20 Trending News in Combat Sports for 2025

1. KO of the Year Contender – MMA Star’s Stunning Spinning Elbow

MMA star Erick Visconde delivered an unforgettable spinning elbow knockout against Ary Farias at Legacy Fighting Alliance. This move is a potential KO of the Year candidate, showcasing the raw power and precision in MMA.
Read More on TalkSport

2. Aline Pereira Joins Karate Combat 52 in Miami

Aline Pereira, the sister of UFC champion Alex Pereira, will be competing at Karate Combat 52 in Miami on January 24, facing Gisele Luna in an exciting match.
Read More on MMA Fighting

3. MMA Glory Shines a New Light on China's Ethnic Minorities

Fighter Hailaierke’s victory at China's JCK MMA promotion has brought attention to China's ethnic minorities in MMA. This marks a significant shift toward inclusivity and a united fandom.
Read More on Time

4. Massive Aussie Debut Set for UFC Sydney

Jonathan Micallef, a fighter with just five years of MMA experience, is ready to make his UFC debut in Sydney at UFC 312. Fans are eager to see if he can rise to the occasion and secure a future title shot.
Read More on News.com.au

5. Rampage Jackson Announces Boxing Match with Former UFC Champion

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad Evans are set for a highly anticipated boxing match, continuing their rivalry from the UFC days. This bout is expected to be an exciting spectacle for fans of both sports.
Read More on TalkSport

6. Dana White Denies Jon Jones’ $30M Aspinall Demand

UFC President Dana White denied Jon Jones' demand for a $30 million purse for a potential fight against Tom Aspinall, making waves in the world of fighter negotiations.
Read More on Fight Sports

7. Dominick Cruz to Retire After Next Fight

Legendary bantamweight fighter Dominick Cruz has announced his intention to retire after his next bout, signaling the end of an era in UFC history.
Read More on Fight Sports

8. Usyk’s Plans for 2025, Jake Paul Gets Another Challenger

Oleksandr Usyk’s 2025 plans are creating a buzz, and Jake Paul is preparing to face yet another big challenger, keeping the combat sports community on edge.
Read More on Fight Sports

9. Combat Sambo’s Global Rise

Combat Sambo continues to gain momentum as a hybrid sport with its rich history, rapidly growing in countries like Russia, and influencing MMA fighters.
Read More on Bloody Elbow

10. The Return of Conor McGregor

After a lengthy hiatus due to injury, Conor McGregor is set to make his return to the UFC. Fans are eagerly speculating about who he will face next and what this could mean for his career.
Read More on MMA Junkie

11. The Role of Female Fighters in MMA and Boxing

Female combat sports athletes are breaking barriers and gaining widespread recognition. Figures like Amanda Nunes, Claressa Shields, and Valentina Shevchenko continue to elevate the visibility of women's MMA and boxing.
Read More on Fightsports

12. Cross-Sport Fighters: MMA vs Boxing

The cross-sport rivalry between MMA and boxing continues to heat up, with stars like Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor bringing both worlds together.
Read More on Fightsports

13. Bare Knuckle Fighting's Surge

Bare-knuckle boxing is seeing a resurgence, with new leagues and promotions offering a raw, unfiltered combat experience that fans are flocking to.
Read More on Fightsports

14. Combat Sports and Mental Health

There’s a growing focus on mental health within combat sports, with more fighters opening up about their struggles and organizations working to provide better support for athletes.
Read More on Fightsports

15. The Future of Women’s Combat Sports

Women’s combat sports are experiencing explosive growth, with organizations like the UFC and ONE Championship leading the charge. Fans and critics alike are excited to see what’s next.
Read More on Bloody Elbow

16. Combat Sports in the Olympics: MMA's Future

As MMA continues to grow, discussions are heating up about its inclusion in the Olympic Games. Could we see MMA in future Olympic events?
Read More on Fight Sports

17. Combat Sports Sponsorship and Branding

Big brands like Reebok, Nike, and Monster Energy are diving deep into combat sports sponsorships, reshaping how fighters promote themselves and increasing their earning potential.
Read More on Fightsports

18. The Evolution of MMA Training

MMA fighters are adopting advanced training techniques, such as VR technology and nutritional strategies, to enhance performance and recovery.
Read More on MMA Junkie

19. UFC vs Bellator: A Growing Rivalry

With Bellator making waves and rising in prominence, the rivalry between Bellator and UFC is heating up. Which organization will continue to lead the MMA world?
Read More on Fight Sports

20. Combat Sports for Self-Defense and Fitness

Combat sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Krav Maga are being adopted for self-defense and fitness purposes, bringing martial arts closer to the mainstream.
Read More on Time

Conclusion

The world of combat sports is more dynamic than ever before, with developments across MMA, boxing, and other combat disciplines shaping the future of fighting. Whether it’s big fights, rising stars, or technological advances in training, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for fans and fighters alike.