As the UFC enters 2025, the organization is abuzz with predictions, rivalries, and the ever-evolving landscape of champions. Experts and fighters alike are speculating on the year ahead, with bold forecasts about title changes, blockbuster matchups, and potential industry shifts. From Tom Aspinall’s confident outlook to Michael Bisping’s calculated guesses, here’s what to expect from the octagon in the coming year.
Tom Aspinall and the heavyweight showdown: “I’ll be champion.”
Tom Aspinall, the UFC interim heavyweight champion, has set his sights on a monumental clash with Jon Jones in 2025. Aspinall, who successfully defended his interim title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, is eager to unify the belt against the reigning king of the division. Speaking to TNT Sports, the British fighter expressed confidence in his ability to claim undisputed gold. “By this time next year, I’ll already be champion,” Aspinall declared.
Beyond his own ambitions, Aspinall also shared his predictions for other divisions. Notably, he envisions Khamzat Chimaev capturing the middleweight title and holding it through 2025. His forecast for the light heavyweight division remains uncertain, with Aspinall torn between current champion Alex Pereira and top contender Magomed Ankalaev. As the year unfolds, fans will eagerly await whether Aspinall’s foresight proves accurate.
Michael Bisping’s bold predictions: Four new champions on the horizon.
Former middleweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has also weighed in on 2025 with a striking set of predictions. During an appearance on TNT Sports’ “Fight Week,” Bisping named four fighters he believes will claim UFC titles for the first time this year. Among them is Khamzat Chimaev, who has skyrocketed to prominence with a dominant victory over Robert Whittaker, solidifying his status as a top contender in the middleweight division.
Bisping also highlighted Tatiana Suarez, predicting that her elite wrestling will topple Zhang Weili for the strawweight belt at UFC 312 in February. Additionally, Bisping foresees Kayla Harrison becoming the bantamweight queen, citing her dominance in judo and physicality as key factors. Harrison, a former PFL champion, has been a highly anticipated addition to the UFC roster and is expected to shake up the women’s divisions in 2025.
Finally, Bisping echoed Aspinall’s confidence, predicting that the British heavyweight would unify the titles against Jon Jones in what he called “the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history.” Bisping’s track record for accurate predictions, including champions like Islam Makhachev and Alexandre Pantoja, adds weight to his claims for the year ahead.
Aljamain Sterling’s insight: Potential upsets and rising contenders.
Aljamain Sterling, a former bantamweight champion, has also entered the prediction arena. On his podcast, Sterling outlined several potential title changes for 2025. Highlighting Manel Kape as the next flyweight champion, Sterling praised Kape’s striking and ground game as tools capable of dethroning Alexandre Pantoja. “If Kape can keep the fight standing, his clean style will give Pantoja a lot of trouble,” he noted.
Sterling also pointed to Arman Tsarukyan’s chances of upsetting lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in their scheduled rematch at UFC 311. “Arman has grown tremendously since their first fight, and he has the tools to pull off a surprise,” Sterling remarked. His analysis extends to the heavier divisions as well, where he sees Magomed Ankalaev becoming the light heavyweight champion and Tom Aspinall stepping into the role of undisputed heavyweight champion if Jon Jones steps away from the sport.
Khamzat Chimaev: The middleweight division’s next king?
Khamzat Chimaev’s name has dominated conversations about the middleweight division in the lead-up to 2025. The undefeated phenom is favored by bookmakers to claim the title, and many expect him to face the winner of the Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland rematch scheduled for February. Chimaev’s recent dismantling of Robert Whittaker has only solidified his position as a top contender, and his relentless style makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division.
Michael Bisping and Tom Aspinall both see Chimaev as the likely middleweight champion by the end of the year. However, the division is stacked with potential challengers, including Israel Adesanya, who is set to face Nassourdine Imavov in a pivotal bout. With a potential logjam of contenders, Chimaev’s journey to the title could be one of the most compelling storylines of 2025.
The UFC and ESPN partnership: A pivotal moment for MMA broadcasting.
Beyond the octagon, the UFC faces a transformative period in its business operations. The organization’s long-standing partnership with ESPN is set to expire at the end of 2025, sparking speculation about the future of MMA broadcasting. Sports media expert Joe Pompliano predicts that the UFC could adopt a multi-network model, potentially collaborating with platforms like Netflix to expand its reach. “Netflix is already investing heavily in live events, and the UFC’s global appeal makes it a natural fit,” Pompliano remarked.
One intriguing possibility is the return of high-profile events to unique venues like Las Vegas’ Sphere, which hosted a groundbreaking UFC card in 2024. While UFC President Dana White initially described the event as a one-time spectacle, Pompliano believes the right financial incentives could bring the promotion back to the Sphere for annual showcases. This shift in broadcasting strategy could redefine how fans experience MMA, particularly as the UFC continues to grow its global footprint.
What lies ahead: A year of seismic shifts in the UFC.
With major title fights, rising contenders, and potential industry changes on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be a historic year for the UFC and its fans. The stakes are high, from Jon Jones potentially defending his heavyweight crown one last time against Tom Aspinall to Khamzat Chimaev’s expected ascent to middleweight dominance. Meanwhile, developments in broadcasting could revolutionize the way MMA is consumed, opening the door for new audiences and revenue streams.
Whether it’s the fighters in the cage or the executives shaping the sport’s future, all eyes will be on the UFC as it navigates one of its most pivotal years yet. As fans eagerly await the next chapter, it’s clear that the octagon will once again be the stage for unforgettable drama and unparalleled athleticism.
