For over 30 years, Dana White and Co. have worked tirelessly to keep the UFC at the forefront of combat sports—and they’ve done so with remarkable success. With every fight card, the stakes have risen, and fans have been treated to unforgettable moments during mega-events. In 2024, the head honcho delivered four of the highest-grossing gate events in the company’s history, setting the bar higher than ever.

Now, as 2025 approaches, the question is no longer whether White can outperform his competition—it’s whether he can outdo himself. With no true rival in the industry, the UFC boss faces the unique challenge of competing against the high standard he’s already set. Fans are already buzzing with excitement over the potential marquee matchups in 2025, and White appears more than ready to meet their expectations. Buckle up, fight fans—2025 is set to be a year to remember.

Dana White plans to expand the UFC’s reach beyond the US borders

MMA fans have been spoiled in 2024, with the year feeling like a never-ending gift. From thrilling buzzer-beater knockouts at UFC 300 to record-breaking ticket sales and the spectacle of UFC 306, the action has been non-stop. Beyond the octagon, Dana White has been busy not just signing new talent but also expanding the UFC’s reach to new territories.

We’ve already witnessed a heartfelt tribute to Mexico at UFC 306, but now it’s time to dream even bigger. White has confirmed plans to host UFC events in new regions, with Spain and Africa on the horizon. The announcement came ahead of UFC 308, which featured Spanish juggernaut Ilia Topuria delivering a stunning knockout victory over Max Holloway—the first of Holloway’s career.

Speaking on the Outta Pocket podcast, White shared insights into UFC’s future while discussing his relationship with Donald Trump, a frequent front-row attendee at UFC events. “We will try to go to Africa for the first time and we will go to Spain for the first time next year,” White revealed.

This news has sparked excitement and plenty of questions. Where in Spain will the event take place? Will it be a Fight Night or a pay-per-view extravaganza? Fortunately, White provided some answers and hinted that the UFC will travel to Madrid for their first event in the country. Meanwhile, their expansion plan in Africa is centered around current 185lbs kingpin Dricus Du Plessis, who could headline the promotion’s first event in South Africa. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how the UFC extends its influence beyond the US market and borders in 2025.

The biggest clash of all time: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

The UFC heavyweight division currently has a champion, but there are still loose ends to tie up—and none loom larger than the potential showdown between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. If fans and fighters alike were polled on the one fight they most want to see in 2025, odds are this heavyweight clash would top the list. Aspinall, the interim heavyweight titleholder, has been waiting patiently for his chance to unify the belts against the legendary ‘Bones.’ Yet, despite Aspinall’s persistent call-outs, Jones has remained notably evasive.

While the fight hasn’t been officially booked, UFC CEO Dana White has given fans a glimmer of hope. Speaking at the UFC Tampa post-fight press conference, White addressed the speculation surrounding the matchup. “I’ll say 100 percent [the fight happens],” said White. The head honcho has also iterated that this generational clash will be the biggest fight in company history. “I think it’s probably the biggest fight in heavyweight history, and it’s a massive fight in the history of the company, too. It’s a big fight.”

Tom Aspinall has been vocal about wanting a unification bout with Jon Jones, but the reigning champion has remained somewhat lukewarm to the idea—or so it seems. When asked about the apparent disparity, UFC President Dana White offered some clarity on the situation.

“It’s weird,” White said. “What’s weird about that, let me tell you what’s weird about that: So usually guys say that (expletive) behind the scenes and not publicly. Jon says that (expletive) publicly but not behind the scenes. Jon is a very unique individual to deal with. From Day 1, I’ve been confident that Jon Jones would do that fight. Even before the fight (with Miocic), I said Jon will do this fight. Jon Jones isn’t afraid to fight anybody, and that’s a fact.”

Aspinall, however, hasn’t let up on his quest to secure the bout—even during the holiday season. On Christmas, he took to social media to share a hilarious meme: a roasted duck with Jon Jones’s head photoshopped onto it, implying that ‘Bones’ was “ducking” him. The post sent waves through the MMA community, adding to the anticipation for a potential showdown.

Conor McGregor’s UFC return in 2025

It’s been over 3 years since fans last witnessed Conor McGregor inside the Octagon. While ‘The Notorious’ has kept himself busy with personal ventures—becoming a part-owner of BKFC, expanding his business empire, and dealing with legal battles—the question on everyone’s mind remains: When will McGregor return to the Octagon?

Fortunately for MMA fans, the answer appears to be on the horizon. McGregor had hinted at making his highly anticipated comeback in 2025. Speaking to DAZN Boxing, the Irish superstar confirmed his intentions, expressing his hopes to finally grace the MMA cage once again. “It will be 2025,” McGregor said. “My job is just to go to the gym, be in the gym, stay in shape, and be sure that whenever it is, wherever it is, I will be ready.”

In addition to his return to the UFC in 2025, McGregor has stirred the pot with a recent post on X, teasing a potential matchup against Logan Paul. The social media firestorm surrounding the idea gained even more fuel after Paul’s discussions with the Ambani family from India. While McGregor currently has two fights left on his UFC contract, his post raises questions about his future in the promotion. With a history of making unpredictable moves, could a fight with Logan Paul signal that McGregor is considering greener pastures outside the UFC?

Can a new double champ be on the horizon?

Conor McGregor made history as a dual-weight champion way back in 2016 and Alex Pereira has followed suit by conquering both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. Now, could a certain Russian fighter make his own run at two weight classes? Islam Makhachev, who recently defended his lightweight title with a submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, has hinted at a potential move up in weight classes to cement his legacy.

Makhachev is eyeing the possibility of becoming a dual-weight champion, seeking to surpass even Khabib’s remarkable career. While the Dagestani won’t fight at 170lbs owing to the presence of his ‘Team Khabib’ faithful Belal Muhammad, Javier Mendez recently claimed that Makhachev could easily dominate Dricus Du Plessis and claim the 185lbs gold.

However, White wants to keep Makhachev busy at lightweight with a matchup against Arman Tsarukyan lined up for UFC 311. The fight will mark Makhachev’s fourth title defense, a milestone that already places him ahead of Khabib in terms of UFC title defenses. With Makhachev potentially breaking records and making waves in multiple weight divisions, the question remains: will he move up to welterweight after this fight, or will he continue to dominate at lightweight for now?

2025 is shaping up to be a great year for the promotion! Will this be the biggest year for the UFC yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!