As the 2025 mixed martial arts calendar reaches its midpoint, the sport has once again delivered a blend of unexpected outcomes and moments of undeniable brilliance. While the promotional landscape continues to evolve, the first half of the year has been punctuated by performances that demand recognition. An analysis of the action reveals clear frontrunners in key categories, highlighting the athletes and bouts that have defined the year thus far.
Best Fighter So Far
Leading the discussion for the most impressive fighter of 2025 is bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili. His path through the first six months has been particularly challenging and successful. Dvalishvili began the year by taking on Umar Nurmagomedov, a highly-touted, undefeated prospect considered a significant threat in the division. Not only did Dvalishvili secure the victory, demonstrating his resilience and skill over five rounds, but the performance also earned acclaim as a `Fight of the Night`.
Rather than resting on this significant win, Dvalishvili stepped back into the spotlight less than five months later, headlining a major event against champion Sean O`Malley. Facing O`Malley when the champion was seemingly at his peak, Dvalishvili executed a relentless game plan, culminating in a decisive stoppage via choke in the third round. Two high-stakes fights, two dominant victories, resulting in two title defenses in one of MMA`s most competitive weight classes – this run solidifies Dvalishvili`s position at the top of the list for the year`s best performer so far.
Most Impressive Knockout
Among the various highlight-reel finishes, Ilia Topuria`s knockout of Charles Oliveira stands out not just for its aesthetic appeal, but for its profound significance. This finish was widely seen as more than just a spectacular moment; it signaled a potential shift in the sport`s hierarchy. With this victory, Topuria entered an exclusive club, becoming only the tenth fighter in UFC history to claim a title in a second weight class. Remarkably, he achieved this feat while maintaining his undefeated record, a distinction he holds uniquely among double champions at the time of his win. At just 28 years old, the nature and context of Topuria`s knockout victory feel historically significant, marking the moment he potentially transitioned into a leading figure in mixed martial arts.
Top Submission
The realm of submissions saw several notable finishes, but Kayla Harrison`s successful title-winning kimura against Julianna Peña carries significant weight. For Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, securing a UFC championship represented the culmination of her martial arts journey. While a kimura is a relatively common technique, the circumstances surrounding this particular application made it especially compelling. Harrison controlled the majority of the fight on the ground, demonstrating her superior grappling pedigree. In the closing moments of the second round, she secured the hold, applying immense pressure and technical precision to Peña`s arm. The torque applied was sufficient to force the tap, reportedly resulting in a mandatory medical suspension for Peña to address potential shoulder damage. Harrison`s ability to deliver a dominant finish in a high-pressure, title-deciding bout, finally achieving her ultimate goal, positions her submission as the most impactful of the first half of 2025.
Best Fight of the Year
Selecting the single best fight is often subjective, but the unexpected pairing of Joshua Van and Brandon Royval delivered an undeniable classic. Originally not slated to compete at the event, Van stepped in to face the established flyweight contender Royval. The resulting clash was a perfect storm of contrasting yet complementary styles. Royval`s well-known relentless pace and aggressive approach met Van`s youthful energy and burgeoning skill set head-on. For fifteen minutes, both athletes engaged in high-volume exchanges, pushing each other to their limits with a potential championship opportunity on the line, as the division`s champion was scheduled to fight later on the same card.
Van proved capable of not only matching Royval`s ferocity but also demonstrated superior accuracy, particularly in the crucial final round where he scored a knockdown that helped seal the decision victory on the scorecards. His performance was remarkably composed, and his post-fight interview displayed confidence despite the grueling battle. The fight itself was a thrilling back-and-forth encounter, and Van`s star-making turn capped off a truly memorable contest for the first half of the year.
The first half of 2025 has provided a wealth of action and standout performances across different promotions and weight classes. These mid-year highlights set a high bar and build anticipation for what the remainder of the year holds for the sport of mixed martial arts.
Percy Harlow