Mixed Martial Arts Set for Historic Close to 2025 Season Amidst Pivotal Media Rights Transition.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is poised for a momentous conclusion to its 2025 calendar, featuring a lineup of high-stakes title bouts and pivotal contender clashes, all set against the backdrop of a landmark media rights agreement with Paramount+ that will fundamentally reshape the sport’s broadcast landscape. The final quarter of the year is marked by two highly anticipated pay-per-view (PPV) events, UFC 322 and UFC 323, alongside three Fight Night cards, promising significant implications for several divisions as the promotion transitions into a new era of content distribution.

The immediate focus shifts to UFC 322, scheduled for November 15 in New York City. This event is headlined by a compelling welterweight championship bout, featuring reigning champion Jack Della Maddalena defending his title against the formidable lightweight king, Islam Makhachev. The card is further bolstered by a women’s flyweight title fight, where the dominant Valentina Shevchenko will face off against women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili. Both Makhachev and Weili are attempting to achieve rare two-division championship status, a feat accomplished by only a select few in UFC history, including Randy Couture, B.J. Penn, Georges St-Pierre, Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Henry Cejudo.

Jack Della Maddalena, who ascended to the welterweight throne with a series of impressive performances, faces arguably his toughest test in Islam Makhachev. Della Maddalena’s recent victory against Belal Muhammad, a training partner of Makhachev’s, showcased his striking precision and resilience, exceeding expectations against a top-tier contender. His calculated aggression and ability to maintain composure under pressure have been key to his rapid rise. Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, boasts a formidable record built on his Dagestani wrestling prowess and suffocating ground game. His decision to vacate the lightweight title to challenge for the welterweight belt underscores his ambition and confidence. This move presents significant tactical challenges for Makhachev, requiring an adaptation to a larger, stronger opponent, while Della Maddalena will need to neutralize Makhachev’s renowned grappling to retain his championship. The contest carries added intrigue due to the previous encounter between Della Maddalena and Muhammad, potentially offering Makhachev insights into his opponent’s tendencies but also adding a layer of personal motivation for the champion.

The co-main event at UFC 322 pits two of the most dominant female fighters in their respective divisions against each other. Valentina Shevchenko, widely considered the greatest women’s flyweight champion in UFC history, has defended her 125-pound title on multiple occasions, demonstrating a diverse skill set encompassing elite striking, powerful kicks, and strong grappling. Her reign has been characterized by systematic dismantling of challengers, cementing her status as a pound-for-pound elite. Shevchenko’s challenger, Zhang Weili, the current women’s strawweight champion, is renowned for her explosive power, aggressive striking, and relentless pace. Weili’s pursuit of a second title would elevate her to an elite tier, but she faces the challenge of moving up in weight class against a physically robust and technically superior opponent in Shevchenko. Both athletes bring a high level of technical proficiency and championship pedigree, setting the stage for a potentially historic contest in New York City, a traditional stronghold for major UFC events.

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Following UFC 322, the promotion will present its final PPV event of the pre-Paramount era, UFC 323, on December 6 in Las Vegas. This card is headlined by a highly anticipated bantamweight championship rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan. Merab Dvalishvili, the reigning bantamweight champion, enters this contest with the opportunity to engrave his name in UFC history as the only fighter to achieve four successful title defenses within a single calendar year. Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling, cardio, and high-pressure style have been instrumental in his championship run, allowing him to overwhelm opponents through sheer volume and control. His path to the title and subsequent defenses have solidified his reputation as one of the most durable and persistent champions in the organization.

His opponent, former champion Petr Yan, has shown significant resurgence since their initial encounter. Yan, known for his technical striking, calculated pressure, and ability to adapt mid-fight, has re-established himself as a top contender in the notoriously deep bantamweight division. Following a period marked by controversial losses and inconsistent performances, Yan has demonstrably refined his approach, showcasing improved defensive wrestling and an enhanced striking arsenal. The first fight between Dvalishvili and Yan was a grueling affair, with Dvalishvili ultimately securing the victory. The rematch offers Yan a chance at redemption and the opportunity to reclaim the title, while Dvalishvili aims to solidify his legacy and achieve a unique milestone in UFC history. Las Vegas, a perennial host for major UFC events, provides a fitting backdrop for this significant championship clash.

