The year 2024 in the UFC was filled with some of the most exciting and highly anticipated moments in the promotion’s history. Many rising MMA stars made a significant impact, while several champions further solidified their reign. However, some statistics in UFC 2024 have emerged that could raise concerns for CEO Dana White.
The year 2024 in the UFC was marked by several record-breaking events. One of the notable occurrences was the Noche UFC (UFC 306), which became a historic part of the year. Despite these impressive events, the majority of fight outcomes ended in decision wins. Recently, Home Of Fight Picks (X/@theHOFPicks) shared some statistics on this trend.
According to statistics from the source, 2024 marked the highest percentage of fights that went the distance in UFC history, with a rate of around 55%. Over the years, the UFC community has expressed a strong desire for finishes in fights. If this trend continues into 2025, Dana White may need to consider the implications of such statistics.
👀Betting the over was definitely the move in 2024…
Will it repeat itself in 2025? 👇 pic.twitter.com/hJgop6zoxM
— Home Of Fight Picks (@theHOFPicks) January 3, 2025
Interestingly, some people have raised concerns about these gloves. Initially, the UFC CEO White appeared unfazed, suggesting that the decline in knockout rates was merely a coincidence. However, the UFC brought back the old gloves towards the end of 2024.
What matchup Dana White is eager to witness in 2025?
Dana White recently expressed his intentions to elevate the stakes of the UFC in the upcoming year. There is much speculation that this may involve some highly anticipated matchups within the promotion. One notable example is the potential title unification fight between heavyweight champions Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.
Tom Aspinall staring down Jon Jones during his UFC 309 octagon interview (Image via X)Jones and Aspinall have been engaged in a back-and-forth, creating a build-up and anticipation for their potential title unification bout. This ongoing rivalry has kept the UFC CEO on his toes regarding this matchup. Recently, in an interview, White expressed his excitement and eagerness for the showdown between Jones and Aspinall, which is anticipated for 2025.
So, I get asked this every year and this year, it would be Aspinall (vs.) Jones. That’s the biggest fight in heavyweight history and at the end of the day, what my job is to give what the fans want, and that’s what the fans want.
Dana White via First Take on ESPN
Dana White is asked what fight he wants to see most in 2025:
“It would be Aspinall vs Jones… what my job is, is to give the fans what they want. That’s what the fans want.”
🎥 @FirstTake #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/3cBTfVJsHx
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 16, 2024
In addition to that, White may surprise the UFC community with several exciting matchups and superfights. Potential bouts between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, as well as Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira, could be on the horizon.
Furthermore, one of the UFC’s biggest superstars, Conor McGregor, may make his return to the octagon after a four-year hiatus. Currently, apart from the Aspinall and Jones fight, White has not disclosed any other plans for him in 2025.
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