As 2025 unfolds, the UFC is bursting with momentum—rife with comebacks, title shifts, and dream matchups hanging in the balance. From the lingering buzz around chandler vs mcgregor to the heavyweight cloud that surrounds Jon Jones next fight, this year is shaping up to redefine multiple divisions.
Conor McGregor: The Lingering Shadow of a Return
After nearly four years of headline absence, Conor McGregor 2024 was expected to be a resurgent banner year. A toe injury postponed his highly anticipated bout against Michael Chandler, but McGregor has re-entered the USADA testing pool, sparking speculation of a late 2025 return.
While Dana White shut down exit rumors as “complete nonsense,” insiders remain cautious. UFC veteran Daniel Cormier recently commented:
“McGregor’s focus might be more on staying culturally relevant than taking on real challenges.”
Still, fans continue asking: when is mcgregor vs chandler happening? As of August 2025, no date is set, but UFC 312 or the highly rumored White House event in 2026 could be likely stages.
Michael Chandler’s Patient Push
Michael Chandler has kept his name alive, pushing relentlessly for the Conor vs Chandler fight. His latest interviews frame it not as a callout, but as “unfinished business.” Despite the delays, Chandler remains on standby—still officially unbooked since his last appearance in 2023.
This slow-burn buildup only fuels fan anticipation.
Jon Jones: Retired… But Not Done?
In June 2025, Jon Jones announced retirement after defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, vacating his title and passing the crown to Tom Aspinall. Yet, the story didn’t end there.
Jones re-entered the testing pool in July, and Dana White acknowledged there are talks for a blockbuster Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall unification in mid-2026.
“Odds are slim,” White said. “But the contract is ready—just needs a signature.”
For fans wondering when does Jon Jones fight next — the tentative target is Summer 2025 or a spectacle event at the White House, pending physical readiness and negotiation outcomes.
Rising Questions in the Rankings
While the spotlight shines on McGregor and Jones, other top contenders remain in limbo. Here’s a rundown of what’s brewing across divisions:
- Bo Nickal next fight: Undefeated and dominant, Nickal is expected to return by UFC 314. A rumored middleweight bout with Roman Dolidze is on the table.
- Shavkat Rakhmonov: The undefeated Kazakh’s next appearance is rumored for UFC 315, potentially against Gilbert Burns. Shavkat next fight is a hot query, and UFC may be targeting a co-main event placement.
- Umar Nurmagomedov: Still recovering from injury, Umar is likely to return in Q4 2025. A matchup with Sean O’Malley remains a longshot—but watch for a ranked opponent announcement soon.
- Adesanya next fight: Following a break after his loss to Dricus du Plessis, Israel Adesanya is likely to face the winner of Khamzat Chimaev vs Robert Whittaker at UFC 316.
- Alex Pereira next fight: Pereira continues to tease a move to heavyweight, potentially setting up a mega fight with Jon Jones if circumstances align.
Islam Makhachev and the Lightweight Chessboard
Islam Makhachev next fight is still TBD after his razor-thin win over Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. Many expect a late 2025 bout against Dustin Poirier, with potential implications for the BMF title as well.
Poirier remains eager, hinting at retirement unless one more title opportunity materializes. A Dustin Poirier vs Islam Makhachev fight would likely headline UFC 317.
2025 UFC: Fighters and Status
Here’s a table summarizing where the major names stand as of Q3 2025:
| Fighter | Status (as of August 2025) | Next Fight or Rumor |
| Conor McGregor | Testing pool re-entry | Rumored vs Chandler, no date yet |
| Michael Chandler | Waiting for McGregor fight | No official booking |
| Jon Jones | Retired, but contract talks ongoing | Possible return vs Aspinall, 2025/2026 |
| Tom Aspinall | Undisputed heavyweight champion | Awaiting Jon Jones or interim matchup |
| Islam Makhachev | Lightweight champion | Rumored vs Dustin Poirier |
| Bo Nickal | Undefeated middleweight contender | Rumored vs Dolidze, late 2025 |
| Shavkat Rakhmonov | Top welterweight contender | Expected return at UFC 315 |
| Umar Nurmagomedov | Recovering from injury | Q4 2025 return expected |
| Israel Adesanya | On hiatus | Waiting for Chimaev vs Whittaker |
| Alex Pereira | Light heavyweight champ, eyes HW | Potential superfight vs Jones |
| Khamzat Chimaev | Set for UFC 316 | Fighting Whittaker for title shot |
| Dustin Poirier | Eyeing final title run | Possible vs Makhachev end of year |
UFC 311 & UFC 319 Recap: Where Momentum Shifted
2025 has already delivered two major cards—UFC 311 and UFC 319—each reshaping division trajectories.
At UFC 311, the headline bout between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan was a technical war, pushing Makhachev to his limit. While he walked away with the win, questions about his adaptability in five-rounders have resurfaced. It was also the night Umar Nurmagomedov was set to fight Merab Dvalishvili, but a late injury pulled him from the card—delaying a pivotal bantamweight clash.
UFC 319, however, belonged to Khamzat Chimaev. With ferocious control and an improved striking arsenal, he dethroned Dricus du Plessis and claimed the middleweight crown. With that victory, khamzat chimaev next fight is set against former champion Robert Whittaker—likely at UFC 316. It’s a fight that could determine the future of the middleweight landscape.
Meanwhile, bo nickal next fight could also shape the middleweight bracket. Nickal’s rapid climb means a collision course with either Chimaev or du Plessis is inevitable in 2026.
What’s Holding Up the Superfights?
Fans are still asking: conor vs chandler, when? jon jones next fight, where?
The hold-ups, as often in UFC, come down to three things:
- Injury recovery & timelines – McGregor’s and Jones’ bodies are still under evaluation. Dana White has stressed that neither will return until cleared by UFC medical teams and USADA testing cycles are completed.
- Negotiation hurdles – With Jones, especially, money is the issue. A superfight with Alex Pereira next fight talks were floated, but would require Pereira to move up, and the financials are enormous.
- Scheduling around global events – With a rumored card at the White House grounds in 2026, Dana White may be holding back blockbuster fights to make that card truly historic.
BMF Title and the New Generation
The BMF title could also resurface in late 2025. If dustin poirier vs islam becomes official, Dana White has hinted that the belt could be added as an extra layer of hype—especially if it ends up being Poirier’s final fight.
Elsewhere, rising stars are making noise:
- Tom Aspinall next fight could happen at UFC 318 if the Jones deal doesn’t pan out.
- Shavkat next fight may headline a Fight Night event, giving him more spotlight as he approaches the top of the welterweight queue.
There’s also buzz around adesanya next fight being part of UFC’s return to Oceania, possibly late Q4 2025.