The UFC’s landscape is shifting as a new wave of athletes steps into the spotlight, blending raw skill with relentless ambition. In a sport where fortunes can change with a single punch or submission, identifying the next breakout star is both art and science.
This year, several fighters have not only strung together impressive wins but have also demonstrated the technical depth and mental resilience needed to climb the rankings.
Their stories, marked by decisive victories, rapid development, and the ability to adapt under pressure, signal a changing of the guard. As 2025 unfolds, these six competitors stand poised to redefine their divisions and captivate fans worldwide. Here’s why each merits close attention as the year progresses.
1. Magomed Ankalaev: Light Heavyweight’s New Standard-Bearer
Magomed Ankalaev’s ascent has been anything but accidental. After a dominant run, he captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Alex Pereira via unanimous decision at UFC 313 in March 2025, improving his record to 21-1-1.
Ankalaev’s approach combines technical striking with formidable wrestling, a blend that has frustrated elite opponents and earned him a top-10 pound-for-pound ranking.
Ahead of that bout, many sportsbooks, including those providing FanDuel UFC odds, had Pereira as the slight favorite, making Ankalaev’s performance all the more impressive to sharp-eyed fans.
His victory over Pereira capped a streak that included wins against Aleksandar Rakic, Johnny Walker, and Anthony Smith, underscoring his consistency at the sport’s highest level. As he prepares for his first title defense, Ankalaev’s ability to neutralize power punchers and control the pace makes him a formidable champion and a blueprint for the division’s future.
2. Payton Talbott: Bantamweight’s Relentless Finisher
Payton Talbott’s rise has been marked by explosive finishes and rapid adaptation. The 26-year-old Nevada native began his UFC tenure with a third-round submission of Nick Aguirre, followed by a second-round knockout of Cameron Saaiman and a 19-second KO of Yanis Ghemmouri, pushing his professional record to 9-0 before suffering his first defeat against Raoni Barcelos at UFC 311.
Despite the setback, Talbott’s aggressive striking and high-volume offense have kept him in the conversation as one of the division’s most exciting prospects. His ability to rebound quickly and his willingness to face tough competition signal a fighter with both the skills and mindset to remain a threat in the crowded bantamweight field.
3. Oban Elliott: Welsh Grit Meets Welterweight Promise
Oban Elliott, known as “The Welsh Gangster,” has quickly become a name to watch at 170 pounds. After earning his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, Elliott extended his winning streak to eight with decision victories over Val Woodburn and Preston Parsons, capped by a knockout of Bassil Hafez at UFC 309.
Although he recently suffered his first UFC loss, Elliott’s well-rounded skill set and ability to improve with each outing have drawn praise from coaches and analysts alike. His resilience, shaped by early career adversity, has translated into a fighting style that is both composed and dangerous.
As he continues to climb the rankings, Elliott’s blend of charisma and technical growth makes him a compelling figure in the evolving welterweight division.
4. Jasmine Jasudavicius: Canada’s Climbing Contender
Jasmine Jasudavicius has emerged as one of the flyweight division’s most improved athletes. The 35-year-old Canadian went undefeated in 2024, securing wins over Priscila Cachoeira, Fatima Kline, and Ariane da Silva, two of which came via submission and earned her performance bonuses.
Now ranked 13th among 125-pound contenders, Jasudavicius’s progress is evident in her increasing confidence and tactical discipline.
Her recent unanimous decision over Mayra Bueno Silva showcased her capacity to control fights against experienced opponents. With a four-fight win streak and a high-profile matchup against former champion Jessica Andrade on the horizon, Jasudavicius is positioned to break into the division’s elite by year’s end.
5. Lone’er Kavanagh: Flyweight’s Undefeated Technician
Lone’er Kavanagh, a 25-year-old British prospect, has maintained a perfect 9-0 record, most recently securing a unanimous decision over Felipe dos Santos at UFC London.
Kavanagh’s technical acumen, reflected in his ability to adapt mid-fight and accumulate over six minutes of control time in his latest outing, sets him apart from many young fighters.
Coaches and observers have highlighted his high ceiling and relentless work ethic. Competing in a division renowned for speed and depth, Kavanagh’s combination of striking and grappling, along with his composure under pressure, suggests he could soon challenge established names as he continues to develop.
6. Fatima Kline: Grappling Powerhouse in the Strawweight Division
Fatima Kline’s UFC journey began with a short-notice loss to Jasmine Jasudavicius at flyweight, but her return to strawweight has been emphatic. In January 2025, Kline delivered a statement win with a second-round TKO over Viktoriia Dudakova, using dominant grappling and ground-and-pound to secure the first finish of the UFC’s new calendar year.
Now 7-1 as a professional, Kline’s rapid ascent is bolstered by her background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and her training alongside elite competitors. Her ability to control opponents on the mat and finish fights positions her as a rising threat in a division known for its parity and unpredictability.
The Road Ahead: What This New Wave Means for the UFC
The emergence of these six fighters signals a broader evolution within the UFC, where technical mastery and adaptability are increasingly prized. As divisions become more competitive, the ability to learn from setbacks, diversify skill sets, and seize high-stakes opportunities will define who rises and who stalls.
Fans and analysts should expect these athletes to shape matchmaking and title contention as the year progresses.
For those tracking the sport’s future, watching how these prospects handle tougher competition and the pressures of growing expectations will offer insight into the next era of mixed martial arts.
*The information provided in this article is based on the latest available data and official sources as of 2025/07/15. Fight records, rankings, and event details are subject to change as new bouts occur and official updates are released.