UFC Upcoming Fights: What to Expect in 2025

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is constantly evolving, with new fighters, rivalries, and potential future stars emerging all the time. Fans of mixed martial arts (MMA) are always on the lookout for the most exciting upcoming fights that will take place inside the octagon, and 2025 promises to be another year packed with high-octane action, intense competition, and historical matchups.

As one of the premier combat sports organizations in the world, the UFC has an exciting calendar lined up for the upcoming months. In this article, we’ll break down some of the most anticipated events, the marquee matchups, and what fans can expect from the UFC in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned UFC follower or a newcomer to the sport, this guide will get you excited about the upcoming action.

The UFC 2025 Calendar: A Glimpse into the Year Ahead

The UFC is known for scheduling its events in advance, allowing fans to get a preview of what to expect in the months to come. Major pay-per-view (PPV) events, UFC Fight Nights, and special international cards all play an integral role in shaping the year. Here’s a quick look at what 2025 holds in store for fans.

UFC 300: The Milestone Event

One of the most highly anticipated events on the UFC calendar in 2025 is UFC 300, set to take place later in the year. UFC 300 will not only be a monumental milestone for the organization but will also feature some of the most exciting matchups in recent history. While the full card is still being confirmed, rumors indicate that this event will be a showcase for some of the biggest names in the sport.

Expected Headliner: A Championship Bout for the Ages

The main event of UFC 300 is rumored to feature a highly anticipated title fight between two of the UFC’s biggest stars. Given the caliber of fighters competing at the highest level, the fight could very well feature either a lightweight championship or a heavyweight title bout. There’s no shortage of contenders in both weight classes, and a major title fight on UFC 300 would be the perfect way to celebrate the occasion.

The lightweight division currently has a rich pool of talent, with the reigning champion, Islam Makhachev, leading the charge. Makhachev’s next fight could come against a seasoned contender like Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, or even the newly emerging Beneil Dariush. These matchups would provide an exciting narrative leading up to UFC 300.

On the other hand, the heavyweight division is in a state of flux, with champions like Jon Jones and contenders like Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane making waves. A fight between these top athletes could be the perfect headline for UFC 300.

Supporting Fights

While the main event will certainly steal the show, fans can also expect a card filled with exciting welterweight, bantamweight, and middleweight matchups. Fighters like Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, and Brandon Moreno are expected to feature prominently in supporting roles at UFC 300. With so many stars vying for supremacy in different weight classes, the undercard is shaping up to be just as thrilling as the headline fight.

UFC 301: The Return of Big Names

UFC 301, which is expected to take place shortly after UFC 300, will mark the return of some big-name fighters who have been on hiatus due to injuries or other factors. These include the highly anticipated comeback of Conor McGregor, who is rumored to be stepping back into the octagon after an extended period of recovery. McGregor’s return, whether in a welterweight or lightweight contest, is sure to generate a massive amount of attention, particularly if he’s paired with an exciting opponent like Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, or Michael Chandler.

Conor McGregor’s Path to Return

McGregor has been one of the most marketable stars in UFC history, and his return to action is bound to be one of the most talked-about events of the year. Fans will be eager to see if McGregor can recapture the magic that made him a two-division champion. While there are many potential opponents for McGregor, the matchup that fans are most excited about is a potential fight against Charles Oliveira, who has long been seen as one of the toughest challenges for McGregor.

UFC Fight Nights: Exciting Regional Showdowns

While PPV events like UFC 300 and UFC 301 often steal the spotlight, UFC Fight Nights are equally exciting, offering fans the chance to watch incredible talent, including rising stars and fighters looking to break into the title conversation. The UFC will host multiple Fight Night cards throughout 2025, each with thrilling matchups across various weight classes.

Key Fight Night Events

In early 2025, UFC Fight Night events are expected to showcase top-ranked contenders who are eager to make a statement. For example, Cory Sandhagen and Merab Dvalishvili are two of the most exciting fighters in the bantamweight division, and a potential matchup between them could be in the works for one of these events. Likewise, Jiri Prochazka might be headlining a Fight Night in the light-heavyweight division.

One of the most anticipated Fight Nights could take place in UFC Fight Night: Paris, where Cyril Gane, France’s rising heavyweight star, might headline a show in front of his home crowd. Gane’s bout, possibly against a top contender like Stipe Miocic, could elevate his status further, as he aims for another shot at the UFC heavyweight title.

New Faces and Rising Stars in 2025

One of the key elements that keep fans excited about UFC events year after year is the emergence of new talent. 2025 promises to introduce several rising stars who are ready to make an impact inside the octagon.

