UFC Championship Showdowns Ahead: 6 Title Fights Set for 2025

URGENT UPDATE: The UFC is gearing up for an electrifying finish to 2025, with six championship titles on the line in just two months. Fans can expect thrilling matchups starting with UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN PPV, where Tom Aspinall defends his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane.

In the co-main event, a new strawweight champion will be crowned as Virna Jandiroba faces Mackenzie Dern for the vacated 115-pound title previously held by Zhang Weili. With the division in flux, this fight has major implications for the future of women’s strawweight MMA.

Moving to the iconic Madison Square Garden, Islam Makhachev aims to capture a second title when he challenges newly minted welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 on November 15. This event also features Zhang Weili attempting to make history by becoming champion in two weight classes as she takes on Valentina Shevchenko in a highly anticipated co-main event.

The year will wrap up in Las Vegas with UFC 323, where men’s bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili seeks to defend his title for a record fourth time within a single calendar year against former champion Petr Yan. Their rematch promises to be a nail-biter, especially after Dvalishvili’s dominant first performance.

Here’s a breakdown of the title fights that fans are eagerly awaiting:

6. Strawweight: Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern
This matchup, while not the most exciting, is crucial for the struggling strawweight division. Jandiroba has been on a five-fight win streak, while Dern’s inconsistent performances raise questions about her readiness for this title shot. The stakes are high, but neither fighter has proven to be a dominant force since Zhang’s exit.

5. Heavyweight: Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane
Aspinall, the rightful champion, steps into the octagon after a tumultuous period dominated by Jon Jones’ retirement saga. With an impressive record of quick finishes, Aspinall looks to solidify his reign against Gane, who faces an uphill battle following a disappointing loss to Jones in March.

4. Men’s Bantamweight: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan 2
The rematch between these two fighters is expected to be intense, especially considering their last encounter. Dvalishvili, armed with three title defenses this year, is determined to make history, while Yan aims to reclaim his former glory. The pressure is on as both fighters prepare for a high-stakes showdown.

3. Men’s Flyweight: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Joshua Van
Joshua Van has emerged as a formidable contender, but he faces a tough challenge against Pantoja, who has dominated the flyweight division. Their contrasting styles promise an exciting bout, with Van’s striking skills pitted against Pantoja’s grappling prowess.

2. Welterweight: Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
In a clash of champions, Makhachev seeks to reclaim his top pound-for-pound status by taking the welterweight title from Della Maddalena. The stakes have never been higher for Della Maddalena, who aims to prove he’s more than a transitional champion.

1. Women’s Flyweight: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili
This is the most anticipated title fight of the year. Shevchenko, a legend in women’s MMA, faces off against the powerful Zhang in a match that could redefine both their careers. With Shevchenko’s striking and Zhang’s wrestling, this is a must-watch fight that could have lasting implications for the women’s divisions.

Fans are urged to tune in for these thrilling events as the UFC promises an action-packed end to 2025. Don’t miss out on the excitement — these matchups could change the landscape of MMA forever!