Analyzing the big fights in the remainder of 2025

Fans of Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, appreciate the excitement of a sport where anything can happen on a big fight night. While there is always a favourite in any fight, one of the things that makes MMA so compelling is the capacity for an underdog upset to keep everyone on the edges of their seats.

As one of the fastest-growing combat sports in the world, there are plenty of fans eager to see bouts between all classes fo fighter, from the bigger names to relative unknowns. One of the most compelling things to watch is the variety of techniques in play, from martial arts such as Muay Thai and Brazilian Ju JItsu, to wrestling and grappling.

With so many fans wanting to see bouts between the increasingly large number of expert fighters, the 2025 schedule is packed. There are plenty of exciting match-ups scheduled for the rest of the year, including:

UFC 317: Topuria vs Oliveira

Scheduled for the 18th June at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, this fight is one of the most hotly anticipated of the year. The UFC LIghtweight Championship is one of the headline events of the UFC's annual International Fight Week, so there could also be some UFC Hall of Fame inductions up for grabs.

Former champion Charles Oliveira has already proved that he has what it takes to take the Lightweight title, but Ilia Topuria is no slouch and has already taken the UFC Featherweight Championship, so the two are well-matched.

Topuria comes into the fight as the favourite according to several bookmakers, but anything can happen on the night. If you're thinking about placing a bet, you can use a 1xBet Promo Code during sign-up—it's valid for this fight and other events. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions before claiming the offer.

Araujo vs Cortez

The other flyweight event that has people talking will take place between Viviane Araujo and Tracy Cortez. Both fighters favour a fast-paced style, so fans can expect an engaging bout with plenty of displays of technical excellence.

Araujo and Cortez will both be competing to get another step closer to the title, so this fight will attract plenty of attention. Cortez is coming back from a period of time off, so should be well-rested, whereas Araujo has proved herself against top opponents before, so she should feel confident about her skills.

UFC 318: Poirier vs Holloway 3

Dustin Poirier has been a big name in MMA for years, and his recent appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show' included an announcement that this fight will be his last before he retires. Scheduled for the 19th of July, the fight will be a true nailbiter, as Poirier hopes to end his career in a blaze of glory, but Max Holloway will not make that easy.

Holloway has moved back into the lightweight category, after losing to Ilia Topuria in a featherweight match back in October 2024. As a lightweight, Holloway knocked Justin Gaethje out to take the BMF Title at UFC 300 in April 2024, so the move back to this class might see a welcome return to form.

Both fighters are hugely motivated to win, and Poirier is the bookies' favourite, not least because he has bested Holloway in both their previous fights. Holloway, on the other hand, has plenty to prove, but will he be able to keep his nerve against Poirier's home crowd, at the Smoothie King Centre in New Orleans? Only time will tell.

Kyler Philips vs Vinicius Oliveira

On the same card as Poirier and Holloway, this fight has all the makings of a classic. Vinicius Oliveira has a five-win streak to maintain, so he will be doing everything he can to stay on top.

Phillips lost his last bout against Rob Font in October 2024, but had seen off previous opponents before that. He won by unanimous decision against Pedro Munhoz at UFC 299 in March 2024, having previously won against Raoni Barcelos in August 2023. The interest in Vinicius Oliveira has been sparked by some incredibly impressive wins, including a dramatic flying kick that saw him beat Bernardo Sopaj with a knockout in his debut fight. However, he also defeated Ricky Simon and Said Nurmagomedov, both by unanimous decision, demonstrating a real capacity for taking on tough opponents at incredibly high levels.

This season is set to be a real treat for MMA fans with a host of closely-contested titles and fights between rivals that there is bound to be some disruption. Even the most avid fan would be hard pressed to predict which favourites will be outperformed by the underdog on the day, but with plenty of fights to watch, MMA enthusiasts can follow all the action as the season plays out.