UFC Pay-Per-View Events of 2025: A Year in Review

As 2025 concludes, the landscape of UFC pay-per-view (PPV) events has been marked by significant highs and lows. This year saw champions like Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria change weight classes to secure their second titles, while legendary fighters such as Henry Cejudo and José Aldo retired. However, the year was also marred by disappointing outcomes, including a no-contest ruling in the heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane due to an eye poke.

ESPN

UFC 317, featuring Topuria vs. Oliveira, emerged as the standout event of the year, earning an "A" grade. The card showcased exceptional performances, particularly the fight between Brandon Royval and Joshua Van, which is a frontrunner for ESPN's fight of the year award. Other notable events included UFC 320, where Alex Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev, and UFC 314, which featured a thrilling main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.

ESPN

Conversely, UFC 321 was deemed the worst card of the year, receiving a "D-" grade. The main event ended in a no-contest, and the overall quality of fights was criticized, with many bouts failing to deliver excitement.

ESPN

Despite the thrilling moments, many fans and analysts expressed disappointment over several events. UFC 316, for instance, was criticized for its lack of competitive fights, with all seven decisions being one-sided. UFC 313 also faced backlash for featuring unwatchable fights, leading to a "D" grade. Critics highlighted the inconsistency in fight quality and the prevalence of injuries and fluke outcomes that detracted from the overall experience.

ESPN

In reflecting on the year, analysts noted that while some events exceeded expectations, others fell flat. The UFC's ability to deliver high-stakes matchups was questioned, particularly in light of the numerous injuries and controversial decisions that plagued several cards.

ESPN

• “Joshua Van (A+) Hindsight grade: A There's no denying that UFC 317 was the best fight card of the year.” — ESPN Analyst

ESPN

• “Outside of Salkilld's violent head kick knockout of Haqparast during the prelims, UFC 321 was virtually unwatchable.” — ESPN Analyst

ESPN

There were discrepancies in grading the events, with some analysts rating UFC 318 higher than others, citing different interpretations of fight quality and entertainment value. Additionally, the impact of injuries on fight outcomes remains a debated topic, with some arguing that they significantly affected the competitiveness of certain matchups.

ESPN

The 2025 UFC pay-per-view events encapsulated a year of dramatic highs and lows, showcasing both the excitement of elite-level mixed martial arts and the frustrations of inconsistent fight quality. As the UFC moves forward, the lessons learned from this year may shape future event planning and fighter matchups.

ESPN