Two Humongous Matchups That Could Shake the MMA World in 2025: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall & Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev

The MMA landscape in 2025 could be in for a seismic shift with two potential super fights that have the entire combat sports world buzzing. If the stars align, we could witness Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall and Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev—two matchups that could redefine legacies, shatter records, and electrify fans.

These fights are far from official, but the rumors, tension, and drama surrounding them are already making waves. Will Jon Jones finally meet his match in a younger, faster Tom Aspinall? Can the unstoppable force of Ilia Topuria dethrone the dominant Islam Makhachev?

Let’s break down why these potential blockbusters are more than just fantasy—they’re fights that NEED to happen.

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall – The Heavyweight War Fans Are Dying to See

The GOAT vs. The New King?

For years, Jon Jones has been hailed as the greatest MMA fighter of all time. His undefeated record (excluding a controversial DQ), his ability to dismantle legends, and his move to heavyweight made him an untouchable force. However, injuries have sidelined him, leaving Tom Aspinall to rise as the UFC’s most dangerous heavyweight contender.

Aspinall, with his explosive striking, lightning-fast movement, and underrated grappling, obliterated Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim heavyweight title. Many now believe he’s the true champion—and he’s calling out Jones to prove it.

Will Jon Jones Dodge the Fight?

There’s an undeniable elephant in the room—does Jon Jones really want this fight? At 36, coming off a long injury layoff, and facing an opponent who’s younger, faster, and hungrier, some speculate that Jones might look for an easier payday against an aging Stipe Miocic instead.

But the fans won’t let it slide. The MMA community is already questioning Jones’ legacy—is he the king of mind games, or is he avoiding the inevitable? If Jones truly wants to cement himself as the greatest heavyweight ever, there’s only one way to do it—fight Tom Aspinall.

Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev – A Clash of Champions Waiting to Happen

The Biggest Threat to Islam’s Reign?

There’s a new boogeyman in the UFC, and his name is Ilia Topuria. After dismantling Alexander Volkanovski with brutal efficiency, the Georgian-Spanish fighter is undefeated, unstoppable, and unshaken by the pressure.

Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev sits at the top of the lightweight throne, boasting elite grappling, suffocating control, and dominant victories. Many consider him the most complete fighter since Khabib Nurmagomedov, but Topuria presents a unique danger—his knockout power, defensive grappling, and fearlessness make him a nightmare matchup for Islam.

Will Islam Accept the Challenge?

The fight world has seen this story before—a dominant wrestler meets an elite striker with one-shot KO power. Islam’s game plan is clear: drag Topuria to the ground and grind him out. But Topuria’s explosive takedown defense and precision striking could make this an unwinnable fight for Makhachev.

Is Islam avoiding this fight? His team has been surprisingly quiet about a matchup with Topuria, focusing instead on calling out Leon Edwards for a welterweight title shot. Some fans believe this is a calculated move to escape what could be his toughest test yet.

Why These Fights Must Happen in 2025

• Legacy on the Line – If Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev want to prove they are the best, they can’t cherry-pick fights. They need to face the most dangerous contenders.
• The Hype is Real – These matchups aren’t just great on paper; they are must-watch, high-stakes, action-packed wars that could deliver unforgettable moments.
• Fan Demand is at an All-Time High – The UFC can’t ignore the outcry. Social media is already flooded with fans calling for these fights. Dana White, it’s time to make them happen!

If the UFC is serious about delivering massive pay-per-view spectacles, these two fights are non-negotiable. Will Jon Jones step up? Will Islam Makhachev face his toughest test? The clock is ticking, and 2025 could be the year these fights make history.