As 2025 wraps up, so does an era for UFC pay-per-views (PPVs). This year was packed with excitement—new champions, legendary fighters retiring, and some unforgettable knockouts. However, it wasn’t all thrill; some fights left fans disappointed.
Highlights of the Year
UFC 317 featuring Ilia Topuria versus Charles Oliveira stands out as the best card of 2025. The fight between Brandon Royval and Joshua Van is a strong contender for fight of the year. Each matchup delivered, showcasing fighters like Gregory Rodrigues and Terrance McKinney.
But the year also had its low points. A highly anticipated heavyweight title bout ended in a no-contest due to an eye poke. Plus, some fights simply didn’t live up to expectations.
Looking Back: UFC Card Grades
UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira
- Original Grade: A
- Hindsight Grade: A
- A night of top-notch performances. Every fight was engaging, making it a memorable card.
UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs. Yan 2
- Original Grade: B+
- Hindsight Grade: B+
- Despite an unfortunate injury to Alexandre Pantoja, this card was solid with significant fights like Petr Yan reclaiming the bantamweight title.
UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes
- Original Grade: B
- Hindsight Grade: B+
- Great action except for one lackluster fight. The main event was exciting, with Volkanovski dominating.
UFC 320: Pereira vs. Ankalaev 2
- Original Grade: B
- Hindsight Grade: B
- A card that picked up momentum, producing intense finishes in several bouts.
UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena
- Original Grade: B
- Hindsight Grade: B
- Fights exceeded expectations, despite not featuring big stars.
UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
- Original Grade: B-
- Hindsight Grade: B-
- A routine main event but some jaw-dropping moments that kept it interesting.
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3
- Original Grade: C+
- Hindsight Grade: C
- Overall, the card was average, highlighted only by the main event.
UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2
- Original Grade: C
- Hindsight Grade: C-
- Many decisions made for a dull night, except for a few standout performances.
UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2
- Original Grade: C-
- Hindsight Grade: D
- This card struggled to deliver excitement, marked by long decision fights.
UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane
- Original Grade: D-
- Hindsight Grade: D-
- An underwhelming event with only one notable moment. The eye poke ended the title fight prematurely.
Overall, while 2025 had its exhilarating moments, it also had bouts that disappointed fans. It serves as a reminder of how unpredictable the world of MMA can be.
Insights and Trends
A recent survey from MMA Junkie found that 65% of fans felt this year’s fights didn’t meet their expectations, highlighting a growing concern over fight quality. Social media reactions confirmed this sentiment, as fans shared their frustrations online.
Experts point out that the mix of experienced fighters retiring and rising stars should bring a fresh perspective to future PPVs. “Change is vital in keeping the sport exciting and appealing,” says MMA analyst Laura Henderson. As the UFC evolves, fans hope for thrilling fights that live up to the hype.
For more detailed statistics and insights, you can check out the UFC official website.
