The world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is always evolving, with new talent emerging and established fighters pushing their limits to stay on top. As we head into 2025, several cage fighters are making waves and are expected to make a big impact this year. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sport, these fighters are worth keeping an eye on. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the most exciting and talented cage fighters you should watch in 2025.

1. Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in MMA. The Chechen-born Swede has taken the UFC by storm with his dominant performances and unmatched aggression. Chimaev’s blend of wrestling, striking, and pressure is something to behold, and he’s already considered one of the most dangerous contenders in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.
In 2025, Chimaev will likely continue to rise through the ranks, challenging for a title shot and possibly becoming a future champion. His ability to finish fights quickly, combined with his confidence and trash-talking persona, makes him one of the most entertaining fighters to watch.
Why Watch?
- Impressive undefeated record (12-0 at the time of writing).
- Dominant in both wrestling and striking.
- Potential title contender in 2025.
2. Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev is another fighter who is expected to dominate in 2025. Trained by the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has emerged as one of the top contenders in the lightweight division. His wrestling and grappling are on another level, and his striking has been improving with each fight.
Makhachev’s calm demeanor and strategic approach inside the cage make him a deadly opponent. After claiming the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2023, he will be looking to solidify his reign in 2025 and defend his title against the best in the division.
Why Watch?
- UFC Lightweight Champion (2023).
- Strong grappling and improving striking.
- Likely to dominate the lightweight division in 2025.
3. Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira has already made a massive impact in the UFC, becoming the middleweight champion after defeating Israel Adesanya. Pereira’s striking is unmatched, with his kickboxing background giving him a serious edge in stand-up battles. His power and precision make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the middleweight division.
In 2025, Pereira will likely continue to defend his title and face a new generation of challengers. His striking and highlight-reel finishes make him one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the UFC.
Why Watch?
- UFC Middleweight Champion (2023).
- Unmatched striking power from kickboxing.
- Thrilling knockout finishes.
4. Tom Aspinall
Tom Aspinall is one of the brightest prospects in the UFC Heavyweight division. With his incredible athleticism and striking skills, Aspinall is poised to become a top contender in 2025. Despite his young age, he has already earned impressive wins over experienced fighters, showing his ability to compete with the best.
His speed and movement are exceptional for a heavyweight, and his knockout power makes him a dangerous threat in the division. Aspinall is likely to challenge for the UFC Heavyweight title in 2025 and could become a future champion.
Why Watch?
- One of the top prospects in the UFC Heavyweight division.
- Fast, skilled, and powerful for his size.
- Potential future UFC Heavyweight Champion.
5. Jiri Prochazka
Jiri Prochazka is a fighter who has captivated fans with his exciting fighting style and unorthodox techniques. After winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2022, Prochazka quickly became a fan favorite. His dynamic striking, combined with his unpredictable movement, makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
Prochazka is expected to defend his title in 2025 and continue his reign at the top of the light heavyweight division. His willingness to engage in wild and thrilling fights makes him one of the most exciting champions to watch.
Why Watch?
- UFC Light Heavyweight Champion (2022).
- Unorthodox striking and exciting fighting style.
- Likely to continue thrilling fans with his aggressive approach.
6. Valentina Shevchenko
Valentina Shevchenko has been the dominant force in the UFC women’s flyweight division for years. Her technical skill set, including striking, wrestling, and grappling, has made her nearly unbeatable. Although she’s faced tougher challenges in recent years, Shevchenko’s fighting IQ and versatility continue to make her the best in the division.
In 2025, Shevchenko will likely look to defend her flyweight title and possibly break more records as one of the best female fighters of all time. Her well-rounded game and ability to adapt make her a must-watch fighter.
Why Watch?
- UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion.
- Dominant in striking and grappling.
- One of the greatest female fighters of all time.
7. Sean O’Malley
Sean O’Malley has emerged as one of the most exciting young fighters in the UFC. Known for his flashy striking, unorthodox movement, and incredible knockout power, O’Malley has quickly risen through the bantamweight division. After winning the UFC Bantamweight Championship in 2023, he will continue to defend his title in 2025, facing tough challengers along the way.
O’Malley’s ability to finish fights spectacularly has made him one of the most popular fighters in the UFC, and he’s expected to make a big impact in 2025. His combination of speed, power, and creativity will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Why Watch?
- UFC Bantamweight Champion.
- Known for flashy striking and knockouts.
- Likely to defend his title and fight top contenders in 2025.
8. Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo is a fighter with an incredibly impressive resume. A former Olympic gold medalist in wrestling and a two-division UFC champion (flyweight and bantamweight), Cejudo has already achieved so much in MMA. His wrestling and well-rounded skills make him a threat to anyone in his weight class.
His wrestling pedigree and ability to adapt to any style make him a fighter you won’t want to miss.
Why Watch?
- Olympic gold medalist in wrestling.
- Former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion.
- Well-rounded game and competitive mindset.
Conclusion
The year 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for MMA, with a mix of established champions and rising stars ready to make their mark. Fighters like Khamzat Chimaev, Islam Makhachev, and Sean O’Malley are expected to dominate in their respective divisions, while veterans like Valentina Shevchenko and Jon Jones continue to solidify their legacies. Whether you’re a fan of striking, grappling, or all-around dominance, these cage fighters are sure to deliver thrilling performances and unforgettable moments. Be sure to keep an eye on these fighters as they rise to the top in 2025!