The UFC’s final pay-per-view event of 2024 took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, showcasing some critical matchups that could have a significant impact on the future of the sport as we move into 2025. Notable fighters to watch are Alexandre Pantoja, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Ciryl Gane, as their recent performances set the stage for potential title shots and exciting bouts.
In the flyweight division, champion Alexandre Pantoja made a strong statement by swiftly defeating Kai Asakura, who entered the UFC for the first time. Pantoja’s call-out of Demetrious Johnson after his victory suggests he is eager for a high-profile showdown. Meanwhile, Pantoja’s next possible challenger could be Kai Kara-France, the No. 4 ranked contender, who possesses a compelling story thread with Pantoja, stemming from their earlier encounter on “The Ultimate Fighter.”
As for Asakura, a matchup against Steve Erceg could serve as a pivotal moment for both fighters, providing Asakura the chance to hone his skills against a tough opponent while allowing Erceg to bounce back from a previous loss.
Moving to the welterweight division, Shavkat Rakhmonov continues to shine, extending his undefeated record to 19-0 by successfully defending his title shot against Ian Machado Garry. A fight between Rakhmonov and current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad would be an exciting prospect and one the UFC is likely to pursue, especially after the two faced off following UFC 310.
Garry, following his spirited performance despite the loss to Rakhmonov, could also see a rise in the rankings, with potential matchups against Colby Covington or Joaquin Buckley on the horizon to help him work toward another title shot.
In the heavyweight ranks, champion Tom Aspinall’s future remains uncertain, especially regarding the status of Jon Jones. Should Jones depart or delay unifying the title, a matchup between Aspinall and Ciryl Gane emerges as a top contender bout, particularly since Gane expressed interest in fighting twice next year. Gane’s impressive performance recently and the controversy surrounding Alexander Volkov’s fight may set up fresh opportunities, including potential clashes with Jailton Almeida or Serghei Spivac.
Overall, as the year closes, the UFC landscape is ripe with promising matchups and stories, leaving fans eager and hopeful for what’s to come in 2025. The competitive spirit of the fighters and the excitement surrounding potential fights underscores the vibrant and dynamic nature of mixed martial arts.