The schedule for the remainder of 2025 also includes three pivotal UFC Fight Night events, which are crucial for showcasing rising talent and positioning contenders within their respective divisions.

The first of these Fight Night cards takes place on November 8 in Las Vegas, featuring a welterweight clash between Gabriel Bonfim and Randy Brown. Gabriel Bonfim has quickly emerged as a promising prospect in the welterweight division, characterized by his aggressive finishing instincts and well-rounded skill set. His performances have garnered attention for their decisive nature. Randy Brown, a seasoned veteran of the division, brings a wealth of experience and a diverse striking game. This bout represents an opportunity for Bonfim to climb the divisional rankings against a respected opponent, while Brown aims to halt the momentum of a rising contender and reassert his position. The winner of this contest will likely be positioned for a more significant challenge in the competitive welterweight landscape.

On November 22, the UFC travels to Doha, Qatar, for a lightweight Fight Night event headlined by Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker. Arman Tsarukyan is widely regarded as one of the top contenders in the highly competitive lightweight division, known for his elite wrestling, grappling, and continuously improving striking. His close contests against other top-ranked fighters have demonstrated his championship potential, and he has consistently been on the cusp of a title shot. Dan Hooker, a fan favorite, is celebrated for his exciting striking exchanges and remarkable resilience. Despite recent setbacks against elite competition, Hooker remains a dangerous opponent capable of ending fights with a single strike. This international fixture in the Middle East, a growing market for mixed martial arts, could serve as a de facto title eliminator, with the victor significantly advancing their claim for a shot at the lightweight championship.

The final UFC event of the year is scheduled for December 13, another Fight Night in Las Vegas, headlined by a flyweight encounter between Brandon Royval and Manel Kape. Brandon Royval is known for his frenetic pace, unorthodox striking, and dangerous submission game, which has made him a consistent source of excitement in the flyweight division. His recent performances have solidified his status as a top contender, including a recent shot at the divisional title. Manel Kape, an explosive striker with significant knockout power, has built an impressive winning streak, characterized by highlight-reel finishes and confident performances. His aggressive style and compelling personality have made him a must-watch fighter. This bout carries significant implications for the flyweight title picture, with both fighters vying to position themselves for a championship opportunity in 2026.

These remaining events of 2025 hold particular significance as they precede a monumental shift in the UFC’s broadcast strategy. As reported on August 11, 2025, the UFC and Paramount+ announced a landmark media rights agreement that will fundamentally alter the traditional PPV model. The statement indicates that UFC 323 will be the "final PPV of the pre-Paramount era," suggesting that beginning in 2026, the pay-per-view distribution method, a cornerstone of the UFC’s financial model for decades, will be discontinued in favor of an exclusive partnership with Paramount+.

While specific details regarding the new distribution model for all events post-UFC 323 are yet to be fully disclosed, the "nixing PPV model" phrase implies a shift towards a subscription-based access for all UFC content, potentially including major championship fights, within the Paramount+ ecosystem. This move marks a significant departure from previous media rights agreements with platforms like ESPN+ and Fox, where PPV events remained a separate, premium purchase. The exclusive partnership with Paramount+ is expected to enhance accessibility for a broader audience, potentially driving significant subscriber growth for the streaming service. For the UFC, this agreement represents a strategic long-term investment, guaranteeing substantial revenue streams and a unified platform for its entire content library, from Fight Nights to major championship cards. The full implications for fighter pay structures, global broadcasting, and fan engagement will unfold as the new model officially commences in 2026, ushering in a transformative period for the sport of mixed martial arts.