2025 BOLD PREDICTIONS
Union Grand Prix has firmly solidified itself for years as the gold standard in mixed martial arts, being one of the most innovative and exciting organizations in all of combat sports. Each year, it raises the bar, creating unforgettable moments inside the cage and beyond. With 2025 already shaping up to be a landmark year, let’s dive into five bold predictions that could define the promotion’s next chapter.
THE YEAR OF THE RETURNING LEGENDS
The nostalgia hit is something every fan loves, and Union GP diehards are no exception. This year, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated comebacks in the sport’s history. Marissa Kane, a trailblazer in women’s MMA, has officially announced her return to action. While Kane has retired from active competition several times in the past, her legacy as a tenacious competitor and role model for female fighters remains unequivocal. What makes this return even more momentous is that it will mark her debut in Union GP, a promotion she had never competed in during her storied career. Kane’s comeback bout is already generating enormous buzz, promising to be a major draw for fans old and new.
But Marissa Kane isn’t the only name sparking excitement. According to reliable insider sources, another major announcement looms on the horizon, hinting at the return of yet another MMA legend. While specifics are scarce, speculation runs rampant. Could it be a Hall of Famer like Marissa Kane, stepping back into the cage for one last hurrah? Or could it be a former champion like Noah Vanderkaay, driven by unfinished business or the desire to prove they can still hang with the sport’s elite?
The appeal of these returns goes beyond nostalgia. These icons bring with them a unique blend of skill, experience, and aura that today’s fighters and fans deeply respect. Their presence could serve as a litmus test for the current generation of fighters, creating matchups that blend the past with the present. Imagine Kane facing a surging contender like Eugenie Bombelles or a dream fight against former Bantamweight Queen Gianna Howard. These dream matchups wouldn’t just be fights, they’d be events that define eras.
Whoever the mystery legend is, their return promises to electrify arenas and bring back a sense of history and grandeur to the promotion.
UNION GP ADDS A NEW DIVISION
Union Grand Prix continues to carefully expand its roster to provide opportunities for athletes to shine across a broader spectrum of weight classes. Last year’s introduction of the Welterweight and Featherweight divisions breathed new life into the promotion, delivering exciting matchups and crowning new champions who have quickly become fan favorites. The expansion has opened doors for new prospects as well as fighters who previously found themselves caught between weight classes, creating parity and variety in the ranks. However, the promotion seems poised to go even further in 2025.
While Union GP has seen iconic moments in its Heavyweight division, the weight class has faced challenges in recent years, culminating in the recent loss and Hall of Fame inductions of three former Heavyweight kings. With the division potentially being phased out, Union GP could fill the void with divisions that better reflect modern MMA.
The Cruiserweight division could make a comeback. It has a rich history with Union, and offers a middle ground for fighters who are not quite big enough to compete with true Heavyweights. The return of a 225-pound division would provide a much needed home for those “tweener” athletes who often find themselves at a disadvantage at Heavyweight. Perhaps we could see the establishment of a Light Heavyweight division. At 205 pounds, the weight class bridges the gap between the speed of middleweights and the raw power of heavyweights. It’s a division tailor made for technical yet explosive fighters, and UGP’s roster already hints at potential contenders who could headline this weight class.
A Flyweight division feels like the natural progression for Union’s expansion in the near future. With several undersized Bantamweights already voicing interest in dropping to 125 pounds, the demand is clear. Fighters like Meigui Blackman, Morgan LeChance, Serenity Holmes, and Eugenie Bombelles, all skilled but slightly undersized at 135, could thrive in a Flyweight division tailored to their frames. A smaller weight class would not only showcase speed and technique but also attract new talent from regional circuits where Flyweight is a prominent division.
Adding new divisions isn’t just about numbers, it’s about evolution. These additions create opportunities for fighters to find their ideal weight class, leading to better performances and more competitive fights. It’s also a statement that Union GP is committed to staying ahead of the curve, catering to both its athletes and fans.
UNION GP EXPANDS TO NEW MARKETS
Union Grand Prix has steadily transformed itself into a truly global MMA powerhouse, embracing its diverse and growing international audience. By hosting events in countries like Mexico, the UAE, Australia, Brazil, France, and Canada, UGP has not only captivated fans across continents but also showcased the universal appeal of combat sports. In 2025, UGP is doubling down on its global ambitions, aiming to break new ground in previously untapped markets and solidify its position as a worldwide leader in MMA.
One of the most exciting developments for 2025 is Union GP’s debut in Croatia. Known for its passionate sports culture and history of producing world-class athletes, Croatia offers a fertile ground for MMA. This event is particularly significant as it marks UGP’s first foray into Eastern Europe, a region with a deep appreciation for martial arts and combat sports. The card will undoubtedly feature fighters in the region, giving fans someone to cheer for while introducing the global audience to new talent. Expect a rowdy crowd as Union brings its signature production to a region hungry for high-level MMA.
UGP 66 will be held in Japan, marking the organization’s return to the country for the first time since UGP 10 back in April of 2019. Japan holds a special place in MMA history, with its rich traditions of martial arts and legendary promotions. Returning to this iconic setting is not just a nostalgic nod but also a strategic move to tap into Asia’s enormous MMA market. Japan’s enthusiastic fan base is known for their deep respect for the sport and its athletes, creating an electric yet respectful atmosphere. UGP 66 promises to deliver a stacked card featuring both international stars and local heroes. A sold out Saitama Super Arena is almost guaranteed, reinforcing Union GP’s status as a premier global MMA promotion.
