Which MMA Fighter Had A Poor 2025?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Dec 28, 2025 1:29 AM ET

In 2025 is almost over, as we look at which MMA fighter had a poor year.

While several prospects lost their undefeated records, two names stand out for the sheer magnitude of their decline. For Israel Adesanya, 2025 was a poor year. His year hit a roadblock in Saudi Arabia on February 1st. Facing Nassourdine Imavov, Adesanya was stopped.

After an even first round, Imavov landed a massive right hand that stumbled the former champion, followed by an uppercut that forced a second-round TKO. This marked back-to-back losses for Adesanya (following his defeat to Dricus du Plessis in late 2024), leaving him with a 0-1 record for 2025.

Nurmagomedov

Coming into 2025, Umar Nurmagomedov was viewed as the next Bantamweight champ—a champion who would continue the Khabib legacy. However, UFC 311 in January served as a harsh reality check. Umar faced the relentless Merab Dvalishvili and was shut down. Merab’s chaotic pace and wrestling pressure neutralized Umar’s technical striking and grappling, handing him a humbling 50-45 (or 49-46) unanimous decision loss. For a fighter whose entire brand was built on “invincibility” and the Nurmagomedov name, losing your “0” in such a one-sided fashion was a massive tactical and promotional setback. Umar hinted that he wants to face the current bantamweight champ Petr Yan.

“Great, spectacular fight. Congratulations to Petr. I think on January 24 it will become clear who is next,” Nurmagomedov said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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