The UFC is packed with talent in 2025. Some fighters are already champions. Others are knocking at the door. These athletes are rising fast. They have power, skill, and momentum. Each brings something special to the cage. Some are undefeated. Others are making comebacks. Big fights are scheduled. Titles are on the line. Fans are excited to see what’s next. These fighters are creating buzz across the world. They are the future of the UFC. Whether striking or grappling, they shine. This list includes names you need to know. Keep watching. These 10 UFC fighters are ready to take over 2025.
1. Shavkat Rakhmonov – The Silent Killer (19–0)
Shavkat Rakhmonov is undefeated. His record stands at 19 wins. He has never gone the distance. All 19 fights ended by finish — 8 submissions, 11 knockouts. In December 2024, he beat Ian Machado Garry. It was a dominant win at UFC 310. He was then lined up for UFC 315. The fight was supposed to be for the welterweight title. But bad luck hit.
In early 2025, he tore his MCL. The injury came during training. It needed surgery. He was pulled from the event. Despite being sidelined, Shavkat remains ranked #1 at 170 lbs. His skills are complete. He’s calm under pressure. He is dangerous everywhere — standing or on the ground.
Fans still believe in him. So do UFC insiders. Once cleared to fight, he will likely face the new champion. That could be the defining fight of his career. If he wins, he becomes world champion. He doesn’t talk trash. He doesn’t boast. He lets his fists and chokes do the work. Shavkat Rakhmonov is still a nightmare for the division.
2. Jack Della Maddalena – New Welterweight Champion (28 Years Old)
Jack Della Maddalena made history at UFC 315. He faced Belal Muhammad on May 10, 2025. He won by unanimous decision. That made him the new UFC welterweight champion. His pro record is now 17–2. He’s on a 17-fight winning streak. In 2024, he knocked out Gilbert Burns. That was the fight that put him in title talks. Then, he delivered again when it mattered most.
Jack’s fighting style is clean and dangerous. He boxes with precision. He’s aggressive and smart. He cuts angles well and controls pace. He may not return to action immediately. Though the UFC is heading to Perth in September, Jack is not expected to compete on that card. Still, he holds the belt now. Everyone wants a shot at him.
He could defend the title by late 2025. Maybe against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Maybe against a rising contender. Jack Della Maddalena now sits at the top. The welterweight division runs through him.
3. Ilia Topuria – Featherweight Champion on a Mission (16–0)
Ilia Topuria is the king at 145 lbs. He shocked the world in 2024. He knocked out Alexander Volkanovski. That win made him the new featherweight champion. He’s 16–0. He hasn’t shown any weaknesses. He’s confident. He hits hard. He finishes fights.
Now, he’s aiming higher. On June 28, 2025, he will face Charles Oliveira. This is happening at UFC 317. It’s a massive fight. If he wins, he could move into lightweight title contention. Becoming a double champion is his goal. He has the tools to do it. Striking, grappling, cardio — Topuria has it all.
His rise has been quick. His future looks even brighter. 2025 might make him a household name worldwide.
4. Erin Blanchfield – Title Shot Incoming?
Erin Blanchfield is just 25. But she’s already a top contender. She’s rising fast in the flyweight division. Her biggest win came against Jessica Andrade. She dominated with grappling and control. Erin fights with constant pressure. She never lets her opponent breathe. Her ground game is her weapon. But she’s getting better on her feet too.
There were rumors she’d fight Maycee Barber. But no official announcement has been made yet. Still, she stays active and focused. Valentina Shevchenko is the reigning champion. Blanchfield is likely next in line. One more win may secure her title shot. She could become champion before the year ends.
5. Diego Lopes – The Fan Favorite Featherweight
Diego Lopes is on a roll. He’s won three huge fights since mid-2024. He beat Dan Ige in a war. Then, he knocked out Sodiq Yusuff. After that, he scored another win at UFC 314. He was even expected to fight Volkanovski. That bout didn’t happen due to scheduling. But Diego is staying active.
He’s ranked in the top five now. He’s flashy, fast, and fearless. He throws big shots. And he has slick jiu-jitsu. He also has charisma. Fans love his energy. He brings excitement every time. A title shot could be near. He might face Ilia Topuria if both win their next fights. That would be a thrilling matchup. Lopes is a true crowd favorite. 2025 might be his breakout year.
