Creating the next mega-UFC event isn’t about handpicking the right fighters or booking the most spectacular venues; it’s about giving fans what they’ve been begging for. Dana White, the head of the UFC, understands this better than anyone else. With UFC 309 and UFC 306 turning out to be significant milestones, White faces an enormous task in taking the UFC even further in 2025. The CEO’s situation could not be more pressing. After all, UFC 306 had a gate of $22 million and a sold-out audience of 16,024 people, and UFC 309 was also a solid affair at Madison Square Garden with a $16,673,954 gate and 20,200 in attendance. So, how can Dana White not only match but surpass, the huge success of previous UFC events?

The answer lies in a perfect blend of big-name matchups, headline-shattering comebacks, and historic fight cards. From dream fights involving the sport’s biggest names to innovative fight night formats, White has various options for keeping the UFC on track to smash records and wow fans around the world. Let’s look at some of his options.

Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira/Tom Aspinall

A bout featuring Jon Jones is usually a big deal, but adding Alex Pereira or Tom Aspinall amps up the hype even more. Jones has time and again expressed his interest in going one-on-one against ‘Poatan’, a fight that many wouldn’t have opposed, had fans not been in full support of Tom Aspinall fighting ‘Bones.’ The Englishman’s rapid rise in the heavyweight division has been extraordinary. So when Aspinall began poking Jon Jones to have a title unification fight against the interim champion, fans bought the idea in a second.

While booking the heavyweight champion against a beast like Alex Pereira appears to be the go-to recipe for success, Dana White would like Jon Jones to clear his name after allegations about him ducking a fight against Tom Aspinall. And what better way to settle the debate than to have the two share the Octagon? The rising star seeking to cement his spot among the heavyweight elite takes on the final boss. One thing is for sure, both of these fights would definitely lead to massive ticket sales based solely on the main event hype.

If Jones can get past Aspinall, and Pereira can put away Magomed Ankalev, Jones vs. Pereira should be all systems go from the CEO.

The massive return of Conor McGregor

When it comes to selling out arenas, few names in the UFC pack a punch like Conor McGregor. Even after a long break away from the Octagon, the return of ‘The Notorious’ in 2025 would draw massive attention. He has yet to have his fight against Michael Chandler, who too hasn’t forgotten the Irishman, as evident from his UFC 309 post-fight callout. Or, booking McGregor against someone like Charles Oliveira too can turn out to be a massive draw. And fortunately for fans, there have been rumors buzzing about the two being planned to face one another.

But whoever his opponent may be, just having McGregor on a card isn’t enough; it’s all about how Dana White sets the stage. It’s easy to see how McGregor’s return could shatter UFC 306 and 309 records, as the Irishman never fails to make headlines. Whether it be saying ‘Ola’ to ‘Do Bronx’ or taking a jibe at Chandler post his 309 fight, McGregor will make sure he hypes up his fight like no other.

3 championship fights in one card

Stacking a UFC event with three title fights in one night could be the ultimate ticket-selling strategy for 2025. A main event featuring Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall for a title unification fight is something that MMA fans have been eagerly anticipating. After Jones’ recent knockout victory over Stipe Miocic, excitement is building to see how Tom Aspinall would perform against the man many consider the greatest of all time in MMA. Similarly, another fighter has been waiting for his chance at a dream match. Magomed Ankalaev is potentially next in line to challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title.

After witnessing ‘Poatan’ knock out Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307, fans are rallying behind the 20-1-1 fighter to take on Pereira. While the light heavyweight champion has expressed more interest in facing Jon Jones, who also wants a matchup with him, Dana White would likely prefer to see Jones go up against Tom Aspinall. This situation could open the door for Ankalaev to step in. He even shared on social media that Dana White told him he’s next in line to challenge Pereira. This means fans might finally get to see two major fights they’ve been eagerly hoping for. But there’s more. Recent reports suggest that the UFC has scheduled a title fight between UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan.

Islam Makhachev is on an incredible winning streak. Since his last loss in 2015, the Dagestani star has captured the UFC lightweight title and defended it successfully three times. His most recent title defense at UFC 302 saw him choke out challenger Dustin Poirier in the final round. Fans are eagerly waiting to find out who Makhachev will face next, with many speculating it will be #1-ranked Arman Tsarukyan.  Although no formal announcements have been made, the official Instagram account for the Nurmagomedov MMA School posted a banner a few days ago indicating that the two guys will fight in 2025.

This surely will be a major fight for Tsarukyan, as he will be looking forward to avenging his 2019 loss against Makhachev in what was his UFC debut. But since then, he has won nine fights with just one loss. So with three such high-caliber fights, UFC can give fans a banger of an event that will shatter all previous gates and create a new defining record for the Dana White-led promotion. What do you think? Will the UFC create a new record in 2025? Let us know in the comments.