From Max Holloway’s last-second screamer of a knockout to Islam Makhachev‘s fifth-round submission following an outstanding ankle whip, 2024 has been a year to remember for the UFC and its fans. With the final event wrapped up in Tampa, we’re now heading to a new year, and while Dana White has already given us a few fights coming in January, let us take a look at some other potential fights that can take place in 2025.

The UFC has a lot of potential fights at hand, which includes title fights as well. The first two title bouts of the year will take place at UFC 311, among which the bantamweight title will be up for grabs. It’s a highly anticipated bout, especially because it features Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s cousin brother, ‘Young Eagle’ Umar Nurmagomedov.

Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

After demolishing 18 opponents without fail, Umar Nurmagomedov has his biggest career opportunity in front of him at UFC 311. As he’ll turn 29 by the time of his bantamweight title fight against, Khabib’s cousin has a chance to become a UFC champion at the same age as him. But that’s not the only exciting aspect of that fight against Merab Dvalishvili because a lot has already happened and will potentially unravel even more between the two 135fers.

Dvalishvili was already upset with Nurmagomedov before their UFC 311 presser due to their exchanges on social media. While claiming that ‘Young Eagle’“disrespected” him, the Georgian star also almost came to blows with Umar backstage after the event. There is drama in the rivalry, which helps sell the fight, according to AKA head coach Javier Mendez.

With this fight already booked and about to take place in a few weeks, let’s take a look at a potential fight, which involves Alex Pereira and his toughest challenge as the light heavyweight champion so far.

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Alex Pereira has been steamrolling through his opponents at 205 pounds ever since he jumped ship from the middleweight division. In record time, ‘Poatan’ captured two divisional golds in the UFC in just seven fights, and ever since winning the title in November 2023, the Brazilian has scored four impressive and dominant knockout wins. However, some believe that he has yet to face someone who gives him a real challenge.

Hence, Magomed Ankalaev entered the conversation, who has also exchanged words with Pereira on social media. The Russian star, who’s undefeated since late 2018, claims that ‘Poatan’ is trying to duck his challenge, which, of course, was denied by the Brazilian. Fans also want to see this fight and find out if Pereira is immune to the heavy wrestling skills of Ankalaev and this also is a proper opportunity for the man with ‘hands of stone’ to cement his legacy in the light heavyweight decision.

Now, let’s take a look at another potential fight that could take the UFC to the buzzing European nation of Spain.

Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira (or any other top lightweight) in Spain

Ever since Ilia Topuria won the featherweight championship back at UFC 298, the cries for a UFC event in Spain have gotten louder. Dana White has mentioned discussing some plans with the promotion’s execs for an event in Spain and guess what? The premiere MMA organization will be coming to Spain in 2025. Obviously, it will be headlined by ‘El Matador’, but who will fight? Well, his lightweight ambition could take shape when he steps inside the Octagon in his native country.

Islam Makhachev doesn’t need Ilia Topuria’s name in his resume, and hence, he doesn’t want to give the Georgian-Spaniard a chance at his title. After beating two of the best featherweights in the promotion and being the first one to finish Max Holloway, the reigning 145-pound king does have a case to move up and that’s where Charles Oliveira comes in.

Oliveira’s recent win over Michael Chandler has put him in title contention once again. But while that fight could take time, he could turn his attention to Topuria, who’s one of the biggest stars in the promotion right now. Do you think Dana White will consider this fight? But before you give us your thoughts, let’s move over to see the next big fight in 2025, which is the UFC 311 headliner between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan.

Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan

There isn’t much of a difference between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan‘s UFC record. Apart from having an extra loss in comparison to the reigning champion, ‘Ahalkalakets’ has been very impressive on his way to UFC 311 as he seeks to get his revenge against Makhachev and win the 155lbs gold in the process. Given that Tsarukyan also has excellent wrestling, this fight looks like a real test for Khabib’s protege.

The Dagestani phenom has shown that he can get overwhelmed in a fight, just like he did against Dustin Poirier, although he’s been able to cross the finishing line on every single occasion ever since his only UFC loss. So could Tsarukyan get the better of the champion when the day arrives? Well, that’s a question for fight night, but what fans can expect is an exciting bout because Makhachev has been nothing less than exciting ever since he won the lightweight strap in 2022.

For the final big fight of 2025, it’s the most anticipated fight in recent memory; a bout between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones.

A generational clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall

“Hello Jon… I just know that I can beat you in a fight.” This was the seed that Tom Aspinall needed to sow to get the biggest fight any UFC fighter can get, which is to fight Jon Jones and prove himself to be the best heavyweight in the world. However, ‘Bones’ has only been turning down a fight against the Englishman in his pursuit of a legacy fight, and was targeting Alex Pereira. However, the picture became clear after Jones’s recent win over Stipe Miocic, as Dana White claimed that the champion would have to unify the heavyweight crown against the interim champion next.

The head honcho is willing to put all his money on the fact that the Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones fight has the potential to break all kinds of records. But can they beat the Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor fight? Well, that remains to be seen as we wait for the official date for this epic heavyweight clash with another potentially great year waiting for the UFC.

What is your take on our picks for the biggest fights in 2025? Let us know in the comments down below.