6. Movsar Evloev – Undefeated, Underrated (19–0)
Movsar Evloev is not a loud name. But his record speaks for itself. He is 19–0 in professional MMA. In the UFC, he has beaten tough opponents like Dan Ige and Diego Lopes. Evloev is a master of control. His wrestling is elite. He dominates from top position. He rarely finishes fights, but he always wins rounds.
Fans often overlook him. That’s because he doesn’t go for flashy knockouts. He’s technical. He’s methodical. Right now, he’s knocking on the door of the featherweight top five. He may get a big-name opponent next. Someone like Arnold Allen or Brian Ortega.
If he wins again, he could fight for the title in late 2025. Maybe early 2026. He’s quiet outside the cage. But inside, he’s relentless. Movsar Evloev is the kind of fighter who sneaks up on champions. Watch closely. His moment is coming.
7. Joshua Van – Flyweight Breakthrough Star
Joshua Van is just 22 years old. But he fights like a seasoned pro. He’s 5–1 in the UFC already. That’s impressive in the fast-moving flyweight division. Van loves action. He pushes the pace. He looks for finishes.
His fights are exciting. He throws with power. He has quick hands and good instincts. Right now, he’s just outside the rankings. But he’s close. One or two more wins will put him in the top 15. He’s young, talented, and confident. Coaches say he trains like a veteran.
He doesn’t get overwhelmed in big moments. That’s rare for someone his age. 2025 could be his breakout year. He might even face a ranked contender soon. Flyweight is a stacked division. But Joshua Van is ready to rise. Keep your eyes on him. He’s coming fast.
8. Khamzat Chimaev – Return of the Beast
Khamzat Chimaev took the UFC by storm in 2020. He won three fights in two months. Then, setbacks came. He battled illness. He had long layoffs. His last fight was in 2023. But now, the wolf is back. Khamzat is scheduled to fight Dricus du Plessis later in 2025. That will be at UFC 319. It might be for the middleweight title.
Chimaev is 13–0. He’s finished almost all his fights. He’s wild, strong, and fearless. If he wins this fight, he could be champion. His hype is still real. The fans haven’t forgotten. He wants gold. And 2025 might be his year to get it.
9. Alexandre Pantoja – The Overlooked Champion
Alexandre Pantoja is the UFC Flyweight Champion. But many fans still underestimate him. He’s beaten top names like Brandon Moreno — twice. He’s tough, gritty, and experienced. He has excellent jiu-jitsu. He doesn’t quit.
Pantoja’s next fight is on June 28, 2025. He will defend his belt against Kai Kara-France at UFC 317. It’s a big test. But Pantoja is confident.
He often flies under the radar. But he’s building a legacy. With a few more wins, he could dominate the flyweight era. He deserves more credit. He’s not flashy. He’s just consistent and deadly.
10. Lone’er Kavanagh – Britain’s New Blood
Lone’er Kavanagh is new to the UFC. But he’s already turning heads. He holds an 8–0 professional record. He impressed on Dana White’s Contender Series. Then, he won his UFC debut in dominant fashion.
He’s a clean striker. His movement is smooth. His footwork is excellent. He fights with calmness and control. That’s rare for a newcomer. British MMA fans are excited. They see him as the next big name.
If he wins two more fights, he could break into the top 15. By the end of 2025, he could be a ranked contender.He’s still young. But his skills are sharp. He’s one to watch in the bantamweight division. Lone’er Kavanagh may be the next British star.
Honorable Mentions
- Sean O’Malley – Bantamweight champion with high finishing ability.
- Islam Makhachev – Still dominating lightweight; may move up in 2026.
- Maycee Barber – Strong contender in women’s flyweight.
- Bo Nickal – NCAA champion turned rising middleweight.
- Merab Dvalishvili – Dominant bantamweight contender.
Final Words on UFC Fighters
2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for the UFC. New stars are rising fast. Veteran champions are facing fresh challenges. Shavkat Rakhmonov, though sidelined, remains a looming threat. Jack Della Maddalena now wears gold. Ilia Topuria is chasing double-champ glory. Young talents like Erin Blanchfield, Diego Lopes, and Joshua Van are making big moves. Movsar Evloev stays unbeaten. Alexandre Pantoja continues to prove he’s elite. Khamzat Chimaev is ready to roar back. Lone’er Kavanagh looks like Britain’s next breakout. The future of the UFC is bright — and these 10 fighters are leading the charge in 2025.
