UFC 2025 Year in Review: New Champions, Spinning-Elbow KOs and a Broadcast Farewell
The 42-event slate showcased breakout finishers plus flashpoint moments that set the promotion’s next chapter.
Overview
- Ilia Topuria became a two-division titleholder by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
- Khamzat Chimaev secured UFC gold at UFC 319 on a main card that also delivered back-to-back spinning‑elbow knockouts.
- Lerone Murphy’s spinning‑elbow finish of Aaron Pico topped year‑end knockout lists, capping a season widely dubbed the year of the spinning elbow.
- UFC Paris registered a promotional record nine knockouts in one event, highlighting 2025’s finish-heavy trend.
- Operational and officiating flashpoints included fighter complaints about fresh paint fumes in Riyadh and an instant‑replay review that led to a fight restart and reversal at the Apex.