Micahel “Mikey” Gallo: The New Featherweight Sensation

The featherweight division is one of the most exciting in MMA, and Mikey Gallo is quickly becoming one of its biggest prospects. With an undefeated record and a string of dominant performances, Gallo is on the fast track to a potential title shot in the near future. Gallo’s fluid striking and grappling skills have impressed many analysts, and his upcoming fights will be closely watched as he makes his way up the rankings.

Kayla Harrison: The PFL Champion Makes the Jump

While Kayla Harrison is currently signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), rumors are swirling that the two-time Olympic gold medalist might make the jump to the UFC in 2025. Known for her incredible judo skills, Harrison’s transition to the UFC would be a massive coup for the promotion and could shake up the women’s lightweight division. If she joins the UFC, Harrison would likely be thrust into a title shot against top fighters like Amanda Nunes or Valentina Shevchenko.

Bo Nickal: The Next Big Thing in Wrestling

Another athlete to watch in 2025 is Bo Nickal, a former NCAA wrestling champion who signed with the UFC after an impressive run in Dana White’s Contender Series. Nickal is highly regarded for his elite grappling and wrestling skills, and his debut in 2025 will be one of the most highly anticipated in recent years. He’s expected to take on established fighters in the middleweight division, and his ground game is likely to give him an edge against some of the division’s top names.

International UFC Events: Expanding the Global Reach

The UFC is a truly global brand, and in 2025, the organization will continue to expand its presence worldwide with major international events.

UFC London

UFC London is always one of the most exciting events of the year, and it’s expected to be even bigger in 2025. British MMA fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and the UFC always delivers a card filled with homegrown talent. Fighters like Tom Aspinall and Leon Edwards will be front and center in 2025 as they continue to make their mark on the world stage. Aspinall, in particular, has the potential to be a future heavyweight champion, and his upcoming bouts will be closely followed by fans around the world.

UFC Brazil: The Next Chapter of Brazilian MMA

Brazil has long been one of the strongest hubs for MMA, producing many legendary fighters over the years. In 2025, the UFC will return to Brazil with a highly anticipated event in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, where top Brazilian fighters like José Aldo, Gilbert Burns, and Charles Oliveira will look to build on their legacies. For fans of Brazilian MMA, this is one event not to miss.

UFC Asia: A New Frontier

The UFC will also be focusing on growing the sport in Asia, with events expected to be held in Singapore, Tokyo, and Shanghai. Fighters from the region, such as Zhang Weili and Shinya Aoki, have brought great attention to the UFC, and upcoming events in Asia are expected to highlight more of the rising stars from this part of the world.

FAQs

Where can I find a list of upcoming UFC fights? 

The official UFC website is the best place to find a full list of upcoming events. It provides details on each fight card, including scheduled bouts, fight locations, and dates. You can also follow the UFC’s social media channels for updates and announcements.

How far in advance are UFC fight schedules released? 

UFC events are typically scheduled months in advance, with major Pay-Per-View (PPV) events announced several months before the fight date. For smaller events, such as UFC Fight Nights, the matchups might be released with a bit less lead time, but it’s common for schedules to be available about 3-4 months ahead.

How can I buy tickets for an upcoming UFC event? 

Tickets for UFC events can be purchased through the UFC’s official website, Ticketmaster, or other authorized ticket vendors. The availability of tickets usually depends on the event’s location, and larger PPV events often sell out quickly due to high demand.

What is the difference between UFC Fight Night and Pay-Per-View events? 

UFC Fight Nights are generally smaller events that take place in various locations, often featuring fighters looking to climb up the rankings or showcase their skills. Pay-Per-View events, on the other hand, are typically held in major venues like Las Vegas and feature headline fights involving top-ranked fighters and championship bouts.

How do I know which fighters are scheduled for upcoming UFC cards? 

Fighters who are scheduled to compete on upcoming cards are announced on the UFC website and through media outlets. Matchmakers select fighters based on rankings, availability, and fan interest. Official announcements are made as contracts are finalized and fights are confirmed.

In summary

2025 is shaping up to be a truly exciting year for UFC fans. From blockbuster PPVs like UFC 300 to thrilling Fight Night cards, the year promises to deliver everything fans love about the sport—intense competition, fierce rivalries, and electrifying finishes. With a blend of veteran stars, rising prospects, and international talent, the upcoming fights are sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats.

Whether you’re a long-time UFC follower or a newcomer, there’s no better time to tune in and witness the future of MMA unfold in real-time. The UFC’s slate of upcoming events will undoubtedly provide the kind of drama and excitement that keeps fans coming back for more. So, buckle up—2025 is going to be a wild ride for MMA fans everywhere.

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