UFC 2025 Year in Review: Fighter of the Year Debate, Alex Pereira’s Redemption, and 2026’s Troubling Start
The UFC 2025 year in review proved one thing: this sport has never been deeper. Alex Pereira lost to Ankalaev, looked finished at 38, then knocked him out cold in 80 seconds to reclaim the light heavyweight throne. Islam Makhachev went to welterweight and dominated Jack Della Maddalena for his second belt. Joshua Van went 4-0 and captured flyweight gold at just 24. Valentina Shevchenko continues crushing opponents at 37. Dave Simon, AJ D’Alesio, and Fred Garcia break down who truly deserves Fighter of the Year honors—and why the early 2026 schedule filled with BMF title fights and interim belts already has fans concerned.
UFC 2026 Predictions: O’Malley, Usman, and Unwanted Matchups
Dave Simon delivered his most controversial UFC 2026 predictions on Ringside Report MMA: the Paramount era will bring fights nobody wants. Sean O’Malley gets another undeserved title shot after one win over Song Yadong. Islam Makachev’s welterweight debut will be against Kamaru Usman instead of legitimate contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov. Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje fight for an interim lightweight title that means nothing. Dave, AJ D’Alesio, and Fred Garcia explained why the UFC’s subscription model will prioritize star power over merit, making 2026 “the year the UFC gives us a bunch of fights no one asked for.” Plus Merab Dvalishvili’s fighter-of-the-year debate after his UFC 323 loss, Brandon Royval vs Manel Kape predictions, and the six-week UFC drought before the Paramount deal begins.