As the calendar flips past the midway point of 2025, the world of mixed martial arts pauses briefly to reflect on a dynamic and often unpredictable first half. While the sport is a perpetual motion machine of events, a few performances and moments have distinctly risen above the fray, demanding recognition. From dominant champions solidifying their legacies to rising stars seizing their destiny, the first six months have provided ample material for celebration and analysis.
Pinpointing the absolute “best” in a sport as subjective as MMA is always a point of contention, a lively debate fueled by fan passion and punditry. However, based on performance, impact, and sheer effectiveness, certain individuals and events have made undeniable cases for themselves. Let`s delve into the athletes and clashes that have defined the year thus far.
Leading the charge for the title of Best Fighter of 2025 (So Far), one name stands out with remarkable clarity: **Merab Dvalishvili**. The bantamweight landscape is arguably one of the most challenging divisions in the sport, yet Dvalishvili has navigated it with unparalleled success in the first half. He began his year by facing the highly touted, undefeated **Umar Nurmagomedov**, a matchup many viewed with trepidation. Not only did “The Machine” emerge victorious over five grueling rounds, but he did so as the underdog, earning a Fight of the Night bonus for his efforts. Instead of resting on his laurels, Dvalishvili accepted another stern test less than five months later, headlining a major pay-per-view against the reigning champion, **Sean O`Malley**. Despite O`Malley appearing sharp and prepared, Dvalishvili implemented his relentless pressure and grappling attack, culminating in a decisive stoppage via choke in the third round. Two fights, two dominant wins, two title defenses in half a year within the shark tank that is bantamweight – that resume is difficult, if not impossible, to top.
When it comes to the most spectacular finish, the **Best Knockout** category often sparks heated discussion. However, the impact of **Ilia Topuria`s** performance against **Charles Oliveira** transcends mere aesthetics. While the knockout itself was technically beautiful, its significance resonates far deeper. At just 28 years old, Topuria not only claimed his second divisional title, becoming the tenth fighter in UFC history to achieve this feat, but he did so while maintaining a perfect undefeated record. The stoppage wasn`t just the end of a fight; it felt like a seismic shift, perhaps even the moment Topuria officially stepped into the role of the sport`s next global superstar. Time will tell if that mantle is truly his, but the knockout itself was an emphatic statement, a clear punctuation mark on the first half of the year.
Submissions, while sometimes less immediately viral than knockouts, often showcase the intricate depth of mixed martial arts. For the **Best Submission** of the first half, the magnitude of the moment elevates a technically proficient finish to the top spot. **Kayla Harrison**, a decorated two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, entered the UFC with immense expectations and one clear goal: to become a UFC champion. At UFC 316, she realized that ambition by defeating **Julianna Peña** via kimura. While a kimura isn`t the rarest submission, Harrison`s execution was devastatingly effective. Controlling Peña on the ground, she locked onto the arm against the cage and applied torque with such force that Peña had no choice but to tap, reportedly requiring medical clearance for her shoulder afterward. This wasn`t just a submission win; it was the culmination of Harrison`s journey, a dominant performance securing UFC gold and delivering on a promise made years earlier.
Finally, the **Best Fight** isn`t always the main event or a title clash, but rather the contest that delivers the most compelling drama, back-and-forth action, and unexpected turns. The flyweight battle between **Joshua Van** and **Brandon Royval** at UFC 317 perfectly encapsulates this. Van wasn`t originally scheduled to compete, stepping in on short notice, yet his pairing with the relentless Royval proved to be pure fight magic. Royval`s trademark intensity met Van`s youthful exuberance head-on, resulting in a thrilling 15-minute war. With a potential title shot against Alexandre Pantoja looming for the winner, both fighters left everything in the cage. Van matched Royval`s ferocity stride-for-stride, demonstrating superior accuracy and landing a crucial knockdown in the closing moments to seal the decision victory. His calm demeanor post-fight, followed by a face-off with the champion, cemented the evening as a star-making performance and a clear frontrunner for fight of the half-year.
These are just a few of the highlights from an action-packed first half of 2025. As the sport moves into the latter months, the bar has been set high by these memorable performances and defining moments. The stage is now set for new contenders to emerge and existing stars to further cement their legacies.
Jasper Hawthorne