The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) navigated a complex 2025, marked by anticipation of a new broadcast deal with Paramount+ set to reshape its pay-per-view model and potentially influence fighter remuneration and matchmaking strategies. Amidst growing fan sentiment regarding promoter complacency and critiques of certain fight bookings, the competitive action within the octagon consistently offered thrilling relief, showcasing extraordinary athleticism and memorable contests that captivated audiences worldwide. This year-end review delves into the standout performances, finishes, and events that defined UFC in 2025, setting the stage for an unpredictable 2026.

Georgian bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili unequivocally stood out as the fighter of the year, demonstrating unparalleled activity and dominance despite concluding 2025 with a title loss. Dvalishvili made history by attempting four title defences within a single calendar year, an unprecedented feat for a UFC champion. His remarkable run included successful defences against formidable challengers such as Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley—whom he submitted, a first for O’Malley—and Cory Sandhagen, all achieved within a ten-month span.

Even in his points defeat to Petr Yan at UFC 323, where he lost his bantamweight title, Dvalishvili displayed unwavering resilience, cementing his reputation as a relentless competitor. His brief but intense 15-month reign as champion is distinguished not by its length, but by the sheer volume and quality of his high-stakes fights, solidifying his claim as one of the greatest bantamweights in the sport’s history. Dvalishvili’s captivating, grapple-heavy style consistently disproved the notion that wrestling-focused fighters lack entertainment value.

The year delivered several barnstorming encounters, none more gruelling and technically brilliant than Merab Dvalishvili’s early-year clash with Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311. This five-round war, fought at a relentless pace with both fighters exchanging strikes and sharp takedowns, showcased Dvalishvili’s resilience against the then-undefeated Dagestani. Another highlight was the chaotic 89-second brawl between Ibo Aslan and Iwo Baraniewski at UFC 323, a contest described as unadulterated madness with multiple knockdowns and dramatic shifts in momentum.

Spectacular finishes punctuated the 2025 calendar, with Mauricio Ruffy’s rare wheel-kick knockout of King Green at UFC 313 standing out for its deceptive technique and brutal impact. Lerone Murphy also delivered a memorable spinning back elbow knockout against Aaron Pico at UFC 319, further propelling his undefeated record towards title contention. In submissions, Dvalishvili again featured, securing a rare north-south choke against Sean O’Malley, a significant finish for a fighter not typically known for submissions. Jean Silva’s ninja choke victory over Bryce Mitchell, following controversial public statements from Mitchell, also drew considerable attention.

UFC 323 emerged as a premier event, captivating audiences from start to finish with ten out of fourteen fights ending in finishes. The card featured Petr Yan’s title-winning masterclass against Dvalishvili, Maycee Barber’s resilient victory after an illegal up-kick, and a dramatic draw between Jan Blachowicz and Bogdan Guskov. UFC 322 also delivered blistering action, highlighted by underdog Ethyn Ewing’s victory, Bo Nickal’s quick knockout, Benoit Saint-Denis’s rapid finish, and two title fights where Valentina Shevchenko and Islam Makhachev asserted their dominance, with Makhachev becoming the 11th two-division champion.

Looking ahead to 2026, analysts anticipate a potential record number of interim-title fights, possibly exceeding the usual two per year. An interim lightweight title bout between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje is already scheduled for January, while Tom Aspinall’s ongoing eye issues could necessitate an interim heavyweight championship later in the spring. This trend might signify the UFC’s strategy to maintain fan engagement and card appeal in the new broadcast era, potentially compensating for perceived weaker matchmaking by introducing more “champion” opportunities.

A bold prediction for 2026 centres on Paddy Pimblett potentially achieving undisputed lightweight champion status. Despite a rapid ascent to an interim title shot against Gaethje, ahead of higher-ranked contenders, Pimblett’s talent and marketability are undeniable. Should he secure the interim belt, his path to undisputed status could be influenced by current champion Ilia Topuria’s future ambitions. Topuria, who has already relinquished his featherweight title, might vacate the lightweight belt without a defence to pursue a super-fight at welterweight, paving an unexpected route for Pimblett to consolidate the championship.

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Keywords: UFC 2025 review, Merab Dvalishvili, UFC fighter of the year, UFC 2026 predictions, Paddy Pimblett lightweight champion, UFC best knockouts, Bantamweight title defences, Paramount+ UFC deal