The 2025 MMA season has unfolded with a mix of unexpected breakthroughs and notable letdowns, reshaping narratives around fighters and organizations alike. Among the biggest surprises is Ilia Topuria, whose technical prowess and consistent performances have earned him recognition as a fighter of the year candidate, outshining even the prolific Alex Pereira in quality despite Pereira’s volume of wins[2]. This contrast highlights how skill and fight IQ can sometimes outweigh mere win counts in defining a fighter’s impact during a season.
Conversely, several high-profile fighters have underwhelmed relative to expectations. Sean Strickland, once considered a top contender, has been a major disappointment in 2025. His performances and public handling of fight negotiations have fallen short of the hype that surrounded him at the start of the year, leading to a significant drop in his standing among fans and analysts[1]. Similarly, Alex Pereira is on track to go winless this year, a stark reversal for a fighter who had been seen as a rising star and potential champion contender[2].
The organizational side has also seen surprises and setbacks. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has struggled with integrating Bellator fighters after its acquisition, leading to management and matchmaking challenges that have frustrated fans and stakeholders[2]. Meanwhile, the UFC has faced its own issues with fight cancellations disrupting event cards, such as the withdrawal of Quay Fernandez from a promising matchup, which deprived bettors and fans of anticipated underdog opportunities[3].
In the heavyweight division, Francis Ngannou’s trajectory has been a notable storyline. Rather than competing in MMA, Ngannou has shifted focus to boxing, taking a high-profile bout against Deontay Wilder. This move leaves the PFL scrambling to find credible MMA opponents for him, which has dampened expectations for heavyweight MMA action in 2025[4]. Ngannou’s pivot underscores how crossover bouts and alternative combat sports engagements can impact MMA’s competitive landscape.
Finally, some fighters have expressed personal disappointment with their career progressions and opportunities. Artem Vakhitov, for example, revealed frustration over the UFC’s failure to finalize a deal that might have led to a rematch with Alex Pereira, reflecting how contract negotiations and promotional decisions can influence fighters’ momentum and fan engagement[5].
Overall, 2025’s MMA season is marked by a dynamic mix of fighters exceeding expectations through skill and resilience, alongside others whose performances or circumstances have fallen short, reshaping the competitive and promotional environment in significant ways.