT wins this year’s Royal Rumble. Given the current landscape of WWE storylines, it’s difficult to envision a repeat winner… Even if Charlotte Flair or Becky Lynch were to make their returns. But would fans even want to see the same marquee names win again? That doesn’t seem to be the case. If WWE truly wants to shake things up, now is the perfect time to let someone from NXT make headlines.
Both divisions are stacked, but the women’s division in NXT is arguably the strongest it has ever been. With breakout stars like Roxanne Perez having the run of her career, winning the Royal Rumble could be the perfect way to propel her into a WrestleMania main event. Alternatively, WWE could take a bold step by introducing international stars like Giulia or Stephanie Vaquer into the main title picture on a different night. The possibilities are endless. While this is undoubtedly a bold prediction, it feels like a move that makes far too much sense for WWE to ignore.
Ian Machado Garry Ends 2025 As UFC Welterweight Champion
The boldness of this prediction lies in the fact that Ian Machado Garry is coming off his first professional loss. If he won, this would be an obvious take. But his stock did not take a hit one bit. Ian stepped up on short notice to face Shavkat Rakhmonov after the champion withdrew due to injury. Despite already being in camp, taking on a new opponent earlier than planned is a monumental challenge. Few fighters were willing to fight Rakhmonov, especially under these circumstances. While Rakhmonov is now poised for a title shot and could very well win the belt, Ian is likely only one fight away from a rematch.
Even if Belal Muhammad retains the championship, the path back to contention for Ian remains short. Sean Brady, Jack Della Maddalena, and Joaquin Buckley are more immediate title challengers in the top 10. Others in the top 15 like Michael Morales and Carlos Prates are also not far behind. The truth is, he may need a new nickname because “The Future” is no longer fitting. Ian Machado Garry is already proving he belongs at the very top of the welterweight division. It’s a division that has a lot of star power… But, Ian Machado Garry may be the biggest of them all.
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