Top 4 Rising MMA Fighters in 2025

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With a massive global reach and legendary inspiring figures including Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Sean O’Malley, the younger generation has undoubtedly been drawn towards the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) more than ever. Additionally, the UFC and other organizations like Bellator and ONE Championship provide immense recognition and monetary gains to young MMA fighters, making it one of the most sought-after platforms for the majority of athletes who aspire to rule the cage. Over the years, the history of Mixed Martial Arts has witnessed numerous young and rising stars taking over the command, defying the odds and establishing themselves as the new flag bearers of the platform.

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In this article we will take a look at the top four rising MMA fighters in 2025 that you should definitely watch out for.

Top 4 Rising MMA Fighters in 2025

• Islam Makhachev

The 33-year-old Russian professional mixed martial artist and former sambo competitor, Islam Makhachev, who currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC Lightweight Champion, is at the first spot in our list of the top four rising MMA fighters in 2025 that you should definitely watch out.

The reigning UFC Lightweight Champion and currently ranked #1 pound-for-pound in the UFC, Islam Makhachev has already silenced elite names in the world of MMA, including Charles Oliveira, Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier, speaking volumes about his dominance inside the cage. Throughout his entire MMA career so far, Islam Makhachev only one bout against Adriano Martins in 2015.

• Ilia Topuria

The professional mixed martial artist, Ilia Topuria, is at the second spot in our list of the top four MMA fighters who are all set to rule the cage in 2025 with their brutal moves. As of May 2025, Ilia Topuria competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the former UFC Featherweight Champion and the first Georgian fighter to clinch a UFC championship.

Popularly referred to as “El Matador”, Ilia Topuria is currently looked upon as one of the most deadly and rising MMA fighters in the world. Ilia Topuria established him as the first-ever Spanish UFC champion and also maintained a streak of 15-0, ranking him in the prestigious list of the few elite-level undefeated UFC champions. Additionally, as of May 2025, Ilia Topuria is also ranked as one of the top five MMA fighters as per the pound-for-pound rankings.

• Magomed Ankalaev

The 32-year-old Russian professional mixed martial artist, Magomed Alibulatovich Ankalaev, who currently competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, is at the third spot in our list of the top four rising MMA fighters in 2025 that you should definitely watch out for. As of May 2025, Magomed Ankalev is at the sixth spot in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings, speaking volumes about his dominance in the format. The southpaw’s most highlighted and significant UFC victories came against Johnny Walker, Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, Volkan Oezdemir, Dalcha Lungiambula and Marcin Prachnio.

• Alex Pereira

The Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and former professional kickboxer, Alex Pereira, is at the fourth spot in our list of the top four rising MMA fighters in 2025 that you should definitely watch out for. As of May 2025, Alex competes in the Light Heavyweight Division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and UFC Middleweight Champion.

Also, Alex is currently placed at #1 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings and at #8 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings. Moreover, as of May 2025, Alex has established himself as the first-ever fighter to be a two-division world champion in MMA and kickboxing and is therefore often hailed as one of the greatest combat athletes of all time.

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