Top 10 UFC Fighters to Watch in 2025
Discover the rising stars and dominant champions to watch in 2025. UFC's most exciting fighters ranked for their skills, momentum, and potential title runs.
Fighter RankingsTL;DR
2025 is shaping up to be an explosive year in the UFC. From hungry prospects making waves to champions defending their crowns, here are the 10 fighters you must watch in 2025. Whether it's knockout power, submission wizardry, or show-stopping charisma, these fighters are set to define the year.
Introduction
The UFC is constantly evolving. Every year, fighters emerge who capture the world's attention — either by climbing the rankings, securing highlight-reel finishes, or cementing their legacies as champions.
This article highlights 10 fighters who will dominate headlines in 2025, including prospects, contenders, and reigning champions.
Top 10 Fighters to Watch in 2025
Islam Makhachev
Lightweight26-1Lightweight Champion
Khabib's protégé continues to dominate with suffocating grappling and ever-improving striking. He's eyeing superfights in 2025.
Tom Aspinall
Heavyweight15-3Interim Heavyweight Champion
The UK's heavyweight hope, Aspinall blends speed and power with technical precision. Fans expect a unification bout this year.
Shavkat Rakhmonov
Welterweight18-0Welterweight Contender
Undefeated and finishing everyone, Rakhmonov is one of the scariest prospects in the UFC. A future title shot is inevitable.
Khamzat Chimaev
Middleweight/Welterweight13-0Middleweight/Welterweight
Explosive, unpredictable, and polarizing — Chimaev is a superstar in the making, ready to shake up whichever division he settles in.
Sean O'Malley
Bantamweight18-1Bantamweight Champion
With his knockout power and star power, "Suga" Sean is one of the UFC's biggest names heading into 2025.
Alex Pereira
Light Heavyweight11-2Light Heavyweight Champion
The former kickboxing king continues to conquer divisions. His power and calmness under pressure make him must-watch TV.
Ilia Topuria
Featherweight15-0Featherweight Champion
"El Matador" shocked the world in 2024 by dethroning Alexander Volkanovski. He's young, hungry, and a nightmare matchup for anyone.
Bo Nickal
Middleweight6-0Middleweight Prospect
A decorated wrestler with insane hype, Nickal is one of the UFC's most promising prospects. 2025 could be his breakout year.
Manon Fiorot
Women's Flyweight11-1Women's Flyweight Contender
The French striker is closing in on a title shot. With crisp striking and relentless pace, she could define the women's division this year.
Erin Blanchfield
Women's Flyweight12-1Women's Flyweight Contender
Young, technical, and fearless, Blanchfield is one of the brightest prospects in women's MMA. Expect her to challenge for gold soon.
Rising Stars to Keep an Eye On
Raul Rosas Jr.
The teenage sensation continues to grow.
Jack Della Maddalena
Welterweight knockout machine.
Kayla Harrison (if signed)
Could shake up women's MMA.
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