We stand at the halfway point of the 2025 mixed martial arts calendar, a journey marked by the usual array of compelling narratives, unexpected turns, and moments of undeniable brilliance. While no year is without its complexities in the fight game, the first six months have certainly delivered performances worthy of recognition. Industry observers and analysts have reviewed the action to identify the frontrunners for the prestigious, albeit unofficial, mid-season awards.
Best Fighter: Dominance Personified
When assessing the best fighter of the year so far, one name emerges with striking clarity: Merab Dvalishvili. The bantamweight champion has orchestrated a remarkable run, silencing doubters and dismantling top contenders with relentless pressure. His year began with a challenging assignment against the highly touted and previously undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. In a fight some viewed as a true test, Dvalishvili not only secured the victory over five rounds but also earned a bonus for his efforts in what was deemed the Fight of the Night.
Not content to rest on his laurels, Dvalishvili returned to headline UFC 316 less than five months later to face Sean O`Malley. Despite O`Malley appearing in peak form with no lingering issues, “The Machine” lived up to his moniker, systematically taking control of the bout. His persistent attack culminated in a nasty choke submission in the third round, securing his second title defense in rapid succession within arguably the sport`s most talent-rich division. Two wins, two defenses, against elite competition – a compelling case for his mid-year standing.
Best Knockout: A Paradigm Shift Delivered
Some finishes carry weight beyond the immediate result; they signify a changing of the guard or a moment that feels historically significant. Ilia Topuria`s knockout of Charles Oliveira falls squarely into this category. This victory wasn`t just a spectacular stoppage; it cemented Topuria`s place in the record books as only the tenth fighter in UFC history to claim titles in two different weight classes. What`s more, he accomplished this feat while maintaining his undefeated record, a first for a double champion in the promotion.
Beyond the statistics, the knockout itself possessed an aesthetic quality that captivated viewers. Delivered with precision and power, it was the kind of moment that analysts believe could mark the official transition, positioning Topuria as a potential new face of the sport as 2025 unfolds.
Best Submission: The Magnitude of Achievement
While not always the flashiest technique in the grappling arsenal, a kimura can be brutally effective when applied by an expert. Kayla Harrison`s kimura finish of Julianna Peña at UFC 316 is a prime example, notable less for the rarity of the hold and more for the magnitude of the moment. For Harrison, a decorated two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo making her highly anticipated UFC debut, this fight represented the culmination of her ambition: winning a UFC title.
Harrison utilized her world-class grappling to control Peña on the ground for much of the fight. As the second round neared its end, she secured the kimura, twisting Peña`s arm against the cage with such force that it left the former champion requiring medical clearance for a potentially damaged shoulder. It wasn`t just a submission; it was a dominant performance delivering a title and validating years of dedication, earning its place as a top submission of the year so far.
Best Fight: A Star is Forged in Battle
Sometimes the most compelling fights arise unexpectedly. Joshua Van stepping in to face seasoned flyweight contender Brandon Royval at UFC 317 created one such instance. What ensued was a high-stakes, back-and-forth battle perfectly showcasing the clash of styles: Royval`s trademark relentless pace against Van`s youthful exuberance and precision. Over fifteen minutes, the two athletes traded blows and positional advantages, both knowing a potential title shot against champion Alexandre Pantoja was on the line later that evening.
Van met Royval`s ferocity head-on, proving not only his durability but also superior accuracy, particularly in the crucial final moments where he scored a knockdown that sealed his victory on the scorecards. His performance was capped by his seemingly unfazed demeanor post-fight and a face-off with the champion, solidifying the event as a true star-making evening for the young fighter and delivering one of the year`s most exciting contests.
Looking Ahead
The first half of 2025 has set a high bar with memorable performances and compelling narratives across multiple divisions. As the year progresses, the challenges for current champions like Dvalishvili, the trajectory of new stars like Topuria and Van, and the impact of elite athletes like Harrison will continue to shape the landscape of mixed martial arts, promising further excitement in the months to come.