With its momentum in 2025, Union GP seems poised to explore even more untapped markets, expanding its footprint across the globe. However, expansion to new markets isn’t just about selling tickets, it’s about fostering a global community of MMA enthusiasts. By hosting events in diverse locations, UGP gives local fighters the chance to shine on the biggest stage while introducing fans to different styles and cultures of martial arts. It’s a win-win for the sport and its fans, driving home the message that MMA is a truly universal language.
THE SECOND COMING OF THE CHAMP-CHAMP
Union GP’s history is filled with iconic moments, but few compare to Delaney Donovan’s legendary feat of becoming the promotion’s only simultaneous double champion. Donovan’s incredible achievement of holding both Lightweight and Middleweight titles set the bar for what it means to be truly great in mixed martial arts. Now, with new divisions reshaping the landscape and an influx of ambitious talent hungry to etch their names in the history books, 2025 might be the year we see a second champ-champ crowned.
The addition of the Featherweight and Welterweight divisions last year has created a wealth of opportunities for fighters to pursue titles across multiple weight classes. Unlike in Donovan’s era, fighters today have more tailored divisions, reducing the gap between weight classes and making the jump between divisions less daunting. This structural evolution has created the perfect storm for double champions to emerge.
Victoria Marshall, the reigning Bantamweight Champion, is a prime candidate for champ-champ status. A proven competitor with a decorated resume, Marshall is no stranger to success across weight classes. Before conquering Union GP’s Bantamweight division, she reigned supreme as the Flyweight Champion during Everest MMA SZN 3, showcasing her ability to dominate in the 125-pound division. If Union introduces a Flyweight division, Marshall would be a natural contender to reclaim gold at her former weight class while still holding the Bantamweight strap.
Middleweight Champion Alexander Sokolov is another name that could be mentioned in champ-champ discussions. A towering and powerful figure at 185 pounds, Sokolov has long been considered one of the most physically imposing fighters in the division. His dominance stems from a combination of elite striking, devastating clinch work, and underrated grappling.
Sokolov’s large frame and natural power have led many to speculate that a move to a theoretical Light Heavyweight or Cruiserweight division would be inevitable. Should UGP introduce either of those divisions, Sokolov would have a chance to test his skills against a new crop of opponents while aiming to cement his legacy as a two-division champion.
While Marshall and Sokolov represent the obvious choices, the champ-champ narrative isn’t limited to established champions. Rising stars and under-the-radar contenders could also seize the moment. Fighters like Derrius Webb, a former Middleweight Champion, or Eugenie Bombelles, a relentless competitor in the Bantamweight division, have the skills and determination to make history with double gold.
The dream of a champ-champ is more attainable now than ever before. With fighters more skilled in cross-disciplinary techniques and divisions more balanced in size and depth, the modern MMA landscape encourages athletes to pursue multi-division dominance. Add to this the hypothetical introduction of Flyweight and/or Cruiserweight or Light Heavyweight divisions, and UGP could become a breeding ground for historic achievements. Fans love the champ-champ narrative for its drama and stakes. It’s a storyline that defines greatness and rewards the bold, and UGP in 2025 feels primed to deliver another moment of unforgettable MMA history.
A YEAR OF RECORD-BREAKING FEATS
Union GP’s 2025 campaign is shaping up to be a landmark year for shattering records, both inside and outside the cage. With its talent-packed roster, international expansion, and a new generation of athletes hungry to make their mark, this could be the most statistically significant year in the promotion’s storied history.
The global reach of Union GP has grown exponentially, and 2025 promises to capitalize on this momentum. The planned events in new markets like Croatia and the highly anticipated return to Japan are expected to draw massive crowds. Additionally, with UGP’s consistent ability to stack cards with elite talent and compelling storylines, gate revenues are poised to soar. Expect record-breaking figures as fans flock to witness MMA’s finest on a global stage.
With an influx of fresh talent and established veterans chasing greatness, 2025 could also see multiple performance records rewritten. The current fastest knockout in UGP history stands at a jaw-dropping 19 seconds. However, with explosive strikers like Hendrik Geen entering the scene, this record could be under serious threat. Geen, a former kickboxing standout, has a reputation for overwhelming opponents with his ferocious speed and precision. A perfectly timed opening blitz from him or another rising star could etch a new name into the record books.
Title reigns are defined by longevity and dominance, and several champions are on the cusp of historic runs. Benji Meyers, the reigning Lightweight Champion, and Featherweight queen Isabel Azevedo both have the skills and momentum to string together record-breaking defenses.
Union GP’s commitment to showcasing the best talent and delivering world-class events means there’s no shortage of potential milestones in 2025. Whether it’s a fighter achieving a 20th career win, a single event producing the most finishes in history, or a legendary figure returning to set new standards, the year is rife with opportunities to rewrite the history books.
Records serve as a measure of excellence and a reminder of the moments that define the sport. In 2025, Union GP isn’t just breaking barriers by expanding its reach, it’s creating an environment where athletes can reach unprecedented heights. Fans won’t just witness incredible fights, they’ll be part of a year that could reshape the very fabric of MMA history. From the roar of sold out arenas to the thrill of last second finishes, 2025 is poised to be a year of extraordinary achievement in Union GP.
What are your bold predictions for Union Grand Prix in 2025? Let’s hear them in the comments below!
