Top Five Fights UFC Fans Should Be Excited for Closing Out 2025
The fall schedule for the UFC is shaping up to be one of the most exciting stretches in recent memory. Multiple divisions are in motion, and hungry contenders will test several champions. These showdowns are packed tightly with title defenses for rising stars. Whether you follow the UFC for star power, rivalries, or the thrill of breakthrough names, here are five UFC matchups that every fan should have circled on the calendar.
1. Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena — Nov 15th, 2025, UFC 322
This huge fight brings together two champions on very different paths. Islam Makhachev, long established as one of the best lightweights in the world, is now testing himself up at welterweight. Jack Della Maddalena has built a reputation as one of the most technical strikers in the UFC, and he’ll have the chance to defend his division against a dominant force. With the potential to reshape how we think about both weight classes, this is one of the most intriguing fights of the fall.
2. Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev 2 — Oct 4th, 2025, UFC 320
Whenever a title rematch comes around, the stakes always feel doubled. Alex Pereira has already shown that he can win belts in multiple divisions, but his first meeting with Magomed Ankalaev didn’t go his way. This time, the storyline is all about adjustments: can Pereira’s elite striking overcome Ankalaev’s more measured, tactical game? Fans will be tuning in not just for revenge or validation, but to see whether Pereira’s incredible rise can continue against one of the toughest light heavyweights alive.
3. Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane — Oct 25th, 2025, UFC 321
Heavyweight fights always carry a special kind of drama, and this one has all the right ingredients. Tom Aspinall is one of the most dangerous finishers in the division, with speed and accuracy rarely seen in heavyweights. Ciryl Gane, however, brings experience and technical composure, having already fought the very best at the top. The winner of this clash could find themselves in line for a title shot, making it a pivotal moment for the heavyweight picture.
4. Carlos Ulberg vs. Dominick Reyes — Sep 28th, 2025, Perth, Australia, UFC Fight Night
This may not be a title fight, but it’s a matchup that could shape the Light Heavyweight Division’s next wave. Carlos Ulberg has quietly been making a name for himself with sharp striking and patience, and a win here would put him firmly in the contender conversation. Dominick Reyes, on the other hand, is fighting to prove that he still belongs at the elite level after setbacks in recent years. With the event taking place in Australia, the energy will be electric, and both fighters will be motivated to deliver.
5. Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape — Dec 13th, 2025, UFC Fight Night 266
The final UFC card of 2025 carries extra weight, as it closes the chapter on the current ESPN deal. Brandon Royval and Manel Kape both know this is their chance to end the year with momentum in a wide-open Flyweight Division. Royval is known for his pace and creativity, while Kape brings explosiveness and the ability to finish at any moment. It’s a fight that could be overlooked on paper, but the timing, stakes, and styles make it one of the can’t-miss matchups of the year.
Fall and winter are set to give fans some of the most meaningful fights on the UFC calendar. From title implications to redemption arcs, every one of these bouts carries high drama. The storylines go beyond just wins and losses — they’ll shape divisions and legacies heading into 2026. For fight fans, it’s the perfect way to close out the year.
