Mixed martial arts thrives on momentum, and the fall of 2025 is packed with blockbuster fights that will shape the sport’s landscape. Between the UFC’s global expansion and the Professional Fighters League’s tournament structure, fans are being treated to world-class action across several continents. Below is a rundown of the most exciting events scheduled for the coming weeks.
PFL Champions Series: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 2
- Date: October 3, 2025
- Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, UAE
The Professional Fighters League wastes no time in October, staging a Champions Series event in Dubai. The headline bout is a rematch between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes, a fight that’s been circled by MMA fans since their first meeting. The PFL’s league format makes every win meaningful, and with a championship playoff picture on the line, expect urgency and fireworks from both fighters.
UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
The very next night, the UFC returns to Las Vegas with a stacked pay-per-view. Magomed Ankalaev defends his light heavyweight title in a rematch against former champ Alex Pereira, whose knockout power makes him a constant threat. The co-main event features Merab Dvalishvili versus Cory Sandhagen for the bantamweight strap, making UFC 320 one of the year’s most anticipated fight nights.
UFC Fight Night: Oliveira vs. Gamrot
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazilian hero Charles Oliveira returns to action in Rio against rising contender Mateusz Gamrot. Oliveira’s submission arsenal and Gamrot’s crisp wrestling make for a compelling stylistic battle. Fight Nights in Brazil are always electric, and this event could play a major role in the lightweight division’s pecking order.
UFC Fight Night: De Ridder vs. Allen
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Location: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, Canada
Canadian fans get their turn when Reinier de Ridder meets Brendan Allen in a middleweight main event. De Ridder, transitioning from ONE Championship, is eager to prove he belongs among the UFC’s elite, while Allen is fighting for recognition as a true title contender. This card also features several Canadian prospects, adding local flavor to an already intriguing lineup.
UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi has become a second home for the UFC, and October closes with a heavyweight showdown that promises fireworks. Interim champ Tom Aspinall faces Ciryl Gane in a fight that highlights the new generation of heavyweights—fast, technical, and powerful. The winner is expected to set up a unification bout in 2026, so the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A Month That Could Redefine Divisions
What makes this stretch unique is how global the schedule is. Within one month, fans will see title fights in Dubai, Las Vegas, Rio, Vancouver, and Abu Dhabi. Each card carries implications for multiple divisions, from heavyweight to lightweight to bantamweight. PFL continues to challenge the traditional MMA model with its season-based format, while the UFC cements its status as the sport’s global leader with back-to-back-to-back major events.
For MMA fans, October isn’t just another month on the calendar—it’s a showcase of the sport’s diversity, reach, and talent. To follow all the action, check out UFC.com, PFLMMA.com, and schedule trackers like Tapology.