5 UFC Matchups We Want in 2025

1. Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

This heavyweight bout will settle the question every fan wants answered: Who is the greatest heavyweight alive? Many believe it’s the consensus GOAT, Jon Jones, but others argue it’s the current interim (and, in their opinion, should-be undisputed) heavyweight champ, Tom Aspinall. Neither of these fighters have lost in the UFC, and, unsurprisingly, both have finished all of their fights at heavyweight.

2. Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis/ Sean Strickland

The only fight to make for the title after Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland rematch in Australia is against the #3 contender at middleweight, Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev has never lost in the UFC or his career, and after coming off a first-round submission win against Robert Whittaker, he’s the clear choice for the next title shot.

3. Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

The two best light heavyweights in the world will likely clash in 2025. Magomed Ankalaev has been waiting almost two years for his second shot at the title, following his majority draw against Jan Blachowicz in 2022. Meanwhile, Alex Pereira, who recently won Fighter of the Year, is considered one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC—some even argue he’s the face of the promotion right now. Ankalaev has a dynamic skill set that could neutralize Pereira, but Pereira’s "touch of death" can end the fight at any moment.

4. Ilia Topuria vs. Diego Lopes

Two of the most powerful featherweights in the world should be facing off against each other very soon inside the octagon. I believe Diego Lopes is a nightmare matchup for a guy like Ilia Topuria in terms of style. But there should be no one to fear for the already great Topuria. Topuria just came off of two of the most impressive back to back wins in UFC history in my opinion. Beating the 1st and 2nd greatest Featherweights to ever walk the planet is an accomplishment that probably not a lot of champions or contenders will ever be able to do. If these two share the octagon in 2025 I can guarantee it will be a firework show.

5.  Islam Makhachev vs. Belal Muhammad/ Shavkat Rakhmonov

Islam Makhachev has made it very clear that his ultimate UFC dream is to become a double champ. To achieve this, he must face one of these two welterweights. It’s widely believed that he would prefer to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov, as Belal Muhammad and Islam are friends and would likely avoid fighting each other. This is why Islam might be rooting for Shavkat to win their potential matchup—so he can take one step closer to accomplishing his dream.