UFC’s Biggest Rising Stars to Watch This Year

By Ali Hammad June 20, 2025 07:02

The UFC landscape is evolving rapidly in 2025, with a fresh wave of rising stars capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. These fighters are not only showcasing impressive skills inside the Octagon but are also positioning themselves as future title contenders. From established prospects making their mark to newcomers bursting onto the scene, here are some of the biggest UFC rising stars to watch this year.

Magomed Ankalaev: Light Heavyweight Contender on the Brink

Magomed Ankalaev stands out as one of the most polished and dangerous light heavyweights in the UFC. With a record of 20-1-1, Ankalaev has demonstrated a blend of technical striking and grappling that has earned him a title shot scheduled for March 8, 2025. His recent victories over top-tier opponents have solidified his status as a legitimate championship threat. MMA analyst Jason Bolton notes, “Ankalaev’s combination of precision striking and wrestling makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division.” His poised approach and consistent performances make him a fighter to watch closely this year.

Erin Blanchfield: Rising Star in Women’s Bantamweight

At just 23 years old, Erin Blanchfield is rapidly ascending the women’s bantamweight ranks. Known for her elite jiu-jitsu and well-rounded striking, Blanchfield is currently on a four-fight winning streak in the UFC, including a dominant first-round submission over Molly McCann. ESPN’s MMA coverage highlights her as a “fighter with an incredibly high ceiling,” emphasizing her potential to contend for the title soon. Blanchfield’s technical prowess and composure under pressure make her one of the most exciting prospects in women’s MMA.

Bo Nickal: Wrestling Phenom Transitioning to MMA

Bo Nickal, a three-time NCAA wrestling champion, has been turning heads since his UFC debut. With a perfect 7-0 professional record, Nickal’s elite grappling is his calling card, but he is actively developing his striking and overall MMA game. At 25, Nickal is still early in his UFC career but has the tools to break into the Top 15 middleweight contenders this year. His rapid improvement and athleticism have made him a favorite among fans and analysts looking for the next breakout star.

Ikram Aliskerov: Middleweight Grappling Specialist

Ikram Aliskerov’s journey has been marked by resilience. Despite a setback in 2024 with a first-round loss to Robert Whittaker, the 32-year-old boasts a 15-2 record and is known for his elite grappling skills. Aliskerov is poised for a comeback in 2025, aiming to climb back into the Top 10 middleweight rankings. His technical ground game and experience make him a dangerous opponent capable of derailing the division’s hierarchy.

Kennedy Nzechukwu: Heavyweight Dark Horse

After moving up to heavyweight in 2024, Kennedy Nzechukwu has earned two stoppage wins, showcasing his power and athleticism. The Nigerian fighter is emerging as a dark horse in the heavyweight division, a weight class known for its unpredictability. With his size and finishing ability, Nzechukwu could surprise many and make a significant impact in 2025.

Fatima Kline: Promising Women’s Strawweight Prospect

Fatima Kline, despite a tough UFC debut, is a grappling standout training alongside Erin Blanchfield. At just 22, Kline’s rapid development and technical skills position her as a strawweight prospect to watch. A strong showing in her upcoming fights could quickly elevate her status in the division.

What to Expect in 2025

The UFC’s focus on cultivating new talent is evident in its promotional efforts and matchmaking. Fighters like Ankalaev and Blanchfield are on the cusp of title contention, while prospects such as Bo Nickal and Ikram Aliskerov are steadily climbing the ranks. The upcoming fights will be critical for these athletes to solidify their positions and potentially challenge for championships.

As MMA journalist Damon Martin observed, “The next wave of UFC stars is here, blending technical skill with the mental toughness required to thrive at the highest level. Fans should prepare for an exciting year ahead.”