UFC 2025 rewind: One memorable (or forgotten) moment from every event | ‘The Diamond’ walks away, Pt. 3

Key Takeaways:

• The UFC held 42 events in 2025, creating a packed combat sports calendar.
• Other promotions, including PFL, Dirty Boxing, and BKFC, saw significant activity.
• Fans may have missed some of the year’s biggest stories due to the volume of fights.
• Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier commanded headlines about his potential departure.
• Khamzat Chimaev and other prominent fighters also shaped the UFC narrative.

A Packed Year in Combat Sports

In 2025, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) staged an impressive 42 events, setting the tone for one of the busiest years in recent memory. Beyond the UFC, other promotions, such as the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Dirty Boxing, and Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), further expanded the combat sports landscape. For many fans, the sheer number of events made it challenging to keep track of the most remarkable victories, upsets, and storylines.

The Highlights and the Forgotten Moments

Amid this high-octane schedule, there were plenty of memorable moments—blistering knockouts, surprising comebacks, and post-fight drama. Yet with so many shows taking place, certain bouts, finishes, and personal narratives risked slipping under the radar. Every promotion seemed to bring something new to the table, keeping fans entertained at nearly every turn.

“The Diamond” and the UFC Spotlight

The year’s conversation also centered on Dustin Poirier, affectionately known to fans as “The Diamond.” His fights drew attention wherever they took place, and speculation about his future made 2025 all the more intriguing. While few details were confirmed about any definitive retirement, the prospect of Poirier walking away after such a notable career fueled discussions of how his departure might leave a lasting impact on the sport.

Looking Ahead in the Fight World

The frenzy of 2025 offered an overwhelming array of events, but it also set the stage for questions about what comes next. With big names like Poirier on the cusp of potential change, and rising stars such as Khamzat Chimaev continuing to gain traction, fans remained eager to see how 2025’s spectacle would shape future lineups. Whether through more frequent events or innovative promotions, the global fight scene is poised to evolve—leaving 2025 as a noteworthy chapter in combat sports history.