As the mixed martial arts calendar flips past the halfway point of 2025, it`s a fitting time to reflect on the standout moments and exceptional performances that have defined the year so far. While the unpredictable nature of combat sports always offers room for critique (and plenty of managerial decisions that raise eyebrows), the first six months have undeniably delivered a series of highlights destined for year-end lists.
Focusing on the action inside the cage, experts have weighed in to identify the athletes and bouts that have separated themselves from the pack. Unsurprisingly, fighters from the dominant UFC roster feature prominently, though other promotions have contributed their share of memorable moments. Let`s delve into the consensus picks for the best of the year`s first half across key categories.
Fighter of the Half-Year: Merab Dvalishvili
The clear frontrunner for the best fighter of 2025 thus far is undoubtedly Merab Dvalishvili. Operating in one of the sport`s most fiercely competitive divisions, bantamweight, “The Machine” has put together an unblemished record against elite competition. His year began with a challenging matchup against the previously undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov, a fighter widely considered the division`s hidden threat. Dvalishvili not only secured the victory over five rounds as the underdog but also earned “Fight of the Night” honors for his effort.
Rather than resting, Dvalishvili returned to headline UFC 316 less than five months later, facing the reigning champion, Sean O`Malley. Despite O`Malley entering the bout in peak form, Dvalishvili imposed his relentless pace and grappling dominance, culminating in a decisive stoppage via a nasty choke in the third round. Two fights, two wins, and two successful title defenses in rapid succession against top contenders make a compelling case for Dvalishvili`s dominance in the first half of 2025.
Knockout of the Half-Year: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
Certain moments in combat sports feel less like a mere fight finish and more like a changing of the guard. Think Royce Gracie defining submission, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar igniting modern MMA, or Conor McGregor`s statement victory over Eddie Alvarez. Ilia Topuria`s knockout of Charles Oliveira possesses that rare, transcendent quality.
Beyond the sheer aesthetic beauty of the finish, Topuria`s victory carried immense historical weight. It elevated him to the rare status of a two-division UFC champion, a feat only accomplished by nine fighters before him, and made him the first to do so while remaining undefeated. At just 28 years old, the knockout against a seasoned veteran like Oliveira wasn`t just a highlight-reel finish; it felt like the definitive moment Topuria fully stepped into the spotlight as potentially the next major figure in MMA.
Submission of the Half-Year: Kayla Harrison vs. Julianna Peña
While not every significant submission involves a rarely-seen technique or acrobatic maneuver, the context and consequence surrounding it can elevate its importance. Kayla Harrison`s kimura finish of Julianna Peña to claim the UFC title at UFC 316 is a prime example.
Harrison, an accomplished two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, entered the UFC with immense pedigree but had yet to capture the sport`s most coveted prize. Facing the durable former champion Julianna Peña, Harrison utilized her dominant grappling base, controlling the fight effectively. In the second round, pressed against the cage as time wound down, Harrison secured a kimura lock. The position was tight, but Harrison`s formidable strength allowed her to torque Peña`s arm with such force that the tap was immediate and necessary, reportedly resulting in a potential shoulder injury requiring medical clearance. While perhaps not the most flashy submission, its significance in crowning a long-awaited champion makes it the submission highlight of the year`s first half.
Fight of the Half-Year: Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval
Some of the most compelling fights arise unexpectedly, and the flyweight clash between Joshua Van and longtime contender Brandon Royval at UFC 317 delivered far beyond expectations. Van stepped into the bout on short notice, creating a dynamic pairing between Royval`s renowned aggressive, high-pressure style and Van`s youthful energy and offensive output.
For fifteen non-stop minutes, both fighters exchanged heavy blows and grappling exchanges, knowing that a potential shot at the flyweight title (contested later that same night) hung in the balance. Royval pushed the pace relentlessly, but the 23-year-old Van met the challenge head-on, demonstrating composure and superior accuracy, particularly in the later rounds. A crucial knockdown scored by Van in the closing moments solidified his win on the scorecards in a back-and-forth battle that showcased the grit and skill of both athletes. Van`s ability to endure and thrive in such a high-paced war, followed by a face-off with the champion, cemented the bout as the half-year`s most thrilling contest.
These are just a few of the moments that have made the first half of 2025 memorable. As the year continues, the bar has been set high for the next wave of performances and fights to try and surpass these early frontrunners.
