Ilia Topuria tops ESPN’s ’30 under 30′ list as PFL star controversially lands number 2 spot

ESPN has released their annual list, compiling a list of the best prospects in the sport of MMA under 30 years of age.

For almost a decade, ESPN has compiled a list annually of the best young fighters in the sport of MMA, giving credit to those that are rapidly rising up the ranks at such young ages.

And with the year coming to an end, in what has been another successful year for young athletes in the UFC and PFL, they have released their 2025 list.

Usually, the list comprises 25 of the best athletes under the age of 25, however this year, the list has comprised the 30 best fighters under the age of 30.

Fans react to ESPN’s controversial list as Ilia Topuria takes top spot

Topping the list, deservedly so, is current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who at 28-years-old has already completed the feat of becoming a double champion in the premier promotion.

Not only that, but ‘El Matador’ currently sits at number two in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, behind only Islam Makhachev.

Coming in at second place is PFL women’s flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva, who is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the sport, despite the fact that she fights in the PFL.

‘Dangerous’ Dakota coming so high up the list is somewhat controversial considering the fact that she is above the likes of longtime UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan (10th), and even ahead of the newly crowned UFC flyweight champion, Joshua Van (3rd).

“Arman Tsarukyan at #10 is crazy,” one fan reacted.

“Erin Blanchfield over Nassourdine Imavov huh? Natalia Silva over Arman? So ESPN has lost their minds apparently,” a second fan said.

“People complaining about Natalia Silva’s placement just don’t know ball,” one fan defended.

Natalia Silva cracked the top 10 of the list, above the likes of Mauricio Ruffy (14th), Tatsuro Taira (22nd), and Jean Silva (15th).

Who should win fighter of the year?

With 2025 coming to an end, it is almost time for the Fighter of the Year to be crowned, and following UFC 323 this past Saturday, there has likely been a huge shake-up.

Despite having only fought once this year, Topuria is seemingly many fans’ top pick for the award, with Makhachev also receiving a lot of votes online, despite also having only fought twice this year.