In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts, a new crop of talented fighters is always waiting in the wings, ready to seize their moment and become the sport’s next superstars. As we peer ahead to 2025, several emerging MMA prospects stand out from the pack, possessing the skills, drive, and star power to shake up the landscape and establish themselves as future champions. From lightning-fast strikers to crafty submission specialists, these are the rising stars you need to keep a close eye on in the coming year.
The Technical Prodigies
Leading the charge are a handful of young fighters who have already demonstrated preternatural talent and technical mastery far beyond their years. Ilia Topuria, the undefeated featherweight sensation, tops this list after a banner 2024 campaign that saw him claim the UFC title with stunning knockouts over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. The 26-year-old’s devastating power, slick grappling, and composed demeanor make him a threat to reign over the division for years to come.
Not far behind is Umar Nurmagomedov, cousin of MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. The 26-year-old Dagestani grappling ace has torn through the UFC’s bantamweight ranks with his relentless wrestling and vicious ground-and-pound. He’ll have a chance to join his cousin in the annals of MMA history when he challenges Merab Dvalishvili for the 135-pound strap in early 2025.
The Dominant Finishers
Of course, fans always have their eyes on fighters with the ability to end a fight in the blink of an eye. That’s where middleweight wrecking ball Dricus Du Plessis comes in. The South African powerhouse claimed gold in 2024 and defended his title with a pair of vicious knockouts, setting the stage for a colossal showdown with the surging Khamzat Chimaev in the coming year.
“I’m not here to win decisions. I’m here to take heads off and leave no doubt that I’m the best in the world.” – Dricus Du Plessis
Women’s flyweight also has its own rising queen of carnage in 21-year-old striker Dakota Ditcheva. The British Muay Thai specialist took the PFL by storm in 2024, capturing the promotion’s title with three consecutive first-round finishes. Her flashy striking style and brash personality have already made her a fan favorite, and a jump to the UFC could be on the horizon for 2025.
The International Phenoms
As MMA continues to expand its global footprint, a fresh wave of international talent is ready to crash onto the scene and make their presence known. Chief among them is Chinese strawweight Zhang Weili, who recaptured UFC gold in 2024 and looks poised for a long second reign after dismantling a pair of top contenders. With her country’s population of 1.4 billion behind her, the sky’s the limit for the powerful striker’s stardom.
Meanwhile, a trio of surging Brazilians is ready to revitalize their nation’s proud fighting tradition. Welterweight destroyer Joaquin Buckley heads the group, riding the momentum of a breakout 2024 campaign that saw him score four highlight-reel knockouts and earn a title eliminator bout. Not to be outdone, featherweight finisher Diego Lopes and heavyweight wunderkind Caio Borralho also turned heads with statement wins over established contenders, putting the rest of their respective divisions on notice.
The Crossover Stars
For all their in-cage exploits, some rising fighters are equally adept at commanding attention outside of it. Brash Irishman Ian Machado Garry is quickly becoming MMA’s next great trash talker, drawing comparisons to countryman Conor McGregor with his witty barbs and dynamic fighting style. The undefeated welterweight’s lone 2024 loss to champion Shavkat Rakhmonov only increased his star power, and he’ll no doubt be looking to avenge that defeat in the near future.
“I’m not here to take part. I’m here to take over, and I won’t stop until there’s gold around my waist and the whole world knows my name.” – Ian Machado Garry
Women’s MMA also has a charismatic new face in Kayla Harrison, the two-time Olympic gold medalist who dominated the PFL before jumping to the UFC and mauling her way to a bantamweight title shot. With her elite grappling pedigree, Hollywood good looks, and gift for gab, Harrison has all the tools to become a mainstream superstar and the face of female fighting for years to come.
The Veterans Ready to Pounce
Not all of 2025’s potential breakout stars are fresh-faced newcomers. Several established fighters are primed to finally put it all together and have the best year of their careers in the months ahead. Chief among them is heavyweight hulk Tom Aspinall, who’s long been considered a future UFC champion. After demolishing Curtis Blaydes to claim interim gold in 2024, the Brit has the chance to realize his full potential this year in a long-awaited superfight with all-time great Jon Jones.
Featherweight contender Yair Rodriguez is another fighter who’s flashed elite talent but long bubbled just below true title contention. After a hard-fought loss to champ Ilia Topuria in his native Mexico last year, “El Pantera” will be highly motivated to rebound with a statement win and force a rematch on his home soil.
New Eras on the Horizon
As MMA moves into a new generation, one thing is clear – the sport’s future is blindingly bright. With a diverse array of rising stars ready to take the mantle from the game’s fading old guard, fans can expect 2025 to be a year of seismic change, thrilling fights, and the birth of new superstars ready to carry MMA to even greater heights.
“This is the hurt business, and it’s always evolving. You’re either changing with it or you’re getting left behind. I’m ready to show the world that this is my time now.” – Ilia Topuria
The table is set for an unpredictable and electrifying 2025 in MMA. All that’s left is to sit back and watch these hungry young lions roar as they battle to become the sport’s next kings and queens. One thing’s for sure – fight fans are in for one hell of a year.
