UFC Kicks Off 2025 with a Bang
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) made a strong comeback in 2025 after a month-long break. The event, held at the Apex in Las Vegas, exceeded expectations with high-level fights and impressive finishes.
Standout Performances
Mackenzie Dern secured the main event and bonus of the night with a remarkable submission victory over Amanda Ribas. Meanwhile, Santiago Ponzinibbio made a successful comeback after two years, defeating Carlston Harris in a thrilling match.
However, Cesar Almeida stole the spotlight with his devastating left hook, knocking out Abdul Razak Alhassan in the first round. This impressive win marked Almeida’s third victory in the UFC, solidifying his reputation as a formidable kickboxer.
Notable Fights and Controversy
Almeida’s past experience in kickboxing was evident in his fight, having previously faced Alex Pereira, the current champion and light heavyweight star, on three occasions. His knowledge of kickboxing techniques proved to be a significant advantage in the octagon.
Another notable fight was Kopylov’s victory over Chris Curtis, which ended with a TKO in the final second of the match. Although the referee’s stoppage was met with controversy, Kopylov’s dominance throughout the fight was clear, with the scorecards reading 19-19 at the time of the stoppage.
Upcoming Events
The UFC is set to return this week with a highly anticipated numbered event, UFC 311, featuring two title fights: Makhachev vs Tsarukyan and Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov. Fans can expect an exciting lineup of matches, building on the momentum from the recent event in Las Vegas.