Check out the best UFC finishes of 2025: Merry Smashmas

The UFC has wrapped up another highly successful season, cementing its status as the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion. After 11 numbered events and 13 Fight Nights, the fighters under Dana White’s banner delivered moments of genuine brilliance and spectacular finishes that had fans on their feet. Knockouts and submissions remain, without question, among the most memorable highlights left behind by great fights. At AS, we have rounded up the best of 2025.

Topuria’s KO of Oliveira

One of the year’s most unforgettable knockouts was Ilia Topuria’s finish of Charles Oliveira. In the opening round, the Spanish-Georgian caught the Brazilian in a hand exchange with a right hook followed by a left, sending him straight to the canvas. Do Bronx fell flat on his back, bloodied, and El Matador finished the job until the referee stepped in. The stoppage earned Topuria his second belt – the lightweight title – making him a double UFC champion.

Brady’s submission of Edwards

Sean Brady gave Leon Edwards no chance to return to the top of the welterweight division and challenge for the title again. At UFC London, the American secured a takedown, drove the Brit to the mat and applied relentless pressure before submitting him with a guillotine choke in the fourth round.

Ruffy’s KO of Green

The Fighting Nerds were the breakout group of 2025. Although they eventually lost their undefeated aura, the Brazilian team continues to look like a factory of future champions. Mauricio Ruffy delivered a dream knockout against Bobby Green. Just under two minutes into the first round, he launched a high kick that landed flush on the American’s head, putting him out instantly.

Silva’s submission of Mitchell

Staying with the Fighting Nerds, Jean Silva is one of the most charismatic fighters on the roster. His trademark barking and dog-like antics have endeared him to fans. The Brazilian produced one of the submissions of the year against Bryce Mitchell during his rise through the featherweight division. In the second round, he put on a show and finished Mitchell with a Ninja Choke that sent the Miami crowd into a frenzy.

Prochazka KO of Rountree Jr.

Jiri Prochazka hits with frightening power. Khalil Rountree Jr. can attest to that. In October, after having already fought in January, the Czech fighter delivered a sublime knockout of the American. After a punishing barrage, he trapped Rountree against the fence, where he could no longer withstand the pressure. The Samurai struck without mercy as Rountree struggled to stay upright, before a left hook sealed his fate, dropping him cold.

Hernandez’s submission of Dolidze

Anthony Hernández treated Roman Dolidze like a rag doll at UFC Vegas 101. Midway through the fourth round, the American took his opponent’s back and landed a series of knees to the face. He then locked onto the neck and, as he stepped backward while standing, the Georgian was forced to tap out.

Oliveira’s Submission of Gamrot

After the painful knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in his bid for the throne, many believed Charles Oliveira was finished. Do Bronx proved them wrong. Just four months later, Oliveira returned in emphatic fashion at UFC Rio de Janeiro. In the second round, the Brazilian caught Mateusz Gamrot in a rear-naked choke, showing he was very much still alive.

Prates knocks out Neal

The Fighting Nerds hype was real, and Carlos Prates was one of the main drivers. The Brazilian, who stirred controversy by admitting he smokes, was also the first member of the group to lose his undefeated record in the promotion. Still, he regained the crowd’s respect. UFC 319 featured two of the year’s best knockouts, and Prates delivered the first. With a spinning elbow, he sent Geoff Neal to sleep.

Murphy’s KO of Pico

Aaron Pico made his UFC debut with an impressive résumé from Bellator (before it was absorbed by the PFL). The hype collapsed in his fight with Lerone Murphy, also at UFC 319. Although Pico started strong – pressing, dominating and fighting aggressively, with moments where a knockout seemed close – Murphy turned the tables with a spinning elbow that put him out in the first round, a carbon copy of the previous finish.

Merab’s Submission of O’Malley

Merab Dvalishvili reaffirmed his status as the king of the bantamweight division in his rematch with Sean O’Malley. The Georgian secured a third-round submission with an Anaconda Choke at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey. The finish marked Dvalishvili’s second title defense, before he went on to lose the belt to Petr Yan in December.

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