As the final bell rings on another dramatic year inside the Octagon, the UFC heads into 2026 at a pivotal crossroads. The impending shift to a Paramount+ broadcast deal in the US promises to dismantle the traditional pay-per-view model, raising urgent questions about fighter pay and promotional strategy. Amid fan concerns over matchmaking and a perceived complacency, the sheer brilliance of the athletes has consistently provided a thrilling counterbalance. Despite the political headwinds, 2025 delivered a host of phenomenal fights, finishes, and unforgettable moments that deserve celebration.
The Fighters and Fights That Defined the Year
When discussing the most valuable performer of 2025, one name stands unequivocally above the rest: Merab Dvalishvili. The Georgian bantamweight made history simply by stepping into the cage at UFC 323 in December, becoming the first UFC champion ever to attempt four title defences in a single calendar year. Although he lost his belt via decision to Petr Yan in that final outing, his year was defined by an astonishing run of activity and dominance in the preceding ten months.
Dvalishvili successfully defended his title three times against elite competition, outpointing the previously undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov, becoming the first man to submit the dangerous Sean O'Malley, and dismantling perennial contender Cory Sandhagen. His relentless pace and spellbinding performances, particularly in a Fight of the Year contender against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311, transformed him into a must-watch attraction and cemented his legacy as one of the division's all-time greats.
Stunning Stoppages and Unforgettable Events
The year was also marked by spectacular finishes. The Knockout of the Year honour is fiercely contested. In March, Mauricio Ruffy delivered a rare and devastating wheel kick to King Green's head at UFC 313, a technically perfect strike with gruesomely memorable consequences. Not to be outdone, Britain's Lerone Murphy silenced the hype around debutant Aaron Pico at UFC 319 with a brutal spinning back elbow, a statement finish that propelled the undefeated fighter towards title contention.
For Submission of the Year, Dvalishvili's north-south choke on O'Malley in June stands out for its rarity and significance. Meanwhile, Jean Silva's ninja choke victory over the controversial Bryce Mitchell provided one of the year's most satisfying conclusions.
When it came to the best overall event, UFC 323 made a compelling case with ten finishes from its fourteen fights, sustained drama, and the shocking co-main event injury to Alexandre Pantoja. However, UFC 322: "Dana's Emporium of Muscles and Tussles" also delivered a blistering card. It featured stunning knockouts from Benoit Saint-Denis and Bo Nickal, a career-defining win for Michael Morales, and historic title victories where Valentina Shevchenko staked her claim as the women's GOAT and Islam Makhachev became a two-division champion.
Bold Predictions for the Paramount+ Era in 2026
As the UFC enters its new broadcast partnership, the matchmaking approach is under scrutiny. One bold forecast for 2026 is a record number of interim-title fights, potentially three across the year, as the promotion may use them to bolster cards amidst criticism of its scheduling. The first is already set for January, as Paddy Pimblett meets Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight crown.
This leads to another striking prediction: Paddy Pimblett could become the undisputed lightweight champion. If he overcomes Gaethje, the path to unification is fraught but possible. Undisputed champion Ilia Topuria is taking a personal break and has expressed interest in chasing a third belt against Makhachev at welterweight. Should Topuria be stripped or vacate the 155lb title in pursuit of that legacy fight, Pimblett could find himself elevated to undisputed status, capping a controversial but meteoric rise.
While the business of the sport faces uncertainty, the action inside the Octagon remains as compelling as ever. The athletes of 2025 provided a masterclass in resilience and excitement, setting a high bar for what promises to be a transformative 2026.
