Despite a remarkable year in 2025, one fighter has not received the widespread recognition many expected. Tom Aspinall declared Ilya Topuria as the UFC Fighter of the Year, but this designation didn’t resonate as the popular choice among fans. With 11 titles changing hands over the year, the field for UFC Fighter of the Year was highly competitive and complex. The debate intensified after Merab Dvalishvili’s loss to Petr Yan in the year’s final bout, which muddied the waters about who truly deserved the accolade. According to a UFC legend, one contender who should be seriously considered has been hindered by a particular aspect of his career that has affected his legacy.
On a related note, Valentina Shevchenko, at 37, continues to dominate with two commanding victories over top-tier opponents this year. Known for her critical opinions, Chel Sonnen recently commented on her legacy, expressing that although Shevchenko deserves inclusion in the conversation regardless of gender, he believes her potential greatness is somewhat limited because she frequently appears as a co-main event rather than headlining. Sonnen suggested Shevchenko should confront UFC management to demand main event status, asserting that a fighter of her caliber should never settle for anything less.
However, Shevchenko has headlined before, notably at UFC 215 against Amanda Nunes, proving that the co-main event position alone isn’t the issue dampening her recognition. Her performances in 2025, although sometimes overshadowed by other events, were outstanding, including victories over the top contender in her division and a champion from a lower weight class. These bouts, marked by dominance and skill, arguably made her the best UFC fighter of the year, even if this wasn’t fully acknowledged.
Fan Take: This discussion highlights the ongoing challenges in recognizing true excellence in the UFC, where factors beyond fighting skill—like fight placement and public perception—can affect a fighter’s legacy. For fans, it underscores the importance of celebrating merit and demanding that the sport gives its stars the spotlight they deserve, which in turn drives the growth and excitement of MMA.
