2024 has been a year to remember for the UFC. After all, the last 12 months saw its fair share of memorable, marquee cards that will be remembered for a long time. On the other hand, there weren’t any Sean-Strickland-absolutely-dominating-Israel-Adesanya level upsets this year at the very top.

A fair few titles did change hands this year, but none of them were shocking upsets. However, ChatGPT thinks that 2025 may be different. In this article, we take a look at the top most shocking predictions AI has made for this year in the UFC. So, let’s jump straight into it!

The MMA world gives Ilia Topuria the GOAT status, draws serious comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Ilia Topuria is in the conversation for being the greatest featherweight this sport has ever seen. After all, last year alone, he bulldozered through perhaps the two greatest 145-pounders,  Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski back to back.

In 2025, the featherweight champ is expected to rematch ‘Volk’ and face young and hungry up-and-comers like Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev. If Topuria continues his stellar run and can deal with these young lions, it is not unlikely that the Spanish-Georgian champ may well find himself in the GOAT conversation, drawing comparisons with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

After all, like Nurmagomedov, Ilia Topuria has dominated most of his opponents and has made one title defense so far. If he could make two more this year, he will equal ‘The Eagle’s record of three title defenses, and at least enter the GOAT conversation for some.

Islam Makhachev vacates lightweight title, paves the way for Usman Nurmagomedov

Islam Makhachev desperately wants to become a two-division champion. The lightweight juggernaut, after all, wants to win a second belt once again since he wants to feel the ecstasy and thrill of winning a title for the first time again. In fact, the champ and his team have been targeting the welterweight title, or if their friend Belal Muhammad remains champ, the middleweight title to do so.

While it is not clear if the Dagestani will vacate his lightweight title or not, there is a chance that he may. This would mean that the UFC’s 155-pound belt would need a new taker. And ChatGPT thinks that reigning Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov will join the UFC and step up to fight for the lightweight title.

After all, the main reason Usman does not fight in the UFC is precisely because Makhachev is the champ there. The Dagestanis teammates from Khabib’s stable have a policy of not fighting their teammates or friends, and Makhachev moving up to contend for a second title would certainly clear the path for Usman Nurmagomedov’s UFC lightweight title run.

Sean O’Malley retires to build a business empire

Sean O’Malley is a smart guy and one of the biggest stars in the promotion. The rainbow-haired former champion, along with being a veritable sniper, is also a savvy businessman. After all, ‘Suga’ wants to emulate Conor McGregor’s example (at least the good parts) and become as rich and successful as ‘Mystic Mac’.

ChatGPT thinks that O’Malley may shock the fans by retiring in 2025 and focusing on his business ventures. After all, the Montana native is a co-owner of men’s health and self-care product company, ‘W’ along with Jake Paul. In addition, the UFC superstar has launched a mari—na strain called ‘Sugar Strain’ probably inspired by McGregor’s whiskey company.

But why would the former 135lbs kingpin even retire since he is still quite young and has a lot of good years ahead of him? Well, it may be that O’Malley rematches Merab Dvalishvili this year, and loses again. This could be followed by a couple of more losses this year, and take some serious damage during those fights. After which, he may choose to retire for health reasons and capitalize on his star power to establish a business empire.

Conor McGregor’s UFC return never materializes

Conor McGregor wants to fight in the UFC this year. Or so the Irishman has been claiming every chance he gets. But the Irishman’s actions speak differently. After all, the former two-division champ, who once called partying a “weakness for the soul” is a veritable party animal these days.

In addition, many suspect that his recent decision to go box Logan Paul may hamper McGregor’s MMA plans. After all, if the Irishman could fight celebrity boxers and get similar money he would have gotten in the UFC, why would he not do that? If he fights again inside the Octagon, he would have to put himself through the hell of a full training camp and fight the best MMA fighters in the world.

Even Dana White seems convinced of this. The UFC CEO has said repeatedly that a man with McGregor’s wealth doesn’t have much motivation to come back to the UFC. This is why ChatGPT thinks that Conor McGregor will not return to the UFC in 2025 or ever. There is a good chance, however, that ‘Mystic Mac’ keeps promising to remain relevant and in the headlines.

What do you think about these predictions? Which one would you like to see come true in 2025? Tell us in the comment section below!