Mixed Martial Arts

Five of the best MMA fights already scheduled in 2025

Amy Kaplan

DAZN

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2024 saw some epic moments for MMA. The PFL and Bellator officially merged, the UFC hosted a historic event at the Las Vegas Sphere and numerous new champions were crowned. Francis Ngannou returned to MMA, Jon Jones defended his title and many legends retired.

But 2025 is already looking to be a bigger year and it hasn't even started yet. Several fights for 2025 have already been announced for the first quarter, here are five of the biggest ones fans should look forward to.

Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan - UFC 311

Probably the biggest fight announced for 2025 is the UFC lightweight title fight between reigning champion Islam Makhachev and rising star Arman Tsarukyan. Any title fight is exciting but when there's a dominant champion at play, it's extra exciting. Tsarukyan is on a four-fight win streak, including a recent win over former champion Charles Oliveira. Makhachev hasn't lost since October 2015 and has defended his title three times in a row. Could we start out the year with an upset or will Makhachev prove why he's been unbeatable for so long?

When: January 18, 2025
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Start time: 6 p.m. ET

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2 - UFC 312

A rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland is another fight fans shouldn't miss. The first time they met Strickland was champion. Now the roles are reversed and we'll see if the outcome can be too. Du Plessis won the title when he defeated Strickland at UFC 297. The fight was competitive and close and ended in a split win for Du Plessis. Now they will meet again to see if the first fight was a fluke or if Du Plessis really is the better fighter.

When: February 8, 2025
Where: Sydney, Australia
Start time: 6 p.m. ET

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes - Bellator Championship Series Dubai

Bellator and PFL haven't announced much of their 2025 schedule yet but what they have announced is a great title fight. Usman Nurmagomedov returns to face off with Ireland's Paul Hughes with the lightweight title on the line. Hughes, a former Cage Warriors champion, will be getting his biggest opportunity to date against a man many think could be one of the best 155ers of the modern era.

When: January 25, 2025
Where: Dubai, UAE
Start time: TBD

Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov - UFC 311

Another Nurmagomedov makes our top 5 list when Umar Nurmagomedov takes on the new UFC bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili. The two 135-pound fighters have been jarring back-and-forth for months and will finally settle the score for who the best wrestler really is. This will be the first title defense for Dvalishvili who won the title after defeating Sean O'Malley.

When: January 18, 2025
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Start time: 6 p.m. ET

Sharaputdin Magomedov vs. Michael Page - UFC Saudi Arabia

Sharaputdin Magomedov vs. Michael Page is the only non-title fight on our list which shows just how hyped we are for this match-up. The fight between the two middleweights could derail someone's hype train, depending on how it goes. Magomedov is undefeated in the UFC and a highly controversial figure. Page will be making his second UFC appearance after a long career in Bellator and beyond. Whatever happens, we urge you not to blink. This could end quickly.

When: February 8, 2025
Where: Sydney, Australia
Start time: 6 p.m. ET

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