15 reasons to express gratitude in MMA on Thanksgiving 2025

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, its the perfect moment to celebrate the moments that made MMA unforgettable this year.

Although we didnt witness a Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall showdown to unify the heavyweight title, there were plenty of memorable events to be grateful for. Aspinall did face Ciryl Gane in Abu Dhabi, paving the way for exciting matchups in 2026.

The Octagon expanded to new locations like Azerbaijan and Qatar while revisiting familiar grounds such as Des Moines, where local fighter Jeremy Stephens made a notable appearance. Champions both old and new left their mark: Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed his title, while Magomed Ankalaev and Jack Della Maddalena emerged as new champions. Even the setbacks, such as their subsequent losses, added drama and excitement to the year.

We are especially thankful for the return of fighters like Larissa Pacheco, who was found safe after a yearlong absence. Her potential return in 2026 is something fans eagerly anticipate.

Notable Characters and Moments

Dillon Danis continued to be a figure of intrigue, leading the UFC in controversy without ever stepping into the Octagon. His presence at events like UFC 322 drew intense reactions and made headlines, proving that sometimes influence goes beyond wins and losses.

The anticipation around the "White House event" influenced some of the sports biggest stars. Conor McGregor, for example, embarked on personal and professional journeys inspired by this upcoming card, while Jon Jones reconsidered retirement, dreaming of potential matchups that could redefine the sport.

Daring Moves and Fighter Transitions

Ilia Topuria moved from featherweight to lightweight, and Islam Makhachev shifted to welterweight, showing that ambition and courage are always rewarded. Zhang Weili faced setbacks but remains a figure to watch, exemplifying determination and resilience.

Fighting Nerds and Unique Personalities

The quirky, passionate fighters who embrace their individuality, like Caio Borralho and others, reminded us that MMA thrives on characters who bring flair and authenticity to the sport. Their stories add depth to the Octagon beyond the wins and losses.

Standout Fights and Surprising Victories

Nicolas Dalby, Raoni Barcelos, and Ethyn Ewing all delivered remarkable performances, defying expectations and proving that underdogs can shine. These moments of grit and determination highlight why fans remain captivated by MMA.

Retirements and Career Milestones

Several iconic fighters, including Dustin Poirier, Dominick Cruz, Vinc Pichel, Jon Jones, and Jalin Turner, either retired or briefly stepped away, marking the end of eras and leaving fans nostalgic but grateful for their contributions.

Gratitude for the Coverage and Community

Figures like Matt Brown and Teddy Atlas enriched the MMA experience with insightful commentary, bringing the sport closer to fans and ensuring the stories behind the fights are told with passion and accuracy.

As we reflect on 2025, its clear that MMA continues to deliver drama, skill, and memorable personalities. From thrilling matchups to unexpected comebacks and the colorful characters who populate the sport, theres plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Author's Commentary: The Unforgettable Moments of MMA in 2025

As the year winds down, we look back on a thrilling 2025 in MMA, filled with unforgettable moments that defined the sport and captivated fans around the globe. While we didn’t see the eagerly awaited Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall fight for the heavyweight title, the year brought us plenty of exciting events and jaw-dropping performances that left a lasting impression on the sport.

New locations, like Azerbaijan and Qatar, hosted some of the most electrifying bouts, while iconic venues in cities such as Des Moines saw local legends like Jeremy Stephens take center stage. Alongside the physical battles, the personal journeys of fighters also made waves. Fighters like Dillon Danis generated controversy without ever stepping into the Octagon, proving that influence and narrative often extend far beyond just winning fights.

While champions like Alexander Volkanovski and newcomers such as Magomed Ankalaev and Jack Della Maddalena etched their names in history, the sport also saw its fair share of challenges. Fighters like Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev courageously transitioned to new weight classes, defying conventional boundaries and showing that ambition is always rewarded. And even setbacks, like those experienced by Zhang Weili, highlighted the resilience and grit that MMA fighters are known for.

Perhaps one of the most anticipated stories is the return of Larissa Pacheco, whose absence was felt deeply throughout the year. Fans eagerly await her potential comeback in 2026, hoping she’ll once again light up the Octagon with her unique talent and style.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be yet another year of action, drama, and inspiration in the world of MMA. But for now, as we gather around our Thanksgiving tables, we can be grateful for the unpredictable, thrilling, and ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts. There’s much to look forward to, and the sport’s vibrant personalities continue to keep us engaged.

Sources:

• 15 things to be thankful for in MMA on Thanksgiving 2025