UFC September 25, 2025

UFC News & Hot Gossip – September 2025

September has been a busy month for news in and around the Octagon as summer slips away. Aside from exciting additions to a stacked lineup for the highly anticipated UFC 321, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, October 25, 2025, which we’ve covered in a previous blog, there is still an awful lot happening in the wider wonderful world of UFC Mixed Martial Arts. Stay tuned for the latest updates and recap of all the UFC news September 2025 highlights.

So, we’ve gathered some of the standout news items just to keep you Fight Island devotees, MMA diehards and fresh-faced converts in the global picture.

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September UFC News Headlines

Catch Up on UFC News September 2025 Highlights. If you’ve missed any of the action, don’t worry! We’ll be breaking down all the essential moments and news from this exciting month that you can’t afford to miss.

As the MMA calendar pivots from summer sensation to autumn intensity, September has delivered a flurry of announcements, shake-ups, and tantalising glimpses into the UFC’s future. From historic venues to blockbuster matchups, the sport continues to evolve in ways that exceed expectations and redefine spectacular.

Let’s jump into the biggest stories creating waves this month.

UFC White House Card: A Monumental Vision

UFC President Dana White has never been shy about pushing boundaries, but his latest revelation has stunned even the most seasoned fans. In a bold move that blends patriotism with pugilism, White unveiled renderings of a purpose-built UFC arena proposed for the South Lawn of the White House. Slated for July 4, 2026, as part of America’s 250th anniversary of independence celebrations, the venue put forward will seat 5,000 spectators and feature a sweeping arch framing the Octagon with the Washington Monument as a backdrop.

The concept is more than just architectural daring—it’s a declaration of ambition. UFC is positioning itself not just as a global sport, but as a cultural institution worthy of presidential approval. And leading the charge? None other than Conor McGregor.

McGregor’s Comeback: Fireworks on the Fourth

After years of speculation, behavioural setbacks, and social media skirmishes, Conor McGregor has declared his intention to return to the Octagon at the White House event—an occasion UFC President Dana White has described as tailor-made for McGregor, though he’s yet to formally confirm the bout. The opponent? Michael Chandler—a matchup that’s been teased, postponed, and now appears closer than ever to materialising on the most iconic stage imaginable.

McGregor’s last appearance was in 2021, when a broken tibia halted his momentum and cast doubt over his fighting future. Since then, he’s flirted with politics, endured public controversies, and remained a lightning rod for attention. But according to Daniel Cormier, McGregor’s return isn’t just about competition—it’s about reclaiming relevance.

“He understands now that people aren’t just in on the Conor McGregor business anymore,” Cormier said. “It doesn’t have to be a big win; it just has to be a fight that propels him into the spotlight.”

And if the stakes weren’t high enough, McGregor is reportedly set to earn a purse matching his record-breaking payday from the Floyd Mayweather boxing bout—a financial signal that UFC is betting big on its most polarising star.

Whether McGregor still has the firepower to deliver remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: July 4, 2026, will be a date etched in UFC history.

UFC 322: Title Fights and Rising Stars at Madison Square Garden

While the White House card inevitably steals the headlines, UFC 322 promises to be a masterclass in elite competition. Scheduled for 15 November 2025 at Madison Square Garden—the ancestral home of extraordinary fights—this event will be headlined by two title bouts that could reshape the championship landscape.

In the welterweight division, newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena defends his belt against former lightweight king Islam Makhachev. Maddalena’s rise has been meteoric, punctuated by a striking tutorial that dethroned Belal Muhammad earlier this year. Makhachev, meanwhile, has vacated his lightweight title to chase glory in a second division—a move that echoes the ambitions of legends like Georges St-Pierre and McGregor.

On the women’s side, Valentina Shevchenko returns to defend her flyweight crown against Zhang Weili in a clash of precision and power. Shevchenko’s dominance has been tested in recent bouts, but her technical mastery remains unmatched. Zhang, the former strawweight champion, brings relentless aggression and a fan-favourite aura that could make this one of the most watched women’s fights of the year.

Also added to the card is a compelling matchup between Baisangur Susurkaev and Eric McConico Jr.—two rising talents with everything to prove. Expect fierce exchanges and an incendiary contest.

UFC Rio Shake-Up: Oliveira vs. Gamrot

Originally slated to face Rafael Fiziev, Charles Oliveira will now battle Mateusz Gamrot in the main event of UFC Fight Night 261 in Rio de Janeiro on October 11. Fiziev was forced to withdraw due to a recurring knee injury, marking another setback in a career plagued by surgeries.

Oliveira, still reeling from a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria, is eager to bounce back in front of a home crowd. Gamrot, a grappling specialist, accepted the fight on short notice and has promised a “masterclass on the ground”. With both fighters boasting elite submission skills, this bout could be a technical showcase for fans of the ground game.

UFC Paris: Imavov vs. Borralho Delivers European Drama

Earlier this month, UFC returned to Paris for its fourth annual Fight Night in the French capital. Headlining the card was a middleweight clash between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho. Imavov, riding an eight-fight unbeaten streak, continued his ascent with a dominant performance, while Borralho—undefeated in the UFC—proved he belongs among the division’s top tier.

The event underscored UFC’s growing footprint in Europe and its commitment to showcasing international talent. With fighters like Imavov and Borralho now knocking on the door of title contention, the middleweight division is more competitive than ever.

Looking Ahead: Ankalaev vs. Pereira II and UFC 321

As September winds down, fans are already looking ahead to October’s marquee matchups. Chief among them is the rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, set for UFC 320 in Las Vegas on October 4. Pereira lost his light-heavyweight title to Ankalaev via judges’ decision earlier this year, and the sequel promises to be a high-rider chess match between two of the division’s most dangerous men.

And of course, all roads lead to Abu Dhabi for UFC 321 on October 25. With a stacked card, big title implications, and the return of Michael Bisping for a special fan experience, it’s shaping up to be the crown jewel of the autumn fight calendar.

Don’t Miss the MMA Event of the Year!

Secure your UFC 321 ticketed packages with ES Sport and witness MMA legends in the making on 25 October 2025, as champions rise and contenders clash head on under the lights in Abu Dhabi.

For the ultimate fight week experience, join former UFC Champion Michael Bisping for Tales from the Octagon—an evening of gloves-off insider storytelling, razor-sharp humour, and exclusive hospitality on 23 October 2025. Explore the dinner experience and lock in your place before it’s gone