As the 2025 MMA season reaches its midpoint, fans have witnessed numerous standout moments that are sure to be remembered long after the year concludes. While promotions like PFL have delivered enjoyable events, these mid-year accolades heavily feature competitors from the UFC.
Here, MMA Fighting contributors Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, Damon Martin, and Alexander K. Lee share their choices for the top fighter, knockout, submission, and fight of the year to date.
Best Fighter
According to Mike Heck, **Merab Dvalishvili** stands out. The current bantamweight champion began the year by challenging undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov, seen by some as a formidable threat. Dvalishvili not only defeated him over five rounds as an underdog, earning a Fight of the Night bonus, but he also quickly returned less than five months later to headline UFC 316 against Sean O’Malley. Facing a fully prepared O’Malley, Dvalishvili dominated the fight, securing a third-round submission via a powerful choke. His 2-0 record with two successful title defenses in a highly competitive division makes him the clear choice.
Honorable mentions: Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Magomed Ankalaev, Jack Della Maddalena, Kayla Harrison, Terrance McKinney, Jesus Pinedo, Gadzhi Rabadanov, Jean Silva, Ilia Topuria, Joshua Van
Best Knockout
Jed Meshew reflects on moments that have profoundly impacted MMA history, mentioning pivotal events like Royce Gracie`s win, Griffin vs. Bonnar, and McGregor vs. Alvarez. He feels **Ilia Topuria’s knockout of Charles Oliveira** has a similar historical weight. Topuria`s victory made him the tenth fighter in UFC history to claim titles in two divisions and the first to do so without a loss, all at just 28 years old. Beyond its visual appeal, this knockout appears to mark a significant turning point, potentially positioning Topuria as a future face of the sport.
Honorable mentions: Gregory Rodrigues KOs Jack Hermansson, Juan Archuleta flying knees Dennis Linton, Yoo Joo-Sang KOs Jeka Saragih, Randy Brown KOs Nicolas Dalby, Jaron Lathrop ninja kicks Yevgeni Shinkarevsky, Mauricio Ruffy spinning heel kicks Bobby Green
Best Submission
Damon Martin emphasizes the significance of the moment in finishes. While a kimura might not be the most spectacular submission, **Kayla Harrison fulfilling her quest to become UFC champion by defeating Julianna Peña** was a powerful statement. Harrison, already a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and highly decorated athlete, achieved her long-held ambition at UFC 316. She controlled Peña on the ground for much of the fight. As time wound down in the second round, Harrison secured Peña`s arm and applied a forceful kimura, twisting it behind her back. Despite being pressed against the cage, the torque was so intense that Peña was forced to tap, even requiring a medical evaluation afterward for a possible shoulder injury. Though not the most flashy submission, Harrison`s dominant performance to capture UFC gold places her at the forefront for this mid-year award.
Honorable mentions: Jean Silva’s ninja choke over Bryce Mitchell, Mackenzie Dern with a last-second armbar to finish Amanda Ribas, and Sean Brady’s mounted guillotine choke to become the first person to ever finish Leon Edwards.
Best Fight
Alexander K. Lee highlights the unexpected barnburner between **Joshua Van and veteran Brandon Royval** at UFC 317. Van, a late replacement, proved a perfect match for Royval`s relentless style with his own youthful energy. They engaged in a thrilling 15-minute battle, knowing a potential title shot against champion Alexandre Pantoja was at stake. Royval pushed the 23-year-old Van to his limits, but Van matched his intensity, displaying superior accuracy, particularly with a late knockdown that secured his victory on the scorecards. Remarkably composed after the fight, Van immediately advocated for a title shot to Joe Rogan. He later returned to the octagon to face Pantoja, who had successfully defended his belt against Kai Kara-France. This confrontation capped off a truly breakthrough night for Van.
Honorable mentions: Nazim Sadykhov vs. Nikolas Motta (UFC Baku), Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes (PFL Dubai), Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill (UFC 311), Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (UFC 311)
