UFC fights we want to see in the second half of 2025

ESPN has laid out a wishlist of UFC bouts for the remainder of 2025, targeting several high-profile matchups that could define the year's second act.

The list includes a flyweight clash between Amir Albazi and Kai Kara-France, a featherweight bout pairing Ilia Topuria with Paddy Pimblett, and a potential women's bantamweight showdown between Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison, per ESPN's Mike Coppinger and Marc Raimondi. The outlet also floated a flyweight title eliminator between Tatsuro Taira and Manel Kape as another intriguing option.

What these bouts mean for title pictures

Several of the proposed fights carry immediate stakes. The Albazi-Kara-France pairing would firm up the flyweight contender ladder, while Topuria defending his featherweight strap against a surging Pimblett would test the Georgian's hold on the division. Nunes returning to face Harrison — if both are cleared medically and the promotion green-lights it — would deliver one of the year's biggest needle-movers at 135 pounds.

The Van vs. Kape matchup mentioned in ESPN's original headline appears to reference either a typo or an alternate pairing not detailed in the body text. Regardless, the network's full slate targets late summer and fall cards that could reset rankings ahead of the December pay-per-view stretch.

No official announcements have been made. ESPN's report notes that several fighters are already booked or recovering from injuries, meaning some of these fights may slide into early 2026 if negotiations stall.

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• ESPN MMA — UFC fights we want to see in the second half of 20...