Five best MMA stars to watch in 2025: Islam Makhachev, Alex Pereira and more

The fight game never slows down, and 2025 is shaping up to be another wild year in mixed martial arts. Some names are already cemented in championship glory, while others are on the verge of a breakout. Either way, these are the fighters you need to be paying attention to this year.
Islam Makhachev: The Lightweight King Who Won’t Budge

Image via @islam_makhachev/Instgram
Islam Makhachev has held the lightweight division in a vice grip, and there’s no sign of that changing. He’s already turned away some of the best in the game—Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier, and more. Now, the chatter is getting louder about a possible super fight against Ilia Topuria. If it happens, it could be one of the biggest fights of the year.
Alex Pereira: Chasing Greatness Across Two Divisions
Image via @alexpoatanpereira/Instagram
Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira is a rare breed. He’s not just winning fights; he’s making history. After claiming both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles, he’s been one of the most active champions the UFC has seen, defending the latter belt three times in less than six months. Up next? A tough test against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. If he keeps this up, he’s headIlia Topuria: The Featherweight Wrecking Balling toward all-time great status.
Ilia Topuria: The Featherweight Wrecking Ball

Image via @iliatopuria/Insatgram
Ilia Topuria is the kind of fighter you don’t ignore. He tore through the featherweight division and took the belt from Alexander Volkanovski in stunning fashion. Now, he’s looking at bigger things—like a move to lightweight, where a showdown with Makhachev would be massive. Topuria’s confidence is through the roof, and with good reason.
Magomed Ankalaev: A Dangerous Threat to the Throne

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Magomed Ankalaev doesn’t say much, but he doesn’t have to. His performances speak for themselves. He’s one of the most well-rounded light heavyweights in the world, and now he has his shot against Pereira at UFC 313. If he can take the belt, it’ll be a game-changer for the division.
Modestas Bukauskas: The Comeback Fighter to Watch

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Modestas Bukauskas has been through it all. After a brutal knee injury nearly ended his UFC run, he fought his way back, picking up three big wins. His next fight against Raffael Cerqueira in Seattle could be the one that gets him ranked. He’s not just here to make up the numbers—he wants a real run at the top.
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This year will be a proving ground. The champions will fight to keep their spots, and the challengers will fight to take them. No matter how it shakes out, these five names are at the center of the action. If you’re a fight fan, you won’t want to miss what happens next.