The Year of the New Kings in the UFC: Analysis of the First Half of 2025
The year 2025 has already left its mark on UFC history, with a first half of the year marked by change. More than half of the organization’s eleven championships have changed hands, giving way to new monarchs and surprising farewells from the old ones.
The season has witnessed memorable moments and spectacular performances inside the octagon, promising great fights in the future. Below, an analysis of the most outstanding moments of this first semester.
Unexpected Changes at the Top
The situation has been particularly unusual, as three of the champions who relinquished their titles did not do so inside the cage.
Islam Makhachev announced in May his decision to leave the lightweight championship to move up to welterweight, where the UFC promised him a title opportunity.
Ilia Topuria, who had already agreed to leave the featherweight in February, conquered the 155-pound belt held by Makhachev just over a week ago at UFC 317.
A third belt was vacated in heavyweight, after the retirement of Jon Jones, and the UFC promoted Tom Aspinall from interim champion to absolute champion.
UFC 317: The Event of the Semester
UFC 317, headlined by iconic performances, stood out as the most prominent event of the semester. The UFC International Fight Week card was strong from start to finish, but the pay-per-view event will be remembered by many for years to come for its main event.
Topuria became the first two-weight UFC champion with an undefeated record, achieving an impressive knockout over former champion and fan favorite Charles Oliveira.
The evening also featured Alexandre Pantoja’s defense of the men’s flyweight title, the shocking fight between Joshua Van and Brandon Royval, the resurgence of Payton Talbott, and action-packed prelims.
Fight of the Semester: Royval vs. Van at UFC 317
The fight between Brandon Royval and Joshua Van at UFC 317 became a milestone. Van, who was not ranked in the divisional rankings, rose rapidly after this historic fight.
Van, a last-minute replacement, showed amazing precision in his attacks, connecting 204 of his 305 significant strike attempts. Royval connected 215, totaling a combined 419 strikes, the most in a three-round UFC fight. Van took the victory by unanimous decision in an action-packed fight.
Fighter of the Semester: Merab Dvalishvili
Merab Dvalishvili took the title of fighter of the semester, surpassing Ilia Topuria by a narrow margin. Dvalishvili achieved two title defenses in six months, including a victory over Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 and a dominant performance in the rematch against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316.
Fighter of the Semester: Kayla Harrison
Kayla Harrison, UFC champion, stood out in the first half. After a successful career in PFL, Harrison arrived at the UFC and quickly earned a chance for the women’s bantamweight title.
Harrison defeated Julianna Peña at UFC 316, securing a kimura submission in the first round. The victory included a matchup with former champion Amanda Nunes, setting up one of the most anticipated fights in MMA history.
Revelation Fighter: Joshua Van
Joshua Van has become a sensation, earning a place in the championship at 23 years old. Van is the only fighter in UFC history to connect 100 or more strikes in six of his first nine appearances.
Best KO: Mauricio Ruffy vs. King Green at UFC 313
Mauricio Ruffy’s knockout of King Green with a spinning back kick at UFC 313 won the award for best KO of the semester. Ruffy surpassed Alex Pereira and Justin Gaethje with his impressive first-round finish.Mauricio Ruffy, on the right, defeated King Green by knockout in the first round at UFC 314 on March 8.
Best Submission: Jean Silva vs. Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314
Jean Silva won the award for best submission with his “ninja choke” on Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314. Silva dominated the fight, securing the submission and marking an impactful moment.Jean Silva, on the left, defeated Bryce Mitchell by submission at UFC 314 on April 12.
Best Moment: The Harrison and Nunes Face-Off at UFC 316
The face-off between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes at UFC 316 took the prize for best moment. After Harrison’s victory, Nunes entered the octagon and confronted Harrison, generating great anticipation.
“I feel like we knew this was going to happen,” Harrison said. “I have the belt, she has the legacy. Let’s put it on the table.”
Most Improved Fighter: Payton Talbott
Payton Talbott was recognized as the most improved fighter. After a defeat at the beginning of the year, Talbott demonstrated a notable improvement in his fight against Felipe Lima at UFC 317, showing a complete set of skills and maturity.Payton Talbott, on the right, defeated Felipe Lima by unanimous decision at UFC 317 on June 28.The first semester of 2025 has been a period of changes and emotions in the UFC, and promises an exciting second semester with new rivalries and title defenses.
