UFC 2025: Memorable Moments and Rising Stars
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ICYMI: Top Finishes from 2025
2025 delivered a year of thrilling finishes and emerging talent in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).Here’s a look back at two standout performances that captivated fans.
Jessica “The jedi” Andrade’s Dominant Performance (UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez – September 21)
Jessica Andrade delivered a statement victory over Brazil’s Mariya Agapova at UFC Fight Night on september 21, 2025. Andrade stunned Agapova with a pair of right hands, creating an opening for a powerful takedown. From there, she secured a dominant back position, applied her hooks, and flattened out Agapova before finishing the fight with a choke as highlighted in the UFC’s 2025 BJJ Year in Review.
Despite a later loss that ended her winning streak, this win solidified Andrade’s position as a Top 10 contender in the 125-pound flyweight division, placing her within reach of a potential title shot.
Elijah Smith Recreates ”Rampage” Jackson’s Iconic Slam (UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs Hernandez – August 9)
Elijah Smith’s knockout of Toshiomi Kazama at UFC Fight Night on August 9, 2025, evoked memories of Quinton ”Rampage” Jackson’s legendary slam of Ricardo Arona at Pride Critical Countdown 2004.
Smith initiated the fight with a flying knee, and after a scramble on the ground where Kazama attempted a triangle choke, Smith dramatically hoisted Kazama into the air and drove him into the canvas, resulting in a knockout. The sequence mirrored Jackson’s finish of Arona, instantly becoming a viral moment among long-time MMA fans.
