As the calendar flips past the halfway mark of 2025, the world of mixed martial arts has once again delivered a cascade of unforgettable moments. While the political landscape of the sport might offer plenty to debate, the action inside the cage has frequently risen above the fray, providing fans with performances and finishes that will undoubtedly feature in year-end discussions. With the first six months now in the rearview mirror, it`s an opportune time to pause and recognize the individuals and bouts that have defined the year so far.
Drawing insights from those deeply embedded in the sport`s analysis, a consensus emerges on the top contenders for mid-year honors across key categories: Best Fighter, Best Knockout, Best Submission, and Best Fight.
Best Fighter: The Machine`s Relentless Ascent
Leading the pack in the `Best Fighter` category for the first half of 2025 is undoubtedly Merab Dvalishvili. Operating in the fiercely competitive bantamweight division, Dvalishvili commenced his year by taking on Umar Nurmagomedov, a highly touted undefeated prospect who was seen by many as the boogeyman of the 135-pound class. Dvalishvili not only secured the victory over five rounds, but did so as an underdog in a `Fight of the Night` performance.
His momentum didn`t stop there. Less than five months later, Dvalishvili headlined a major pay-per-view event, UFC 316, against the division`s biggest star, Sean O`Malley. Despite O`Malley entering the contest in peak form, “The Machine” lived up to his moniker, applying relentless pressure before securing a dominant stoppage via choke in the third round. Two fights, two wins, and two successful title defenses in arguably the sport`s most stacked division make a compelling case for Dvalishvili as the top fighter of 2025 thus far.
Best Knockout: A Paradigm Shift
The knockout that seemed to ripple through the entire sport and signaled a potential shift at the top came courtesy of Ilia Topuria. His devastating finish of Charles Oliveira was not just aesthetically pleasing; it was historically significant. Topuria became only the tenth fighter in UFC history to claim a title in two weight classes, achieving this remarkable feat while maintaining his undefeated record.
At just 28 years old, Topuria`s performance against a formidable opponent like Oliveira felt less like a standard victory and more like a coronation. It was a moment that catapulted him further into the spotlight, positioning him as a potential future face of mixed martial arts. This knockout was more than just a highlight; it was a statement.
Best Submission: Judo Gold to UFC Gold
In the realm of grappling clinics and fight-ending holds, Kayla Harrison`s submission victory over Julianna Peña to capture the UFC championship stands out. Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, had long stated her ultimate goal was to win a UFC title, and she finally achieved that at UFC 316 in June.
While a kimura submission may not be the flashiest technique in the book, the circumstances surrounding Harrison`s finish were impactful. She dominated the fight on the ground, and with time winding down in the second round, she locked onto Peña`s arm. Despite being pressed against the cage, Harrison applied immense torque, forcing the tap and potentially causing shoulder damage that required medical clearance for Peña afterward. This submission was a testament to Harrison`s elite judo background finally translating into UFC gold, executed with clinical, fight-ending precision.
Best Fight: An Unexpected Thriller
Sometimes the most compelling battles arise unexpectedly, and the flyweight clash between Joshua Van and longtime contender Brandon Royval at UFC 317 fit this description perfectly. Van stepped in on short notice, but the pairing proved to be dynamite.
Royval`s trademark relentless pace and pressure meshed perfectly with Van`s youthful exuberance and striking accuracy. The two engaged in a frantic, high-paced affair over 15 minutes, knowing that a potential title shot against champion Alexandre Pantoja (who was fighting later that night) was likely on the line. Van not only matched Royval`s ferocity but landed the cleaner shots, punctuating his performance with a crucial knockdown in the final moments that sealed the decision victory. His calm demeanor post-fight, followed by a direct face-off with Pantoja after the main event, capped off what was undeniably a star-making performance in a highly entertaining fight.
Looking back at the first six months, 2025 has already provided performances, finishes, and fights that will undoubtedly feature prominently in year-end discussions. These mid-year award candidates represent the pinnacle of action and achievement in the sport`s calendar thus far.
