Web Desk: Islam Makhachev registered history by becoming the MMA fighter of the year. Championship belts changed hands in 10 of 11 weight classes, multiple times, as fighters rose, fell and etched their names into the sport’s history. Some competitors finally realised long-awaited title dreams, while established stars continued to strengthen their legacies or make history by capturing belts in multiple divisions.
Islam Makhachev’s Historic Dual Titles
Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev began 2025 as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world and finished the year not only holding his lightweight belt but also securing the welterweight title. In January, he defended his lightweight championship for a record fourth time by submitting Renato Moicano at UFC 311, reinforcing his status among the sport’s elite. Later, at UFC 322 in November, Makhachev decisively defeated Jack Della Maddalena to claim the welterweight championship, becoming the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously.
Valentina Shevchenko Dominates Flyweight
In the women’s division, Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko continued her reign at flyweight. She successfully defended her title against top contender Manon Fiorot at UFC 315, halting Fiorot’s seven-fight winning streak. Shevchenko then faced Zhang Weili at UFC 322 and delivered a commanding performance, solidifying her reputation as one of WMMA’s greatest fighters. Her victories in 2025 underscored her technical mastery and resilience at the top of her division.
Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili Shine in Bantamweight
Petr Yan returned to form in the bantamweight division, reclaiming the title in December at UFC 323 with a dominant showing against Merab Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili had been on track for a historic year with multiple successful title defences, but Yan’s decisive victory demonstrated his skill and determination. Despite the loss, Dvalishvili’s impressive performances throughout the year kept him among the sport’s top contenders.
Joshua Van’s Meteoric Rise
Flyweight contender Joshua Van had a breakout year, rising from unranked to champion. Van claimed notable victories over Rei Tsuruya, Bruno Silva and Brandon Royval, earning Breakthrough Fighter of the Year and Fight of the Year accolades. Although his championship bout against Alexandre Pantoja ended abruptly due to injury, Van’s rapid ascent marked him as one of MMA’s most exciting emerging talents.
Other Notable Performances
The year also featured standout showings from Kayla Harrison, Michael Morales, Khamzat Chimaev and Ilia Topuria, each delivering memorable performances that contributed to an unforgettable 2025 in mixed martial arts.
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