A Preview of The Most Important UFC Fights in 2025

The UFC gave fight fans some incredible memories this year. From the Max Holloway knockout at UFC 300, to the rise of Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira. We also witnessed the return of the GOAT, Jon Jones, with his dominant performance at UFC 309. While 2024 brought us moments we will remember for a long time, we are looking towards the future.

Read about some of the most important UFC fights happening in 2025:

Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 

The number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, will be putting his lightweight title on the line. He takes on his former foe, Arman “Ahalkalakets” Tsarukyan at UFC 311 in Los Angeles, California at the Intuit Dome on January 18th.

Makhachev is coming off of one of his toughest fights against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Makhachev, who hasn’t lost a fight since 2015, is cementing his legacy as one of the greatest lightweights of all time. He defeated former champions including Charles Oliveria and Alexander Volkanovski. His opponent, Tsarukyan fought Makhachev in his UFC debut in 2019. Since then, Tsarukyan has won his last 8 out of 9.

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

According to Dana White, the greatest fighter of all time, Jon “Bones” Jones will not retire following his first title defense against the greatest heavyweight of all time, Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. After the contest, Jones mentioned if the money is right, then he will entertain a fight with UFC’s interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall.

If that fight can materialize for a PPV in 2025, the buildup will be one of the biggest in the history. Aspinall has the shortest average fight time in the UFC at 2:02. It’s one of the reasons why he is a true threat to Jones as a whole.

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Alex Pereira is one of the most active fighters of 2024. The undisputed UFC light heavyweight champion’s next title defense will be against dangerous Russian powerhouse, Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira’s resume in the UFC has been on another level. He has defeated the likes of Jiří Procházka twice, Jamahal Hill, and Israel Adesanya.

For his opponent, Ankalaev secured a title shot with his victory over Aleksandar Rakic by unanimous decision at UFC 308. Ankalaev will be getting his second crack at becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion. He fought former champion, Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282 on December 10, 2022. Unfortunately, the fight was declared a draw. Ankalaev will be the first true test at light heavyweight for Pereira.

Ilia Topuria vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2

Undefeated UFC featherweight champion, Illa Topuria had himself quite the 2024. He knocked out former UFC featherweight champions, Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. Topuria’s clean boxing and his confidence are why he is one of the best fighters in the world. After KO’ing Holloway at UFC 308, he stated that Volkanovski deserves a rematch because of his success as the former champion.

Volkanovski hasn’t fought since losing his featherweight title against Topuria at UFC 298 in February. While fight fans might think Volkanovski’s days of becoming the featherweight champion again are dwindling, his resume is something that you should study. He has defeated guys like Holloway three times, Brian Ortega, and Jose Aldo. With Topuria wanting to become a double champion in the future, Volkanovski wants to reclaim his throne at 145.

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2

South African, Dricus Du Plessis was able to break through to become the first South African UFC champion. He edged former champion Sean Strickland by spilt decision to claim the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 297. He would go on and defeat one of the greatest UFC middleweights of all time, Israel Adesanya in Perth, Western Australia at UFC 305.

On February 8th in Sydney, Australia, former UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland will get his rematch at the undisputed UFC middleweight title in Sydney, Australia. Strickland defeated Paulo Costa by split decision at UFC 302 in June to insert himself in the title picture. Strickland shocked the MMA world when defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 on September 9, 2023, to claim the middleweight title. Strickland will look to become a two-time UFC middleweight champion.

While there are a ton of UFC fights that will be happening in 2025. But, rematches are on tap for the beginning of the year. If you are a die-hard combat sports fan, then you can’t miss any of these fights next year.

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About Post Author

Ryan Schaller

Ryan is a student at Rowan University, specializing in Sports Communication & Media with a focus on Journalism. He currently serves as a Sports Information Intern for Rowan Athletics, a Media/PR Intern for Cage Fury Fighting Championships, and a Staff Writer & Beat Reporter for The Whit, Rowan’s school newspaper.

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