As the combat sports calendar rolls past the halfway point of 2025, it`s a fitting time to pause and reflect on the moments, performances, and athletes that have defined the year so far. While numerous promotions around the globe continue to deliver action, the spotlight in this mid-season review, perhaps unsurprisingly, shines brightest on the key events and figures within the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
From dominant title defenses to historic finishes and unexpected barnburners, the first six months have offered plenty to analyze and appreciate. Based on expert consensus, here is a breakdown of the standout contenders for the most significant awards of the year to date.
Best Fighter: Merab Dvalishvili
Leading the pack for overall performance is the bantamweight powerhouse, Merab `The Machine` Dvalishvili. His 2025 campaign has been nothing short of exceptional, solidifying his position at the pinnacle of one of MMA`s most talent-stacked divisions. Dvalishvili commenced the year by facing the formidable, previously undefeated challenge of Umar Nurmagomedov. In a high-stakes bout, Dvalishvili not only emerged victorious over five rounds but did so with a performance strong enough to earn Fight of the Night honors. Demonstrating a remarkable willingness to stay active, he returned to headline UFC 316 less than five months later, this time challenging champion Sean O`Malley. Against an O`Malley widely considered to be at his sharpest, Dvalishvili implemented his relentless pressure, ultimately securing a decisive stoppage via choke in the third round. Two fights, two major victories, and two successful title defenses against elite competition in under half a year – a truly remarkable output that earns him this distinction.
Best Knockout: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
Moving to the most emphatic conclusions, Ilia Topuria`s knockout of Charles Oliveira stands out as a moment of significant historical weight. More than just a visually spectacular finish, this victory saw Topuria achieve rare status by claiming a title in his second weight class within the UFC – a feat accomplished while maintaining his undefeated record. At just 28 years old, the precision and timing displayed in the knockout strike against a highly respected former champion like Oliveira felt like more than just a win; it signaled a potential paradigm shift, a clear statement that Topuria has arrived not just as a champion, but as a potential face of the sport.
Best Submission: Kayla Harrison vs. Julianna Peña
On the ground, technique met triumph as Kayla Harrison finally realized her long-stated objective: a UFC championship. An athlete already possessing Olympic judo pedigree, Harrison`s transition to MMA culminated in her title shot against Julianna Peña at UFC 316. While a kimura might not possess the immediate visual `wow` factor of some rare submissions, Harrison`s application of the hold was both dominant and devastating. Controlling Peña on the mat, Harrison secured the kimura late in the second round. Despite the difficult position against the cage, she generated immense torque, forcing Peña to tap quickly and resulting in a significant medical suspension for the challenger due to potential shoulder damage. The effectiveness and consequence of the finish, coupled with the magnitude of Harrison achieving her championship goal, place this submission at the forefront for the first half of 2025.
Best Fight: Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval
Beyond individual finishes, some contests stand out for sheer competitive drama and unexpected brilliance. The flyweight clash between Joshua Van and Brandon Royval at UFC 317, initially a late-addition to the card, delivered an unexpected classic. Royval`s trademark high-intensity pace found a perfect foil in Van`s youthful exuberance and resilience. The two engaged in a thrilling, back-and-forth battle over 15 minutes, with the knowledge that a potential title shot loomed. Van demonstrated impressive composure and accuracy, particularly in the later stages, even securing a knockdown that helped seal his victory on the scorecards. The fight`s quality, combined with Van`s composed post-fight octagon interview and subsequent face-off with the champion, created a definitive star-making moment and arguably the most compelling fight of the year so far.
As the first half of 2025 concludes, these highlight-reel moments and dominant performances provide a strong foundation for what promises to be an equally exciting remainder of the year. The bar has been set high, and the anticipation for future matchups and potential new contenders is palpable.
