Top 10 UFC Fights to Watch in January 2025

January 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting month for UFC fans, with a plethora of electrifying matchups and title bouts. From highly anticipated rematches to rising stars making their mark, this article highlights the top 10 UFC fights to keep on your radar in January 2025.

1. Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2

• Event: UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2
• Date: January 11, 2025
• Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, NV
• Description: This highly anticipated rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas is set to headline the first UFC Fight Night of the year. Their initial encounter in 2019 saw Ribas secure a dominant decision victory, but both fighters have evolved significantly since then. Dern has sharpened her striking, while Ribas has become a well-rounded contender. This fight is pivotal for both women as they aim to solidify their spots in the top tier of the strawweight division[1].

2. Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2

• Event: UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
• Description: In a rematch five years in the making, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defends his title against Arman Tsarukyan. Their first meeting was a closely contested bout, with Makhachev emerging victorious. Since then, Tsarukyan has become a top contender, making this rematch one of the most highly anticipated fights of the year[1].

3. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

• Event: UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
• Description: Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili faces undefeated challenger Umar Nurmagomedov in his first title defense. With Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and Nurmagomedov’s technical prowess, this bout has all the ingredients for a five-round classic. The outcome will shape the future of the bantamweight division[1].

4. Kevin Holland vs. Reinier de Ridder

• Event: UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
• Description: Fan-favorite Kevin Holland returns to middleweight to face former ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder. Both fighters are known for their versatility and finishing ability, making this a potential Fight of the Night contender. A win here could propel either man into title contention[1].

5. Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano

• Event: UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
• Description: Veteran lightweight Beneil Dariush seeks to bounce back from recent setbacks as he takes on the surging Renato Moicano. Moicano, riding a four-fight win streak, is eager to climb the rankings. This clash of experience versus momentum promises a high-level contest with significant stakes[1].

6. Payton Talbott vs. Raoni Barcelos

• Event: UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2
• Date: January 11, 2025
• Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, NV
• Description: In a classic prospect-versus-veteran matchup, rising bantamweight star Payton Talbott faces seasoned fighter Raoni Barcelos. Talbott has impressed with three straight finishes, while Barcelos brings a wealth of experience and skill. This fight will test Talbott’s mettle and determine if he’s ready for the elite level[1].

7. Grant Dawson vs. Diego Ferreira

• Event: UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
• Description: Grant Dawson and Diego Ferreira meet in a lightweight showdown that promises action from start to finish. Dawson, known for his grappling and cardio, faces a dangerous striker in Ferreira. Both fighters are looking to break into the top 10, making this a crucial bout in a stacked division[1].

8. Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill

• Event: UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
• Description: Former light heavyweight champions Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill collide in a high-stakes matchup. Prochazka’s unorthodox striking meets Hill’s precision and power in what promises to be an explosive contest. Both men are eager to return to title contention, adding extra intensity to this clash[1].

9. Edson Barboza vs. Sodiq Yusuff

• Event: UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
• Description: Veteran featherweight Edson Barboza faces rising star Sodiq Yusuff in a battle of contrasting styles. Barboza’s technical striking will be tested by Yusuff’s aggressive and powerful approach. This fight could be a turning point for both fighters, with the winner likely to enter the top 5[1].

10. Chris Daukaus vs. Jailton Almeida

• Event: UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
• Description: Heavyweight contenders Chris Daukaus and Jailton Almeida meet in a bout that could have significant implications for the division. Daukaus’s knockout power faces Almeida’s grappling expertise, making this a fascinating matchup of contrasting skills. The winner will likely find themselves in the title picture[1].

Upcoming UFC Events in 2025

These fights are not only generating significant interest but also promise to deliver unforgettable moments for UFC fans. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore the world of MMA, January 2025 is shaping up to be an exhilarating month for the UFC[1][2][5].

References:

1. ESPN - UFC Schedule - 2025 Season - ESPN
2. Wikipedia - 2025 in UFC
3. Wikipedia - List of UFC events