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.