UFC Unveils Final 2025 Schedule: Blockbuster PPVs and Streaming Transition Mark Year's End

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to conclude its 2025 calendar with a series of high-stakes Pay-Per-View (PPV) events and crucial Fight Night cards, all while navigating a landmark transition in its broadcasting model. As the year draws to a close, the promotion will deliver two more traditional PPV offerings before an exclusive shift to Paramount+ for all future events, fundamentally altering how fans access the sport. The remaining schedule promises title fights, pivotal contender matchups, and the potential for new champions to emerge across several divisions.

The immediate focus for the promotion centers on UFC 322, scheduled for November 15 in New York City. This annual event is slated to be a double-championship spectacle, featuring Islam Makhachev challenging Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title in the main event. In a highly anticipated co-main, women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko will defend her belt against Zhang Weili. Both Makhachev and Zhang have made a significant and rare strategic move by reportedly vacating their respective lightweight and women’s strawweight titles to pursue two-division championship status, adding an extraordinary layer of consequence to their upcoming bouts.

Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion with a professional record of 27-1, has solidified his position as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound elite. Known for his dominant Dagestani wrestling, Sambo expertise, and relentless pressure, Makhachev has successfully defended his lightweight crown multiple times, including victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier. His decision to move up to welterweight (170 lbs) to challenge for a second title marks a bold step, aiming to join an exclusive club of multi-division champions. This move signifies his confidence in his ability to compete against larger opponents, a testament to his comprehensive skill set developed under the tutelage of figures like Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Standing opposite Makhachev will be the formidable welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena (19-2). The Australian champion has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the division, showcasing elite striking and an increasingly robust grappling defense. His last performance, a dominant victory over Belal Muhammad—a noted training partner of Makhachev’s—underscored his readiness for top-tier challenges. Della Maddalena’s calculated aggression and precise striking combinations have dismantled previous opponents, and his ability to fend off high-level wrestlers will be paramount against Makhachev. The clash of styles between Makhachev’s grappling-heavy attack and Della Maddalena’s striking prowess sets the stage for a compelling main event.

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In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko (27-4), widely regarded as one of the greatest female mixed martial artists in history and arguably the most dominant women’s 125-pound champion, will face Zhang Weili (26-3). Shevchenko’s reign at flyweight has been characterized by her diverse skillset, combining world-class Muay Thai striking with strong judo and grappling. After a brief period of uncertainty following a split decision loss, she has reasserted her dominance, reminding the division of her technical superiority and fight IQ.

Zhang Weili, the dynamic women’s strawweight champion, also seeks to etch her name into history by becoming a two-division titleholder. With a professional record that reflects her explosive power and improved wrestling, Zhang has captivated audiences with her aggressive fighting style and devastating striking. Her recent title defenses against Amanda Lemos and Yan Xiaonan have showcased her evolution as a fighter, blending her Wushu background with formidable ground game. The challenge of moving up to flyweight to face Shevchenko represents a significant test of her versatility and power against a naturally larger and equally skilled opponent. The tactical battle between Shevchenko’s precision and Zhang’s ferocity is expected to be a highlight of UFC 322.

Following UFC 322, the organization will present its final traditional PPV event of the "pre-Paramount era" with UFC 323 on December 6, live from Las Vegas. This event holds significant historical weight as it precedes a major shift in the UFC’s media rights landscape. As previously announced, UFC and Paramount+ have forged a landmark media rights agreement that will see all future UFC events transition away from the traditional PPV model, moving exclusively to Paramount+. This partnership aims to streamline content delivery for fans and expand the UFC’s reach through the streaming platform, marking a pivotal moment in the sport’s commercial strategy.

UFC 323 will feature a highly anticipated bantamweight title rematch between champion Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Petr Yan. Merab Dvalishvili (20-4), the relentless "Machine" of the bantamweight division, will attempt to make history by achieving four successful title defenses within a single calendar year—a feat that would underscore his unparalleled activity and dominance. Known for his ceaseless cardio, high-pressure wrestling, and improved striking, Dvalishvili has dismantled a series of top contenders since capturing the title. His unwavering pace and ability to dictate the fight’s rhythm have made him a formidable champion.

His opponent, Petr Yan (17-6), has experienced a resurgence since their last encounter. The former champion, renowned for his technical boxing, precise striking, and defensive prowess, has worked his way back to title contention after a challenging period. Yan’s last fight showcased his tactical adjustments and renewed focus, proving that he remains a top-tier threat in the division. The first bout between Dvalishvili and Yan was a grueling affair, with Dvalishvili ultimately emerging victorious. Yan will be eager to avenge that loss and reclaim the bantamweight throne, promising a strategic and explosive rematch.

Beyond the headlining PPV events, the UFC schedule for the remainder of 2025 also includes several compelling Fight Night cards that will shape the contender landscape in various divisions.

On November 8, a UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas will be headlined by a welterweight clash between Gabriel Bonfim (16-1) and Randy Brown (19-5-1). Bonfim, a promising prospect with a strong submission game, looks to continue his ascent against the experienced and lanky striker Randy Brown, known for his unpredictable style and ability to finish fights. This matchup offers an opportunity for both fighters to solidify their position in the crowded welterweight division.

A week later, on November 22, the UFC travels to Doha, Qatar, for a Fight Night headlined by lightweights Arman Tsarukyan (23-3) and Dan Hooker (24-12). Tsarukyan, a highly-ranked contender with elite wrestling and ever-improving striking, is on the cusp of a title shot and will aim to make a statement. Hooker, a fan-favorite known for his "Hangman" nickname and exciting, often bloody, striking battles, will look to derail Tsarukyan’s momentum and climb back into the upper echelons of the lightweight division. The winner of this bout will significantly impact the competitive lightweight title picture.

The final Fight Night of the year, scheduled for December 13 in Las Vegas, will feature a high-stakes flyweight bout between Brandon Royval (17-8) and Manel Kape (19-7). Royval, an electrifying and aggressive striker known for his fast-paced fights and submission attempts, recently competed for the flyweight title and will be eager to return to contention. Kape, a dynamic striker with explosive power and a penchant for controversy, has been on a winning streak and is closing in on a title shot himself. This matchup promises a frenetic pace and significant implications for the flyweight division’s next title challenger.

As 2025 concludes, the UFC is not only delivering a packed schedule of fights but also embarking on a transformative broadcasting journey. The remaining events offer a final glimpse of the traditional PPV model before the exclusive shift to Paramount+, underscoring a pivotal moment for the sport and its global fanbase. Fans are encouraged to regularly check official UFC channels for any further updates or additions to the schedule.

Upcoming UFC Schedule

Event	Date	Main event	Weight class	Location	TV
UFC Fight Night	Nov. 8	Gabriel Bonfim vs. Randy Brown	Welterweights	Las Vegas	ESPN+
UFC 322	Nov. 15	Jack Della Maddalena (c) vs. Islam Makhachev	Welterweight title	New York City	ESPN+ PPV
UFC Fight Night	Nov. 22	Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker	Lightweights	Doha, Qatar	ESPN+
UFC 323	Dec. 6	Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs. Petr Yan 2	Bantamweight title	Las Vegas	ESPN+ PPV
UFC Fight Night	Dec. 13	Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape	Flyweights	Las Vegas	ESPN+