As 2024 fades into the rearview mirror, MMA fans around the world are already sharing their thoughts on what 2025 could have in store for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
That includes UFC icon Chael Sonnen who, while speaking with Daniel Cormier on the latest episode of Good Guy/Bad Guy, revealed some seriously bold predictions for the new year.
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Chael Sonnen shares his biggest 'bold UFC prediction' for 2025
There are bold predictions, and then there are GREAT predictions – and Chael Sonnen certainly skated that line with finesse when he revealed his prediction for the UFC in 2025.
“I actually have a lot of confidence in the prediction [and] that is Jon Jones retiring.”
'The Bad Guy' was quick to add that he still believes 'Bones' will fight again, against interim champion Tom Aspinall, and that the consensus GOAT will “do a lot better than some people give him credit for” .
“When that fight is over, win or lose, I believe this will be Jon's last appearance [in the UFC]. He has looked for a way out, he has talked to the fans and seen what I have to do before I go. He thought Stipe might be the door out, but that got postponed a little bit.”
Sonnen mercilessly roasted Jones last week in a nearly 10-minute YouTube video after “Bones” shared an emotional end-of-year message with his fan base.
“I think Jon has a pretty clear deal with the audience at this point that there's only one left – I think that will be Tom and also a farewell to Jon Jones.”
The 'Bad Guy' reveals the one UFC fight he has to watch in 2025
Sonnen stated that while he believes Bo Nickal will eventually claim the middleweight title, it may not come within the next twelve-month cycle.
However, the 'Bad Guy' is desperate for the undefeated American to test himself against fellow undefeated phenom, Khamzat 'Borz' Chimaev, in his 2025 'Must-See' fight.
'I have to go to Bo Nickal and Khamzat Chimaev [next year]I can't keep these guys separated forever. We were told we won't get to see this fight because of the rankings discrepancy… But the two have been aligned from Jump Street.”
Chimaev is currently the No. 3 ranked middleweight prospect and despite Nickal failing to crack the Top 15 after a sub-par win at UFC 309, Sonnen reaffirmed: “We don't have to stick to the rankings to avoid fights.
“I don't know why we keep them apart… Make the fights you can make while you can make them.”
Sonnen rounds out predictions with 'The Lioness' and Dricus Du Plessis
Aside from Jon Jones retiring from MMA and the potential undefeated vs. undefeated showdown between Chimaev and Nickal, Sonnen had a few more prophecies up his sleeve.
Both he and co-host Daniel Cormier believe 2025 will also see the return of the greatest female fighter in MMA history – Amanda Nunes – especially if Kayla Harrison is able to wrestle custody of the bantamweight title away from Julianna Pena .
However, both UFC legends agree that such a fight should take place at 135 pounds, instead of 145 pounds; something that Cormier noted could work in the popular Brazilian's favor.
Then we come to Fighter of the Year for 2025, with Sonnen admitting he's done underestimating the skills (or ceiling) of South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis.
“Daniel, here's the problem, my friend. We didn't know how good Dricus Du Plessis actually is going into 2024 and we don't know how good Dricus Du Plessis actually is now.”
Stillknocks will defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in February.
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