In 2025, MMA saw a whirlwind of events, including dramatic title changes, standout fights like UFC 317’s Topuria vs. Oliveira, and notable performances such as Petr Yan‘s bantamweight title regain, with rising stars and controversies adding to the year’s excitement.
2025 was a whirlwind year in MMA. Titles swapped hands left and right, and storylines seemed to explode every weekend. Here at MMA Fighting, we kept pace, dishing out our Year-End awards. But, let’s be real, five categories just don’t cut it.
As we gear up for 2026, join Alexander K. Lee, Damon Martin, Jed Meshew, and Mike Heck for one last look at the wild ride that was 2025.
UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira
Martin: UFC 317 was the event of the year, no doubt. A new champ, a belt defense, and the Fight of the Year all on one card? Insane.
Ilia Topuria became a superstar with a brutal first-round KO of Charles Oliveira, snatching the UFC lightweight title. Before that, he’d already taken out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Talk about a highlight reel.
Topuria’s quick work of Oliveira crowned him champion and maybe the most marketable fighter in the UFC.
The co-main event didn’t have the same fireworks, but Alexandre Pantoja‘s third-round submission of Kai Kara-France was a masterclass. Demetrious Johnson, take note.
Joshua Van secured a title shot after a slugfest with Brandon Royval, landing over 400 significant strikes between them. And those were just the headliners!
UFC 317 had it all, which is why it snagged the event of the year for 2025.
Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree (UFC 320)
Lee: At first, Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree was a letdown. Rountree’s striking was expected to challenge Prochazka, but the Czech fighter was off his game.
Rountree seemed to have the upper hand heading into the final round. But credit where it’s due—Rountree didn’t back down when Prochazka turned up the heat.
Prochazka started landing heavy shots, battering Rountree from every angle. By the time Rountree tried to clinch, it was too late. Prochazka’s left hook sealed the deal.
As long as there’s time on the clock, Prochazka is pure excitement. This comeback was one for the books.
Iwo Baraniewski vs. Ibo Aslan (UFC 323)
Martin: Less than 90 seconds, but Iwo Baraniewski and Ibo Aslan delivered pure entertainment. They went full throttle from the first exchange.
Baraniewski’s initial punch dropped Aslan, but he came back swinging. Aslan had Baraniewski against the cage, only to be countered and dropped.
“This is like a bar fight between two guys who know how to fight!” Joe Rogan exclaimed. Aslan tried to rally, but Baraniewski’s final punch ended it. Pure mayhem, the best round of 2025.
Honorable mentions? Adrian Luna Martinetti vs. Mark Vologdin and whatever went down with Thiago Goulart and Leonardo Mesquita.
Kevin Vallejos: Rookie of the Year
Meshew: This year, we switched to a Breakthrough Fighter of the Year award, but Rookie of the Year still shines. Kevin Vallejos, welcome to the club.
Vallejos earned his UFC contract in 2024 and made waves with a knockout of Seung Woo Choi. His spinning backfist KO of Giga Chikadze broke him into the featherweight rankings. At 24, the future’s bright.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta: Team Heck’s MVP
Heck: “Salsa Boy” Waldo Cortes-Acosta was a beast, racking up 500 points for Team Heck. Despite setbacks, his short-notice win over Shamil Gaziev was clutch.
Petr Yan and Ateba Gautier rounded out the team, but Cortes-Acosta was the catalyst.
Kyoji Horiguchi: Back with a Bang
Lee: Kyoji Horiguchi’s UFC return was stellar. He outworked and choked out Tagir Ulanbekov, reminding everyone he’s still a force.
Horiguchi called out Alexandre Pantoja, despite their friendship. “I will beat your ass!” he declared. Sadly, Pantoja’s injury put that dream match on hold.
Isaac Dulgarian: Bozo of the Year
Meshew: Isaac Dulgarian’s suspicious performance against Yadier del Valle led to fight-fixing allegations. Though unproven, this will haunt him.
In a year with a Hitler apologist, Dulgarian still managed to stand out for all the wrong reasons.
Dustin Poirier: Emotional Walkout
Heck: Dustin Poirier’s final walk to the octagon was an emotional rollercoaster. With Lil Wayne by his side, he faced Max Holloway in New Orleans.
The event was a tribute to Poirier, with unforgettable promos and a fitting sendoff.
Petr Yan: Performance of the Year
Heck: Petr Yan shocked everyone by dominating Merab Dvalishvili to reclaim the bantamweight title. His performance was legendary, setting up a thrilling trilogy.
Honorable mention: Eddie Hall vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski at KSW 105. No explanation needed—just electric.
And there you have it—a year packed with unforgettable moments and jaw-dropping action. Here’s to more in 2026!