UFC 2025 is kicking things off with a bang instead of a whimper– the entire fight calendar is fully booked with real animosity to capitalize on, and championships are up for grabs. Fans have mixed reactions to championship fights, some of which they thought would never happen, and this year feels more like UFC’s real-life highlight reel. Now, let’s talk about what matters for the Cage. 

The Lightweight Division Is a Powder Keg—And It’s About to Explode

Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of UFC 311 due to a back injury, which also led to the cancellation of his rematch with Islam Makhachev. Tsarukyan was scheduled to fight Makhachev, and the hype was massive around that one. For fans watching the odds swing last-minute, especially those tracking UFC Canada betting, it was pure chaos. He suffered this injury just hours before the weigh-ins. During the fight week, Dana White confirmed the withdrawal and began preparing for Moicano to fight Makhachev instead. Moicano stepped into the first round and submitted Makhachev, hence denying Tsarukyan his title fight.

Dana White has opted not to give Tsarukyan a title defense immediately. While White confirmed the door is ajar, he stated that Tsarukyan is currently a back contender. No timeline has been provided on this. In the meantime, public speculation surrounds a possible event in December, and Tsarukyan has speculated on the possibility of aiming for an interim title. Still, nothing has been confirmed as of now.

Women’s Bantamweight Finally Has a Face Again

Pennnington’s comeback has single-handedly captured the award for the most stunning comeback story in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. After the division was left in limbo following Amanda Nunes’ exit, it appeared abandoned until Pennington came out of nowhere to capture the vacated title and not let it collect dust. While fans followed every moment like they would an online live casino, unsure of what would happen next, Pennington stayed calm and focused. Her next sought-after title challenge? Mayra Bueno Silva is a record-breaking finisher with a point to prove. For the first time in years, the Bantamweight title feels like a real championship, instead of being a mere substitute.

Five Matchups You Need to Circle on the Calendar

UFC 2025 is fully loaded; devastating fights that will be of utmost UFC quality and serve as headliners have already been scheduled. There will be a lot to feast on. Don’t worry; we have got each one of them articulated:  

• Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall: In case this gets the green light, it will indeed be a spectacle. Jones gets to fight the young, ferocious lion. The likes of Aspinall, with the kind of ferocity, speed, and remarkable timing he showcases, will put any fighter in a very uncomfortable position. 
• Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili: Here comes our favorite clash. We are bound to see the crowned Head Turner of the bantamweight UWC fight a bulldozer of Gonchan pressure. 
• Bo Nickal vs. Khamzat Chimaev: If any bout was marked to have the potential to break the internet, this is it. Pure madness goes head-on with calculated mayhem; wrestling chaos takes on calculated violence.  
• Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev: Clearly, the fight brings fame to Pereira. The terrific rise of Pereira is bound to meet Ankalayev’s ruthless domination.  
• Max Holloway vs. Ilia Topuria: A pure, ruthless fight is guaranteed with two generations of raw featherweight star fighters taking on each other. 

Don’t even for a second think that there needs to be a belt for a classic battle. What we can legally guarantee is virality, sheer brutality to defy entire divisions.

The Rise of International Champions Is Changing UFC’s Identity

The monopoly of the American gym in discussions is a thing of the past. In 2025, the UFC is sporting an international label-with volume. Everything is told by the champions themselves, Topuria (Spain/Georgia), Pereira (Brazil), and Dvalishvili (Georgia). Not only do these fighters come with varying styles, they also come with whole new fanbases that keep their PPV numbers humming along and fight-night atmospheres electric. 

UFC is scheduled to have events in Madrid, Tbilisi, and Bangkok this year. That is not marketing, that is evolution. The cage remains eight-sided, yet the map? It is opening up a gale. Once US centric promotion has now turned into a truly global battlefield. And fans all over are winning.

It is 2025, and the fights are larger, the matchups have more significance, and the desire to have a legacy, redemption, and war is like none ever before. Buckle in. The Octagon has never been this electric.

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