The UFC returns for the first event of 2025 this Saturday where the Octagon is back at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
In the first main event of the new year, Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas meet in a rematch in the strawweight division.
Dern was beaten by Ribas back in 2019 in the first loss of her pro career following back-to-back wins inside the Octagon.
She's currently coming off of a win over Lupita Godinez from last August whilst Ribas hasn't fought since last March where she suffered a decision loss to Rose Namajunas over five rounds.
Both women are in the top 10 at strawweight, with Ribas also being ranked at the #10-spot in the flyweight division, so a win here could set them up for a huge fight next time out with the title set to be on the line at UFC 312 in February.
The co-main event features a welterweight clash between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Carlston Harris with both men looking to bounce back from losses.
Both men are experienced competitors but whilst he may been beaten by Muslim Salikhov and Kevin Holland in recent times, Ponzinibbio has been fighting at a high-level for a lot longer.
Two middleweight match-ups on the main card are sure to generate some attention with some exciting style clashes at 185-pounds.
Abdul Razak Alhassan takes on Cesar Almeida with Chris Curtis returning against Roman Kopylov in two very fan-friendly bouts.
A few exciting Dana White's Contender Series alumni are set to begin their UFC careers on the first card of 2025.
The likes of Jacobe Smith, Marco Tulio and the 23-year old Austin Bashi will all make their first walk to the Octagon amongst others as they look to make an immediate impact in the promotion.
