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The MMA scene is heating up, and 2025 has all the makings of a standout year. Fresh talent is breaking through, technology is changing how fans watch, and longtime legends might be calling it quits. With new promotions entering the fray and unexpected shake-ups on the horizon, this year has plenty in store for everyone who loves the sport.
Kayla Harrison’s Time to Shine
If there’s one fighter who has the world abuzz, it’s Kayla Harrison. The Olympic gold medalist has been running through competition since joining the UFC and now has her sights set on the bantamweight title. Analysts are projecting her to dominate Julianna Peña due to her elite judo skills and ability to control fights on the ground.
Her style is similar to learning the card counting basics – it’s all about timing and execution. Brands like BlackjackDoc know how important accuracy is, and Harrison’s approach is no exception. Should she claim the belt, a potential fight with Amanda Nunes could be one of the most epic fights in MMA history.
Jon Jones: The End of an Era?
Jon Jones is finally retiring in 2025. Chatter for a fight with Tom Aspinall has gone cold, and the heavyweight champ seems a lot more invested in walking away than fighting his way to another big payday. While the sport will undoubtedly lose so much with the retirement of Jones, it opens the door to younger talent breaking into the sports spotlight.
If this is truly it for Jones, fans will recall him as perhaps the most skilled and arguably one of the most scandal-ridden-fighters to have ever stepped into the octagon.
A New Player in Town: GFL
The Global Fight League comes this year and surely will be the buzz in town. With a team-based format featuring Tyron Woodley and Paige VanZant, GFL is definitely new and interesting for fans of mixed martial arts. Of course, UFC remains atop, but perhaps a few people might want something different in GFL.
Tech and MMA: The Next Evolution
It has brought changes to how people view fights. VR technology has the potential to let fans witness matches like they’re sitting cage-side in their very homes. Such other innovations like cross-promotional events will even allow for matches fans would once think could only be just a dream to see happen.
These tech-driven changes aren’t about mere gimmicks but enhance the experience for fans and give small promotions a chance.
Before we get into specifics, here is a quick look at some of the tech reshaping MMA this year:
| Technology | Impact on MMA |
| Virtual Reality (VR) | Brings immersive, in-your-face fight experiences. |
| Cross-Promotions | Allows for epic matchups across promotions. |
| Judging Reforms | Could fix controversies and improve outcomes. |
| New Event Formats | Creates fresh ways for fans to engage. |
The Cross-Promotion Craze
But one of the really exciting trends in 2025 is cross-promotional fights. Promotions like Bellator and PFL are collating to make match-ups fans never thought they would see. It isn’t only great for the fans, but it is also great for the sport.
Why Cross-Promotions Are a Big Deal
Cross-promotions are more than marketing stunts. Here’s why they’re important:
- Dream Matchups: Fighters from different promotions finally meet.
- Bigger Audiences: Promotions will also get to know new fans and expand their brands.
- More Fighter Exposure: Athletes will get a chance to shine before a larger audience.
- Serious Cash: Such encounters bring in revenue, at least through sharing of profits.
- Stronger MMA Community: Such events tend to bring the sport together, which could unite its fans.
Cross-promotions aren’t just shaking up the sport—they’re making MMA more exciting and inclusive than ever.
Women’s MMA: A New Power Shift
Women’s MMA is moving into a new era. The rise of Kayla Harrison and the other talented fighters that are coming through in promotions such as PFL and Bellator will make divisions even more competitive. Cross-promotional matches, for instance, have got everyone talking because it might bring the best talent in the sport to one stage.
The Year of Big Changes
What’s coming for MMA in 2025? Here’s a quick take:
- Kayla Harrison Takes the Spotlight: A title win could confirm her as one of the top names in the sport.
- Jon Jones Bows Out: His retirement might shake up the heavyweight division and create space for rising stars.
- GFL Tries Something Different: The new league’s unique team-based fights might give fans a fresh way to enjoy MMA.
- Tech Upgrades the Experience: VR and cross-promotional matchups could make watching fights more immersive than ever.
Change is everywhere this year, and fans are in for a wild ride as MMA shifts and evolves.