What to Expect in the UFC in October 2025?

October promises to be one of the most consequential months in UFC history — not only because of stacked fight cards, but due to seismic shifts in broadcast contracts and fighter compensation. The following article uses every available stat, name, record, and contract detail known as of mid-September 2025 to lay out what fans, fighters, and insiders should expect.

Major Upcoming Events and Headlines

In October 2025, the UFC has four major events scheduled: two numbered cards (UFC 320, UFC 321) and two Fight Night cards (in Rio de Janeiro and Vancouver). Each event carries high stakes in titles, rematches, or career momentum.

UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 (October 4, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas) will feature Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2 in the main event. Ankalaev is the current Light Heavyweight champion after defeating Pereira via unanimous decision in their first meeting at UFC 313. The co-main event is Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen, with Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight title for the third time after previously submitting Sean O’Malley. Sandhagen earned this shot after a TKO win over former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. Other notable bouts include Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr., Aleksandr Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov, and Abus Magomedov vs. Joe Pyfer.

UFC Fight Night: Oliveira vs. Fiziev (October 11, Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro) is headlined by Charles Oliveira vs. Rafael Fiziev in a lightweight matchup. Oliveira, ranked No. 3, is attempting to rebound from a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. Fiziev, ranked No. 10, is entering off a decision win over Ignacio Bahamondes. The card also features the UFC debut of ADCC gold medallist Beatriz Mesquita vs. Irina Alekseeva in bantamweight, as well as heavyweight battles including Vitor Petrino vs. Thomas Petersen and Jhonata Diniz vs. Mario Pinto.

UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs Hernandez (October 18, Rogers Arena, Vancouver) will be headlined by Reinier de Ridder vs. Anthony Hernandez. De Ridder, a former ONE Champion in two divisions, is undefeated in his UFC career with wins over Gerald Meerschaert (submission, third round), Kevin Holland (rear naked choke, first round), Bo Nickal (TKO in the second round), and Robert Whittaker (split decision).

UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane (October 25, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi) showcases Tom Aspinall defending the undisputed heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. Aspinall became champion after Jon Jones retired in June 2025 and is making his first defense. Gane, who has previously lost in two title attempts against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, is trying for undisputed gold once again. The co-main event features Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern for the vacant women’s strawweight title.

Broadcast Rights & Revenue Shenanigans

October is not about fights; it is when fans may start to see or hear about the effects of the new broadcast rights deal, which has massive implications for revenue flows, fighter pay, and the end of pay-per-view as we have known it.

The UFC and TKO Group Holdings signed a seven-year deal worth $7.7 billion with Paramount, which works out to approximately $1.1 billion per year. All 43 UFC annual events will stream exclusively on Paramount+, with some also airing on CBS.

This new deal eliminates traditional pay-per-view for numbered events. Fighters with contracts tied to PPV points or revenue share may lose significant bonuses. Dana White and Mark Shapiro have stated fighters will benefit from the increased revenue, with post-fight bonuses expected to rise from the long-standing $50,000. Currently, fighter pay is estimated to make up 16-20% of UFC revenue.

Fighter Stories & Fight-by-Fight Stakes

Beyond business deals, there are individual athletes whose careers hinge on October outcomes.

Deiveson Figueiredo, former flyweight champion, is moving up to bantamweight. He is recovering from a torn anterolateral ligament sustained against Cory Sandhagen earlier this year but avoided surgery. Having lost two straight, he faces Montel Jackson, who is ranked No. 15 and riding a six-fight win streak since 2021. A win could push Jackson higher in the division, while another loss for Figueiredo could end his bantamweight aspirations.

Reinier de Ridder’s run since joining the UFC in September 2024 has been flawless, with victories over Meerschaert, Holland, Nickal, and Whittaker. He now faces Anthony Hernandez on October 18, a pivotal fight for his middleweight title trajectory.

Tom Aspinall, with a 15-3 record, enters UFC 321 as undisputed heavyweight champion. He held the interim belt in 2023 and defended it in 2024 with a knockout over Curtis Blaydes. Ciryl Gane, at 13-2, was interim champion but has failed twice in attempts for undisputed gold. His fight with Aspinall is a career-defining opportunity.

Fight Cards & Rankings Impacts

October’s outcomes will significantly impact divisional rankings and future title pictures.

At light heavyweight, Ankalaev’s 14-fight win streak is on the line against Pereira, who had previously achieved 4 knockouts in 11 months during his title reign. Prochazka vs. Rountree Jr. will determine the next title challenger.

In bantamweight, Merab Dvalishvili defends his title against Cory Sandhagen, whose recent victories have given him momentum. Meanwhile, Montel Jackson vs. Figueiredo has divisional implications depending on who emerges victorious.

At lightweight, Charles Oliveira defeated Fiziev to retain his top-five ranking and title contention status after losing to Ilia Topuria. Fiziev, ranked No. 10, could leap up with a win.

What Changes May Be Felt in October (Though Some Go into Effect 2026)

Though many broadcast contract changes take effect in 2026, October begins to reveal their impact.

Fighters will shift their focus from PPV buys to streaming performance and promotional exposure on Paramount+. The loss of PPV revenue sharing is significant, but UFC leadership has promised higher bonuses and more equitable revenue distribution.

The $375 million settlement from the Le vs. Zuffa lawsuit, covering fighters from 2010-2017 with payouts ranging from $15,000 to over $1 million, continues to influence contract negotiations. October’s fights may give leverage to those seeking renegotiations before the full effects of the Paramount deal in 2026.

Fan Experience, Global Reach, and Market Moves

The UFC continues expanding internationally, with October cards displaying this strategy.

The Rio de Janeiro Fight Night is the first in Brazil since UFC 301 in May 2024, and Vancouver will host its first event since UFC 289 in June 2023. Abu Dhabi hosts UFC 321, marking the UFC’s 22nd event in the UAE. The mix of established stars and new debuts, such as Beatriz Mesquita, highlights the organization’s global reach and focus on diversity.

Betting, Odds, and Bonus Incentives

Matchmaking influences not just rankings but also oddsmaking and fan betting.

Ankalaev’s 14-fight win streak against Pereira’s knockout power, as well as Aspinall’s title defense versus Gane’s third attempt at undisputed gold, will fuel betting action. The continuation of $50,000 bonuses, with promises of increases, adds another layer of intrigue.

Promotions tied to betting platforms are expected, and the rise of incentives such as bet365 bonus code offers will increase fan engagement, particularly during high-profile events with title fights.

Risks and Unknowns

Injuries and contractual shifts always bring unpredictability.

Figueiredo’s lingering knee injury could impact his performance. Fighters still operating under PPV-point contracts may look to maximize their opportunities before the model is phased out. For fans, adjusting to streaming platforms rather than PPV may alter viewership trends and satisfaction.

What October Will Show Us About 2026 and Beyond

October serves as a crucial bellwether for the UFC’s trajectory.

It will demonstrate whether fighters adapt quickly to new revenue models and how audiences embrace the Paramount era. Champions defending or losing their belts in October will set the tone for future divisions, with Aspinall, Ankalaev, Dvalishvili, and Oliveira among the key names to watch.

The shift away from PPV contracts, the introduction of higher bonuses, and transparency about fighter pay are all issues that October events will bring into sharper focus.

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