Mixed martial arts (MMA) is growing at light speed, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) seems poised for even greater success as we step toward 2025. While 2024 was considered exceptional for the sport, it is clear there are still opportunities waiting to be explored, which could help the UFC capture mainstream popularity beyond the current heavyweight names like Conor McGregor, Alex Pereira, and Jon Jones.
To truly stimulate the sport's momentum, three key elements could come together to boost fan engagement: increased activity from champions, renovations to the APEX arena, and more creative allowances for fighter expressions.
Firstly, let’s talk about champions and their activity levels. Data from 2024 starkly shows the lack of engagement from current titleholders across five UFC divisions. Last year, only one title fight occurred across Lightweight, Welterweight, Heavyweight, Women's Strawweight, and Women's Flyweight divisions. On average, champions fought just 1.54 times throughout the year, with some fighters like Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones only stepping inside the octagon once. The notable exception was Pereira, who managed to keep fans thrilled with three appearances.
Active champions create narratives and keep fans interested. Their stories evolve with frequent fights, which is lacking right now. Less engagement from titleholders translates to missed opportunities for exciting matchups, leaving fans craving more. Meanwhile, upcoming prospects like Payton Talbott and Mairon Santos only competed once throughout 2024, widening the gap of engagement for fans who eagerly look for new names to follow.
Now, let’s touch on the APEX facility. Initially utilized as a substitute during the pandemic, the APEX has become synonymous with lesser-known Fight Nights. Even though the product itself is polished, the venue lacks the energy and excitement of larger crowds, leaving monumental finishes — think Da'Mon Blackshear’s historic twister submission — without the celebration they deserve.
While the UFC has provided iconic moments at the APEX, it may be time for an overhaul reminiscent of changes made by the WWE, which successfully renovated their venues to allow for more intimate crowd experiences. Enhancing the APEX's atmosphere could revive some of the excitement seen during major events and create memorable moments for live audiences.
The third pillar of improvement pertains to the creative expression of fighters. Recently, views on the new gloves have been mixed, and there’s nostalgia for the days when fighter individuality was celebrated, featuring custom trunks and unique walkouts. The introduction of strict fight kit sponsorship guidelines has considerably limited the ability of fighters to showcase their personae. A return to some of this freedom — inspired by organizations like RIZIN Fighting Federation and GLORY — could reinvigorate enthusiasm. Imagine the thrill of distinct walkouts bringing excitement akin to high-stakes boxing matches!
On the competitive front, the lightweight division is brimming with potential as newcomers like Esteban Ribovics gear up for their next challenges. Fresh off impressive wins, Ribovics is scheduled to face veteran Nasrat Haqparast at the UFC Fight Night event on March 1, 2025, marking yet another step up the ladder for these burgeoning stars. Ribovics, with his record of 14-1, is making headlines after knocking out Terrance McKinney and delivering one of the year’s best fights against Daniel Zellhuber.
Haqparast, who boasts 17 wins with only five losses, is riding high on a four-fight win streak and serves as formidable opponent. A showdown between these up-and-coming talents not only diversifies the competition but also could potentially set the stage for future championship bouts. A win for Ribovics could catapult him toward serious discussions within the lightweight rankings.
Given the current atmosphere, organizations like the UFC must leverage this significant opportunity to stay relevant and triumph. The plans for increased champion activity, APEX renovations, and enhanced fighter creative liberties could be exactly what the UFC needs to keep both loyal fans and curious newcomers hooked through 2025.
With the current emphasis on entertainment, storytelling, and fan engagement, the future of UFC may just be within reach for those who are ready to embrace the evolution of the sport.
