Analysis of Upcoming UFC Fight Cards in 2025: What to Expect?
There are eight events left on the UFC calendar for the rest of 2025, and the world of mixed martial arts is full of questions. At Alofoke Deportes, we analyze the most anticipated fights and the unknowns that will define the end of the year.
The pound-for-pound king, Ilia Topuria, has had only one fight this year, a knockout in the first round against Charles Oliveira, which earned him the lightweight championship in June. The big question is: who will be Topuria’s next opponent?
Topuria: Who will be his next rival?
The bets are on Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett, although there is no official confirmation. There is speculation about an event headlined by Topuria in January in Los Angeles, for the launch of the new broadcast deal with Paramount+. However, the UFC has not yet confirmed Topuria’s participation or the event’s location.
UFC CEO Dana White has stated that the event must be “massive”.
Dana White
Pimblett has hinted that Topuria is delaying in accepting a fight. Gaethje, for his part, has suggested that he might retire if he is not considered the next title challenger. The rankings favor Gaethje, but the UFC usually announces its main events eight weeks in advance, which could happen in November at Madison Square Garden.
The prediction is that UFC and Paramount+ will take advantage of the media attention in New York to announce Topuria’s first lightweight title defense, in January, against Gaethje or Pimblett.
Alex Pereira in Heavyweight?
Pereira seeks to move up to heavyweight. After losing his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev and then knocking him out in the rematch, Pereira has made it clear he is interested in competing in heavyweight, instead of defending his title against Carlos Ulberg or JiYí Procházka. The UFC seems lukewarm to this idea.
A fight against Jon Jones is Pereira’s goal, but it is uncertain due to Jones’ situation. Pereira fractured his foot and does not plan to return until June 2026. The decision on his future could be made after UFC 321.
Who will be Alexander Volkanovski’s next opponent?
Initially, Volkanovski was expected to headline the last UFC pay-per-view event in 2025, on December 6 in Las Vegas. However, plans changed with the possibility of an event in February 2026 in Sydney.
The question is who will be Volkanovski’s opponent. Movsar Evloev, ranked number one in featherweight, is a contender, although he hasn’t fought in 2025. Lerone Murphy and Yair Rodriguez are also being considered as possible rivals.
Surprisingly, Diego Lopes could be an option, despite having lost against Volkanovski in April. The UFC values his victory against Jean Silva.
Who is the best pound-for-pound fighter?
The discussion about the best pound-for-pound fighter is always present. Topuria, Makhachev, and Dvalishvili are the main candidates at the moment. The outcome of the next fights will be crucial to determine the number one.
If Makhachev wins his second belt, it will be difficult to deny him the top spot. Dvalishvili could have a great year. Clarity on the number one could be defined by the end of the year.
How will the middleweight division develop?
Khamzat Chimaev and his team are looking for a super fight, even considering a move up to light heavyweight to face Pereira. The UFC might not agree, as Chimaev has faced few contenders within the top 7 of his division.
The most likely option is that Chimaev defends his middleweight title. Fights in this division in the last quarter of 2025 will be crucial, including De Ridder vs. Allen. It is also important to see the matchups of Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya in early 2026. Nassourdine Imavov and Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez are also in the mix. The announcement of Chimaev’s next opponent could come before January 1st.
