As the calendar turns past the halfway point of 2025, the mixed martial arts world pauses to reflect on the action, the upsets, and the dominant performances witnessed thus far. Despite the inherent unpredictability and occasional operational complexities within the sport, the first six months have delivered a compelling array of moments destined for year-end highlight reels. While major promotions like the UFC and PFL continue to be primary stages, the discussion naturally gravitates towards the athletes who have truly separated themselves from the pack.
Let`s delve into the unofficial mid-year awards, dissecting the arguments for the fighters, finishes, and fights that have defined 2025 so far.
Fighter of the Half-Year: Merab Dvalishvili
The bantamweight division, long considered one of the most competitive in the sport, has a clear frontrunner for the year`s best performer: Merab Dvalishvili. “The Machine” began 2025 by accepting a challenging bout against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov, a fighter whose potential loomed large over the 135-pound landscape. Dvalishvili entered this five-round contest as an underdog but systematically dismantled Nurmagomedov, securing a victory that also earned `Fight of the Night` honors.
Showing remarkable turnaround speed, Dvalishvili returned less than five months later to headline UFC 316 against reigning champion Sean O`Malley. Despite O`Malley being in peak form, Dvalishvili imposed his relentless grappling-heavy style, culminating in a decisive third-round submission via choke. Achieving two title defenses in rapid succession against elite contenders is a rare feat in such a stacked division and firmly establishes Dvalishvili as the undeniable fighter of the year so far.
Knockout of the Half-Year: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
Certain finishes possess a magnitude that transcends the immediate result, signalling a potential shift in the sport`s hierarchy. Ilia Topuria`s knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 316 fits this description perfectly. This wasn`t just a visually stunning finish; it was a historic accomplishment.
With this victory, Topuria became only the tenth fighter in UFC history to capture a title in two different weight classes. Crucially, he achieved this while maintaining an undefeated record at the age of 28, underscoring his exceptional talent and potential. Beyond the technical precision of the knockout itself, this moment appears to be a landmark event, potentially positioning Ilia Topuria as the next major global star in mixed martial arts.
Submission of the Half-Year: Kayla Harrison vs. Julianna Peña
The significance of a submission is often tied directly to the context in which it occurs. While a kimura is a fundamental technique, Kayla Harrison`s application of it against Julianna Peña to claim a UFC championship held immense weight and narrative importance.
Harrison, already a decorated athlete with two Olympic gold medals in judo, transitioned to MMA with the explicit goal of winning UFC gold. That long-held ambition was finally realized at UFC 316. After controlling the fight on the ground, Harrison secured the second-round kimura submission. Pinning Peña against the cage, Harrison applied significant torque to the arm, forcing the tap and reportedly resulting in a potential injury requiring medical attention for Peña. This victory, achieved via a dominant submission against a former champion, stands out as the most impactful submission of the first half of 2025.
Fight of the Half-Year: Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval
Unexpected pairings can sometimes yield the most thrilling results. Joshua Van stepping in on short notice to face veteran flyweight contender Brandon Royval at UFC 317 proved to be one such instance, creating a fight that felt almost serendipitous.
The clash was a perfect storm of clashing styles: Royval`s renowned relentless aggression met Van`s youthful exuberance and tactical precision. For fifteen minutes, the two engaged in a high-paced, back-and-forth battle, with the unspoken knowledge that a victory could lead to a title opportunity later that night against champion Alexandre Pantoja. Royval pushed the 23-year-old Van to his absolute limit, testing his cardio and resolve, but Van responded admirably, showcasing superior accuracy and securing a crucial knockdown in the final moments that solidified his decision win. Van`s composed post-fight interview and subsequent face-off with Pantoja underscored his arrival as a legitimate contender, capping off a truly compelling and action-packed contest.
As the mixed martial arts world moves into the latter half of 2025, these moments serve as a high bar set by the athletes. From champions defending their thrones with authority to rising stars making their indelible mark, the year has already provided ample excitement and sets the stage for what promises to be an equally captivating conclusion.
