UFC Unveils Biggest 2025 Fight Card

UFC has officially announced the main card for UFC 313, scheduled for March 8, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Heavyweight champion Jon Jones will defend his title against challenger Tom Aspinall in the main event, while light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira faces Magomed Ankalaev in the co-main event.

Jon Jones will make his first title defense since capturing the heavyweight belt in March 2023 with a first-round guillotine choke victory over Ciryl Gane. The originally scheduled November bout against Aspinall at Madison Square Garden in New York was postponed due to Jones' pectoral injury.

Tom Aspinall holds the UFC record for most heavyweight title defenses (3) as a former champion. Despite being out of action for over three years since losing the belt to Francis Ngannou in 2021, UFC recognized his legacy and the value of a matchup with Jones by granting him an immediate title shot.

Pereira's Three-Division Championship Quest

Alex Pereira, the current light heavyweight champion, has already conquered two weight classes starting from middleweight. Magomed Ankalaev, ranked #1 in the UFC light heavyweight division, is considered the most viable challenger to halt Pereira's winning streak with his exceptional wrestling and ground game.

Pereira dominated 2024 with three successful title defenses, showcasing overwhelming control. True to his kickboxing background, he has earned fervent fan support through precise striking and knockout victories. If victorious against Ankalaev, Pereira has mentioned the possibility of moving up to heavyweight, potentially creating an unprecedented scenario of challenging for a third division title in UFC history.

Belal Muhammad's Welterweight Return

UFC 313 will also feature welterweight champion Belal Muhammad's return to the octagon. Muhammad captured the belt in July 2024 with a decision victory over Leon Edwards, but withdrew from his scheduled December title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov due to a foot injury.

While UFC has not officially announced Muhammad's opponent, #1-ranked Rakhmonov remains the frontrunner for the challenger spot. Rakhmonov is riding a six-fight winning streak while awaiting his title shot, and is expected to pose a serious threat to Muhammad with his powerful wrestling and ground-and-pound.

2025 UFC Schedule: Mega-Fight Parade

UFC has announced several mega-fights for the first half of 2025 alone. January features UFC 311 with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defending against Arman Tsarukyan, while February brings UFC 312 with Dricus du Plessis' middleweight title defense in Sydney, Australia.

Conor McGregor's potential return remains the biggest question mark of 2025. McGregor has been sidelined since his third bout with Dustin Poirier in 2021 due to injury and personal matters, though he has repeatedly expressed his desire to return via social media. UFC President Dana White stated, "We welcome McGregor back whenever he's ready," indicating a positive stance.

Korean Fighters' Progress

Korean UFC fighters are also planning active campaigns in 2025. 'The Korean Zombie' Chan Sung Jung has announced his retirement, but Ji Yong Kim (flyweight) and Jun Yong Park (lightweight) are training to break into the rankings.

Ji Yong Kim recently achieved three consecutive victories to enter the flyweight rankings at #15, targeting a top-10 position in the first half of 2025. Jun Yong Park is preparing for his second fight after a debut victory, representing Korean lightweights on the UFC stage for the first time in years.