Get ready for a year of UFC like no other—2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer for fight fans! But here’s where it gets controversial: with a bold new media rights deal with Paramount+ ending the pay-per-view model, how will this shift impact the sport’s accessibility and fan engagement? Let’s dive in.
The UFC kicks off its pay-per-view return this Saturday with its highly anticipated annual New York City card, and it’s packed with action. In the spotlight, Islam Makhachev takes on Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322. And this is the part most people miss: both Makhachev and Zhang Weili, who faces women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, have vacated their respective lightweight and strawweight titles to chase two-division glory. Talk about ambition! But they’re up against formidable champions—Della Maddalena stunned fans with his performance against Belal Muhammad, a Makhachev training partner, while Shevchenko is widely regarded as the greatest 125-pound fighter in women’s MMA history.
Next month, the UFC delivers its final PPV event before the Paramount+ era begins. Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili aims to etch his name in history by becoming the first UFC champion to defend his title four times in a single year. To do that, he’ll need to outclass former champ Petr Yan, who’s been on a tear since their last encounter. Bold prediction: Could this fight redefine the bantamweight division? Or will Yan spoil Dvalishvili’s historic bid?
Speaking of history, the UFC’s groundbreaking partnership with Paramount+ marks the end of the PPV model as we know it. What does this mean for fans? Will it democratize access to fights, or will it leave some viewers feeling left out? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
Below is your go-to guide for the 2025 UFC schedule. Bookmark this page for updates on all the action throughout the year!
Upcoming UFC Schedule
| Event Date | Main Event | Weight Class | Location | TV |
|------------|-----------------------|--------------|-----------|----|
| Nov. 8 | Gabriel Bonfim vs. Randy Brown | Welterweights | Las Vegas | ESPN+ |
| Nov. 15 | Jack Della Maddalena (c) vs. Islam Makhachev | Welterweight Title | New York City | ESPN+ PPV |
| Nov. 22 | Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker | Lightweights | Doha, Qatar | ESPN+ |
| Dec. 6 | Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs. Petr Yan 2 | Bantamweight Title | Las Vegas | ESPN+ PPV |
| Dec. 13 | Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape | Flyweights | Las Vegas | ESPN+ |
From title showdowns to historic partnerships, 2025 is the year UFC fans won’t want to miss. But here’s the burning question: With the PPV model gone, will the sport thrive—or face unexpected challenges? Let us know your take below!
