UFC 2025 was one of the most talked-about years in modern MMA history. The year delivered action-packed fight nights, brutal knockouts, technical masterclasses, and rising stars making names for themselves.
Fans across the world stayed glued to their screens, expecting clear winners, clean finishes, and championship clarity.
However, not everything went as fans hoped.
Instead of memorable endings, two major incidents shocked the MMA community and left fans frustrated, disappointed, and divided.
These moments did not just affect individual fighters; they changed divisions, delayed title pictures, and raised serious questions about rules, officiating, and fighter safety.
In this article, we break down the 2 biggest upsets in UFC 2025 for fans, explain why these moments hurt the sport, and analyze what happened afterward.
1) Ciryl Gane vs Tom Aspinall – Heavyweight Title Fight Ends In a No-Contest
The heavyweight division is always one of the biggest attractions in the UFC, and the title fight between Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall was supposed to be one of the defining fights of 2025.
Massive Expectations Before The Fight
Both fighters came into the bout with strong momentum:
- Tom Aspinall was known for his speed, sharp boxing, and high fight IQ, something rare in the heavyweight division.
- Ciryl Gane brought elite footwork, kickboxing skills, and championship experience.
Fans expected a technical heavyweight battle that could go down as one of the best title fights in UFC history.
Instead, the fight ended in chaos.
The Double Eye Poke Incident
Early in the fight, Ciryl Gane landed not one but two eye pokes on Tom Aspinall.
The second poke caused serious damage to Aspinall’s eye, immediately affecting his vision. The referee stepped in, and after medical evaluation, the fight was stopped.
The final decision: No Contest.
For fans, this was one of the most painful endings imaginable. A heavyweight title fight, months in the making, ended without a winner.
Fan Reaction And Controversy
MMA fans were furious for several reasons:
- Many believed the eye pokes were careless and avoidable
- Some fans demanded a point deduction or even a disqualification
- Others blamed UFC’s glove design and refereeing standards
Social media exploded with debates. Some supported Gane, saying it was accidental. Others stood firmly behind Aspinall, arguing that repeated fouls should have consequences.
Injury Fallout And Canceled Rematch
After the fight, UFC immediately tried to book a rematch to settle the score. But Tom Aspinall later revealed that he was dealing with serious eye injury complications.
Due to medical advice and recovery concerns, Aspinall made it clear that:
- He was not ready to return soon
- A rematch in the near future was unlikely
As a result, the heavyweight title picture remained unclear, and fans were left without closure.
Why This Was A Huge Upset For Fans
This incident became one of the biggest upsets of UFC 2025 because:
- Fans never got a clear winner
- The division stalled due to injury delays
- A potential classic fight turned into a controversy
For many fans, this moment symbolized frustration with rule enforcement and fighter safety standards.
2) Alexandre Pantoja Breaks Arm Against Joshua Van – Title Changes In Tragic Fashion
If the heavyweight incident shocked fans, the flyweight title fight broke their hearts.
Former flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defended his belt against the young and hungry challenger Joshua Van. What happened next became one of the most emotional moments of UFC 2025.
A Champion Known For Toughness
Alexandre Pantoja built his reputation on:
- Relentless pressure
- Strong grappling
- Championship-level endurance
He was never known as someone who quits or backs down from adversity. That is why what happened in this fight shocked everyone.
The Injury That Changed Everything
During the title fight, Pantoja suffered a severe arm injury. The break was visible enough that fans instantly knew something was wrong. Despite the pain, Pantoja tried to continue.
But the injury made it impossible.
The referee stepped in, and the fight ended via TKO due to injury, crowning Joshua Van as the new flyweight champion.
Mixed Emotions For Fans
The arena reaction said it all:
- Fans applauded Joshua Van’s achievement
- Many fans felt the title change was heartbreaking
- Some questioned whether the fight should have continued
Joshua Van did nothing wrong. He fought hard and earned his position. Still, fans felt robbed of a true competitive ending.
Pantoja’s Recovery And Training Updates
After the loss, images surfaced of Alexandre Pantoja back in training, proving his warrior mindset. However, medical experts confirmed that:
- Full recovery would take significant time
- A rematch could not happen anytime soon
This delay further frustrated fans who wanted to see a proper conclusion between the two fighters.
Why This Was A Major Fan Upset
This moment became one of the biggest upsets of UFC 2025 because:
- A championship changed hands due to injury
- Fans wanted a clear, skill-based finish
- The rematch was delayed indefinitely
While Joshua Van deserved credit, the circumstances left fans emotionally divided.
Why These Two Moments Defined UFC 2025 Upsets
UFC 2025 was packed with entertainment, but these two incidents stood out because they shared common issues:
- No clear competitive endings
- Injuries deciding championship outcomes
- Delayed rematches and unanswered questions
For hardcore MMA fans, clean wins and losses matter. These situations highlighted how unpredictable and fragile the sport can be.
Impact On UFC And Future Implications
Both incidents forced UFC to reflect on several issues:
- Eye poke rules and enforcement
- Fighter safety protocols
- Championship contingency planning
Fans now expect:
- Better officiating consistency
- Faster solutions for stalled divisions
- Improved safety measures
These moments may push UFC to introduce stricter rule interpretations in future seasons.
Final Thoughts: A Great Year With Painful Moments
There is no doubt that UFC 2025 delivered excitement, drama, and unforgettable fights. But for many fans, these two incidents overshadowed everything else.
The Ciryl Gane vs Tom Aspinall no contest and the Alexandre Pantoja injury loss to Joshua Van reminded everyone that MMA is unpredictable and sometimes cruel.
While fans celebrate warriors who step into the octagon, they also want fairness, safety, and proper conclusions.
Until rematches happen, these two moments will remain the biggest upsets of UFC 2025 for fans.
If you are an MMA fan, one thing is certain: UFC 2025 will be remembered not just for great fights, but for the questions it left unanswered.