2024 has already provided us with some mega fights already and we can predict that there will be at least a few more in the second half of the year.
We look into the crystal ball of MMA and take an early look at some potential mega fights in 2025.
Potential Mega Fights in 2025
Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz 3
Although at the moment one of these men isn’t in the UFC, this one still is lusted after by many fans. Let’s not forget, Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz currently sit at 1-1 and both men have appeared interested in the fight.
When Diaz stepped in at late notice and submitted McGregor in 2016, it shook up the world of MMA. McGregor was undefeated in the UFC at the time and Diaz was very much a journeyman with a cult-like fanbase. Choking McGregor out instantly made him a megastar and the rematch between the two only helped throw fuel on that fire. It was a video editing dream come true.
The rematch saw McGregor narrowly edge out a majority decision, equalling the rivalry one a piece. Since then, each man has gone their separate ways, however, the trilogy between the two has been one that fans have lusted after since 2016.
Book it!
Sean O’Malley vs Ilia Topuria
Who wouldn’t watch this one? The UFC bantamweight champion stepping up in weight to clash with the featherweight king. This one could only happen if O’Malley can get through Merab Dvalishvili, however, even if he doesn’t move up in weight could be beneficial for Suga.
The American is a devastating striker and is ‘mentally undefeated’. The Spaniard is actually undefeated, has slick boxing skills and heavy hands. He captured the featherweight strap with a brutal knockout of long-time champion, Alexander Volkanovski and again showcased his power.
Even if O’Malley were to lose against Dvalishvili, there’s a chance that he would move up in weight anyway. Although he hasn’t cleared out the division, he’s always appeared interested in a potential move up in weight to capture another belt. Topuria would certainly welcome the smaller man to 145lbs as it’s an opportunity to steal the spotlight that O’Malley carries. The featherweight king also didn’t shut the idea of the fight down after O’Malley called him out at UFC 299.
Suga, congrats.. Was a beautiful performance! There is a fight chasing you with Merab.. Get that done first .
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 10, 2024
Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes
This one has been rumoured for many years. As recently as 2021, Harrison vs Nunes was almost booked. If then-champion, Nunes had beaten Juliana Pena in their first bout, the Kayla Harrison mega fight was seemingly next.
WATCH: Kayla Harrison repeatedly yelling "F**K" at the top of her lungs after Pena upsets Nunes. You have to think that big money fight was coming next #UFC269pic.twitter.com/YLwHe0N3H8
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) December 12, 2021
The biggest stepping stone at the time was that Harrison was signed for the PFL, however, following the gigantic UFC 300 card, she’s now a UFC fighter with a winning record. She dominated former champion Holly Holm to a second-round submission.
Now, however, there is another hurdle. Nunes retired after lapping the bantamweight division back in 2023. With that being said, she’s still only 36 and if her last performance is anything to go by, she hasn’t missed a step. A mega-fight with Harrison would certainly be big enough to coax her out of retirement and back into the octagon for one more fight. The winner of the bout would simply be crowned the most dominant female athlete on the planet.
- Make it happen.
