Reflecting on an exceptional year for his promotion, packed with great fights, a record-breaking $132 million success in terms of revenue, and unforgettable moments, Dana White suggested that even bigger surprises await fans in the coming year. Taking to his social media, the UFC CEO shared his excitement for what’s to come, both for the organization and its other ventures, such as Power Slap and Nitro Circus in 2025.

While he did not give specific details, Dana White’s Instagram story hinted at far-reaching plans as he wrote, “Hey 2025…I’m coming to KICK your f***** a*s!!!!” The head honcho further wished his fans a happy new year. “Happy New Year Everyone.” As fans speculate about his cryptic comments, the UFC is gearing up for its first event of 2025. UFC Vegas 101 will be held on January 11 at the Apex in Las Vegas, with the women’s strawweight rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas as the headliner.

It is worth noting that at the UFC Tampa post-fight press conference, the UFC CEO promised big fights and preparations underway. “I foresee big fights,'” he said with a smile. “I have something in my hands that will drive them [the media] crazy. You will all be running from one place to another. I’m preparing something you’ll never see coming for 2025. It began to take shape last night. Yes, fun things are coming.”

Dana White poked fun at fight fans in his final UFC press conference of 2024, stating that there is something in the pipeline for 2025 that will make them lose their minds when it is announced. The UFC head honcho said that there is something fresh from the press that no one will be able to predict in advance. The same can be sensed through his aforementioned Instagram story as well. However, Brendan Schaub believes that he knows what Dana White’s big surprise is for 2025.

Brendan Schaub shares his theory on Dana White’s announcement

In response to White’s comments, former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub attempted to speculate on what this mind-blowing fight announcement might be on his YouTube channel. Schaub believes the return of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov would provoke that kind of hype. Still, he acknowledged that ‘The Eagle’ made it abundantly clear that he would not back down from his decision to retire. One potential major change in the MMA landscape that Schaub pointed out is Francis Ngannou‘s current status.

‘The Predator’ recently made his return to MMA in his PFL debut at the Battle of the Giants, where he stopped Renan Ferreira in the first round. After utterly dominating his Brazilian foe, there were two big questions on everyone’s mind: Who will Ngannou face next, and is he still the best heavyweight on the planet, considering he never lost the UFC title, which he vacated when he dropped out of the promotion?

Brendan Schaub believes Ngannou’s return to the Octagon to face the division’s two current big stars, Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall would be unexpected and would set the bar high for 2025. Brendan Schaub shared his theory: “Dana said, ‘It’s going to blow your guys’ minds. The only thing that would blow me away is if it’s Francis. Francis fighting the winner of Jones vs. Aspinall—that would be a dream collision.” Well, if either Ngannou or Nurmagomedov comeback, it could break ultimate records in the UFC in 2025. But what do you think? Will Schaub’s theory turn true? Let us know in the comments.