News
5 must-watch upcoming UFC fights: how to watch, date and more UFC matches

5 must-watch upcoming UFC fights: how to watch, date and more UFC matches

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 13, 2025, 01:54 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

The UFC’s next wave of events is stacked with can’t-miss matchups—featuring title fights, rising stars, and longtime contenders looking to make a statement. From Volkanovski’s comeback at UFC 314 to Belal vs. Della Maddalena in Montreal, fans are in for a wild ride across five cities and five epic cards.

5 must-watch upcoming UFC fights: how to watch, date and more UFC matches

Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images

The UFC is set to deliver a series of electrifying matchups that promise to captivate MMA enthusiasts worldwide. From title bouts to contender showdowns, the Octagon will host fighters eager to etch their names in the annals of the sport. Here's an in-depth look at five upcoming UFC events, spotlighting the fighters, their backgrounds, and how you can catch all the action.

1. UFC fight night: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes �?April 13, 2025, Miami, Florida

Alexander Volkanovski (26-4), the former featherweight champion from Australia, returns at UFC 314 to face Brazil’s Diego Lopes (26-6) for the vacant title. Volkanovski, 5'6" and 144.5 lbs, is looking to bounce back after knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Known for his high-volume striking and elite takedown defense, he’ll face a taller, dangerous opponent in Lopes, who stands 5'11", weighs 145 lbs, and enters on a five-fight win streak with a mix of submissions and knockouts.
Watch on ESPN+ PPV | April 13 �?Kaseya Center, Miami

UFC 314 | Diego Lopes fight preview, Volk chasing Topuria, Evloev fights

2. UFC fight night: Ian Machado Garry vs. Carlos Prates �?April 26, 2025, Kansas City, Missouri

Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry returns to the Octagon eager to bounce back from his first professional defeat, a decision loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 that snapped his eight-fight UFC win streak. Before that setback, Garry had built serious momentum, finishing three opponents and climbing into title contention. Now, he faces Brazil’s Carlos Prates, who stormed into the UFC in 2024 with four explosive wins—all by stoppage before Round 2. Prates also collected four Performance of the Night bonuses, taking out names like Michael Morales, Matthew Semelsberger, Yohan Lainesse, and Max Griffin.
ESPN+ | April 26 �?Kansas City, MO

3. UFC fight night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo �?May 4, 2025, Des Moines, Iowa

Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo are set to headline UFC Fight Night in Des Moines on May 4, marking the UFC’s long-awaited return to Iowa after 25 years. Sandhagen (17-5) is known for his crisp striking and movement, while former flyweight champ Figueiredo (24-4-1) brings relentless pressure and dangerous submissions. Both fighters are coming off losses and looking to reestablish themselves as bantamweight contenders. The clash promises high-level technique and fireworks, with Sandhagen holding a size advantage at 5'11" to Figueiredo’s 5'5". With so much on the line, this main event could shake up the 135-pound title picture.
ESPN+ | May 4 �?Des Moines, IA

4. UFC fight night: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena �?May 11, 2025, Montreal, Canada

Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena are set to collide in the main event of UFC 315 on May 11 at Montreal’s Bell Centre, bringing high-stakes welterweight action to Canada. Muhammad (24-3) rides an impressive win streak and aims to finally capture UFC gold after years of being overlooked. Across from him stands Australia’s Della Maddalena (17-2), a surging contender known for his slick boxing and brutal body shots. Both fighters are evenly matched in height, but with contrasting styles—grit and grind vs. striking precision—this title clash promises fireworks and could reshape the future of the 170-pound division.
ESPN+ | May 11 �?Montreal, Canada

5. UFC fight night: Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber �?June 1, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada

Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber are set to headline UFC Fight Night on June 1 in Las Vegas in a high-stakes flyweight clash. Ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the division, both women are inching closer to a title shot. Blanchfield (13-2) has compiled an impressive 7-1 UFC record, including wins over former champions Rose Namajunas and Jessica Andrade. Barber (14-2), meanwhile, is riding a six-fight winning streak and brings relentless aggression. With champion Valentina Shevchenko defending at UFC 315 and Zhang Weili eyeing a move up, this bout could determine the next title contender in a shifting division.

ESPN+ | June 1 �?Las Vegas, NV
Also Read: UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski aims to clean out Featherweight division in 2025
With legends returning, titles on the line, and fresh contenders stepping up, the next stretch of UFC events is loaded with action. Whether you're watching from home or hitting a bar with friends, make sure these fights are on your radar—because the Octagon doesn't slow down.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

End of Article