The first quarter of 2025 has already delivered seismic shifts in the MMA world, with several fighters making significant leaps in the rankings. Among them, Joaquin Buckley and Umar Nurmagomedov have emerged as standout names, redefining their respective divisions through exceptional performances and strategic career moves. These athletes are not just climbing the rankings—they’re reshaping the competitive world of modern MMA.
The Impact UFC Betting Has of Rising Stars
For fans who enjoy placing bets on UFC events, fighters like Buckley and Nurmagomedov offer intriguing opportunities. Joaquin Buckley’s rapid ascent in the welterweight division has made him a high-risk, high-reward pick for fans who are into UFC betting, especially given his explosive knockout power and recent victories over top-tier opponents. Meanwhile, Umar Nurmagomedov’s undefeated record and technical mastery make him a favorite in most matchups, but his fights often come with narrower odds due to his consistency. These rising stars are shaking up rankings while also influencing betting markets as fans weigh their potential against established contenders.
Joaquin Buckley Went From Unranked to Contender
Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley’s meteoric rise in the welterweight division is one of the most compelling stories of 2025. After a transformative 4-0 campaign in 2024, where he defeated elite names like Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington, Buckley has solidified himself as a legitimate title contender. His victory over Covington at UFC Tampa in December 2024 was particularly notable. Despite Covington’s relentless wrestling style, Buckley showcased improved takedown defense and sharp counterstriking, leading to a TKO win via doctor stoppage due to a severe cut.
Buckley’s success can be attributed to his evolution as a fighter. Once known primarily for his highlight-reel knockouts, he has refined his wrestling and cardio to complement his explosive striking. This adaptability has allowed him to overcome diverse challenges in the octagon. Now riding a six-fight winning streak, Buckley is eyeing a potential title shot later this year, depending on how the division’s top contenders—like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad—perform.
Umar Nurmagomedov – The Bantamweight Technician
Umar Nurmagomedov’s rise in the bantamweight division has been nothing short of extraordinary. With an undefeated professional record of 18-0 as of early 2025, Nurmagomedov has proven himself as one of the most technically proficient fighters in MMA today. His January showdown with Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 was a pivotal moment. Although he fell short in securing the bantamweight title, his performance against one of the division’s most relentless competitors underscored his potential to become a future champion.
Nurmagomedov’s strengths lie in his versatility. He combines elite grappling—reminiscent of his cousin Khabib—with precise striking and exceptional fight IQ. His ability to adapt mid-fight was evident against Dvalishvili when he countered takedown attempts and landed significant strikes that tested the champion’s durability. While he may not yet hold UFC gold, Nurmagomedov’s upward trajectory suggests it’s only a matter of time before he dominates the bantamweight division.
Factors Behind Their Success
Several key factors have contributed to the rapid ascension of fighters like Buckley and Nurmagomedov:
- Improved Skill Sets: Both fighters have shown significant growth in their technical abilities. Buckley has worked on his wrestling defense to complement his striking, while Nurmagomedov continues to refine his all-around game.
- Strategic Matchmaking: Carefully selected opponents have allowed these fighters to showcase their strengths while gradually climbing the rankings.
- Consistency: Both athletes have maintained impressive winning streaks against increasingly challenging competition.
- Fan Appeal: Their exciting fighting styles and compelling narratives have captured the attention of fans and promoters alike.
Other Notable Climbers
While Buckley and Nurmagomedov are leading the charge, several other fighters have also made waves in early 2025:
- Manel Kape: After bouncing back from a loss to Muhammad Mokaev last year, Kape has strung together two decisive victories that have propelled him into flyweight title contention.
- Billy Quarantillo: The featherweight prospect continues to climb after back-to-back wins over top-15 opponents.
- Carlos Prates: Following an undefeated run in 2024, Prates remains one of the most promising names in the welterweight division.
These fighters exemplify how hard work and strategic planning can lead to rapid advancement in MMA rankings.
What Lies Ahead?
Looking forward to the rest of 2025, both Joaquin Buckley and Umar Nurmagomedov are poised for even greater achievements. For Buckley, a title eliminator or even a championship bout could be on the horizon if he continues his winning ways. His blend of power and versatility makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the welterweight division.
Nurmagomedov faces a slightly different path as he seeks redemption following his loss to Dvalishvili. However, with his skill set and undefeated record prior to UFC 311, he remains one of the most formidable contenders at bantamweight. A rematch with Dvalishvili or a clash with another top-ranked opponent could set him up for another title shot by year-end.