Dana White, the president of the UFC, has announced plans for what he believes will be the biggest fight in the organization’s history, set to take place in 2025. This announcement comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for the UFC, as White aims to expand the brand into new territories while delivering thrilling matchups for fans.
Key Takeaways
- Dana White anticipates the biggest fight in UFC history to occur in 2025.
- The UFC plans to explore new markets, including Spain, and return to major cities like Los Angeles and Seattle.
- The highly anticipated matchup is expected to be Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall.
- White reassures fans that Jones is willing to fight Aspinall despite concerns about his age and fight frequency.
Record-Breaking Year
In a recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Dana White highlighted the UFC’s success in 2024, noting that it was a record year both financially and in terms of breaking arena attendance records. This success has fueled White’s ambition to push the organization further in 2025.
"Next year my focus is to go to a lot of places that we haven’t been in a while or ever," White stated, indicating a desire to reach new audiences and expand the UFC’s global footprint.
Expansion Plans
The UFC is looking to tap into new markets and revisit cities that have been pivotal in its growth. Some of the key locations on White’s radar include:
- Spain: A new market for the UFC, aiming to attract European fans.
- Los Angeles: A return to one of the UFC’s historical strongholds.
- Seattle: Another city that the UFC plans to revisit.
- Chicago: A potential stop for future events.
These plans reflect the UFC’s commitment to maintaining its status as the premier promotion in mixed martial arts.
The Biggest Fight in UFC History
Among the many potential matchups, the fight that fans are most eager to see is Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall. This heavyweight title unification bout has generated significant buzz, and White is confident it will materialize in 2025.
Despite concerns regarding Jones’ age and sporadic fight schedule, White insists that the former champion is ready to face Aspinall. "Jon Jones has never said behind the scenes, ‘I won’t fight Tom Aspinall.’ It’s the exact opposite," White explained.
Jones, now in his late 30s, has had gaps between fights, but his willingness to compete against Aspinall is a positive sign for fans eagerly awaiting this showdown.
Conclusion
As the UFC gears up for what could be its most significant year yet, Dana White’s plans for expansion and high-profile matchups are sure to keep fans excited. With the potential for groundbreaking events and the promise of thrilling fights, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the organization and its followers.