With 2025 being such a crazy year in the world of mixed martial arts, we felt it was important to look back at the predictions that were made heading into a memorable year for the sport.
On To the Next One: 2025 predictions recap
Take a look back at MMA Fighting’s 2025 predictions, including Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC title hopes
Mike Heck Has been covering combat sports since 2015 and is the host for BTL and watch parties.
In part one of our two-part predictions extravaganza, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee look back on some of the responses they had to listener questions in regards to what 2025 was going to bring. Topics include Khamzat Chimaev’s championship hopes, whether or not Nate Diaz would return to the UFC, if Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal would compete in a rematch, the UFC’s TV deal, if PFL fighters and champions would find homes elsewhere, if the GFL would host any events, UFC champ-champ fights, who would be UFC champs at the end of the year, bold predictions, and much more.
In addition, we will need you help for part two: Our 2026 predictions extravaganza episode. Submit your “buy or sell” questions the same way you send your matchmaking suggestions to Mike or AK on Twitter, Instagram, or email by Friday, Jan. 2 — and, please, be as creative as you’d like.
The On To the Next One 2026 Predictions Extravaganza goes live on the MMA Fighting YouTube channel on Jan. 4 at Noon ET / 9 a.m. PT.
