MMA Fighting reflects on the challenges and highlights of 2025, expressing gratitude for their readers and the sport while critiquing the failed launch of the Global Fight League and ongoing issues with MMA refereeing, and looking forward to UFC’s move to Paramount+ in 2026.
The holiday season in the U.S. kicks off with family, friends, and a feast. It’s a time to reflect on gratitude. Here at MMA Fighting, we’re brimming with thanks!
We’ve got the best fans in the world, and covering the thrilling, chaotic world of MMA is a privilege. Honestly, we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As 2025 wraps up, Jed Meshew, Damon Martin, and Mike Heck gathered to share what they’re thankful for and call out the year’s biggest "turkeys."
Biggest Turkeys of the Year
Remember Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold 2? Or Dillon Danis vs. Tony Ferguson? Paige VanZant’s return to MMA? These were big headlines from the Global Fight League’s launch plans, which turned out to be a fiasco.
Darren Owen, former World Series of Fighting exec, announced the GFL in 2025 after the WFL fizzled out. Despite the hype, it was a predictable flop, signing up loads of free agents but lacking a broadcast deal.
They even secured a California license, but both debut events got canceled. Financial backing vanished, and Owen had to delay the launch.
In October, GFL cheekily tweeted to "stay tuned" for 2026 plans. Spoiler alert: don’t hold your breath!
Fighters need options beyond UFC or PFL, and many veterans were lured by promises of big money. Yet, Owen’s track record is 0-2. Let’s hope fighters avoid strike three with his next venture.
Referees have been botching calls left and right, and 2025 was no exception. The only changes? Refs are supposed to follow existing rules. Seriously, what are we doing?
It’s absurd that I have to tell fighters to cheat because refs don’t enforce rules. Eye pokes, low blows, fence grabs—warnings abound, but action? Rarely.
Dan Miragliotta still refs major fights, and it’s baffling. After the Aspinall-Gane debacle, Herb Dean admitted rules weren’t enforced, but promised change. Fingers crossed for 2026.
Meshew’s Take
Damon and Mike picked great turkeys, but I’ve got another: Isaac Dulgarian. Allegations aside, his fight at UFC Vegas 110 stirred controversy and FBI interest. Innocent until proven guilty, but this shadow might linger.
Most Thankful For
The UFC’s move from ESPN to Paramount+ in 2026 is a game-changer. No more costly pay-per-views—just one subscription covers it all. Plus, Paramount+ has fewer streaming issues than ESPN+.
ESPN+ was plagued with problems, frustrating fans and UFC execs alike. Paramount+ already handles NFL games and popular shows, so it should be a smoother ride.
A shoutout to Merab Dvalishvili. From last year’s turkey to a fan favorite, he’s turned things around. Defending his title and winning fans’ hearts, he’s a testament to resilience.
Meshew’s Gratitude
I’m thankful for fighters like Dricus du Plessis and Justin Gaethje. But most of all, I’m grateful for you, our readers. Without you, we couldn’t do what we love—talk MMA for a living.
Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving to all!