The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has produced countless unforgettable contests — and 2025 has been no different. From the explosive showdown between Brandon Royval and Joshua Van to Dustin Poirier’s emotional farewell, the Octagon has once again delivered drama in abundance.
As the year enters its final quarter, Sportstar looks back at the top UFC fights of 2025 so far.
Muhammad vs Della Maddalena — UFC 315
UFC 315 saw a major upset as Jack Della Maddalena dethroned Belal Muhammad to claim the welterweight title via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46). The Australian delivered a striking clinic, neutralising Muhammad’s wrestling-heavy approach with superb takedown defence.
Della Maddalena’s precise boxing, damaging leg kicks, and constant forward pressure kept Muhammad on the back foot, ending the former champion’s long unbeaten run and establishing the Australian as the division’s new top dog.
Royval vs Van — UFC 317
In a high-octane flyweight bout at UFC 317, Joshua Van claimed a career-defining unanimous decision over top contender Brandon Royval. It was a classic clash of styles from the first bell.
Royval, famed for his relentless pressure, used a crisp jab and punishing leg kicks to control the centre of the Octagon. Van, stepping in at short notice, showcased explosive counter-punching, landing punishing hooks from both sides.
The decisive moment came in the final round, when Van’s forward pressure and a late knockdown sealed victory. This breakthrough performance underlined his credentials as a future title contender in the flyweight division.
Dvalishvili vs Nurmagomedov — UFC 311
In a gruelling bantamweight title fight at UFC 311, Merab Dvalishvili handed Umar Nurmagomedov the first defeat of his professional career with a unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46). Nurmagomedov started brightly, displaying sharp striking and strong takedown defence, even wobbling the champion. But Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and pressure told in the later rounds. ‘The Machine’ broke through in the championship rounds (last two), setting a new UFC record for most takedowns (97) in UFC history, and overwhelming his tiring opponent. It was a masterclass in cardio and persistence, cementing Dvalishvili’s place as champion.
Holloway vs Poirier 3 — UFC 318
The trilogy fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 was everything fans hoped for — and the perfect send-off for Poirier’s final walk to the Octagon. Holloway started at a blistering pace, hurting Poirier early, but ‘The Diamond’, roared on by a home crowd, fought back with sharp counters.
The final three rounds became a battle of volume versus precision — Holloway’s endless output against Poirier’s power shots. The two traded until the final horn, with Holloway edging a unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) to retain the BMF title, becoming its first successful defender.
Prochazka vs Hill – UFC 311
Another standout from UFC 311 was the chaotic light heavyweight showdown between Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill. Procházka started fast, dropping Hill in the opening round and opening cuts.
Hill, showing trademark grit, rallied in the second with heavy shots of his own. But Procházka’s relentless pace and unorthodox striking broke through in the third, where a furious flurry forced the referee to step in for a TKO. The victory propelled Procházka back into the title picture.
