Hey UFC fans, imagine the thrill of watching elite fighters clash in the octagon—it's what keeps us coming back for more! But sometimes, even the world's top mixed martial arts promotion needs a breather, especially after a packed schedule. Stick around as we dive into whether there are any UFC events on the horizon right after Thanksgiving, and unpack the upcoming action-packed lineup that's sure to get your blood pumping.
First off, let's address the burning question: Are there UFC fights tonight? Well, unfortunately, the answer is no—the UFC isn't throwing any punches on November 29, 2025. Instead, they're giving everyone a well-deserved break to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, as the 2025 fight calendar begins to wind down. This pause allows fighters and staff to recharge, reflecting on the intense bouts we've seen so far, like the recent UFC Fight Night 265 held at the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar. For beginners curious about MMA, this was the UFC's inaugural trip to the country, and it delivered drama with Armenian lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan securing a submission victory over New Zealand's Dan Hooker in just the second round. If you're new to the sport, a submission is when a fighter forces their opponent to tap out in pain or exhaustion, showcasing the technical skill and endurance required in UFC matches.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is this Thanksgiving hiatus really necessary, or does it just kill the momentum for fans craving non-stop action? Some argue that constant events keep the excitement alive and boost the promotion's visibility, while others praise the break as essential for fighter safety and mental health. What do you think—does the UFC prioritize business over well-being by packing in too many cards? It's a debate that'll spark opinions, and we'd love to hear yours in the comments!
Now, for the part most people miss: the UFC isn't idle for long. Here's a sneak peek at their upcoming events to tide you over. Starting with December 6, get ready for UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs. Yan 2, set to unfold at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This main event rematch promises fireworks as Georgian bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defends his title against Russian challenger Petr Yan—think of it as a sequel to their 2022 clash, where Yan's aggressive striking style clashed with Dvalishvili's relentless grappling, leading to a controversial split decision. For those just getting into UFC, understanding weight classes like bantamweight (about 135 pounds) and flyweight helps appreciate how size influences strategy. The card will also feature Alexandre Pantoja battling Joshua Van for the men's flyweight belt, along with intriguing matchups like Jan Blachowicz versus Bogdan Guskov, Brandon Moreno against Tatsuro Taira, and others including Henry Cejudo against Payton Talbott, Marvin Vettori taking on Brunno Ferreira, and women's bouts such as Maycee Barber versus Karine Silva. Don't forget the preliminary fights with Edson Barboza facing Jalin Turner, Nazim Sadykhov versus Fares Ziam, Muhammad Naimov against Mairon Santos, Ibo Aslan versus Iwo Baraniewski, Grant Dawson battling Manuel Torres, Chris Duncan against Terrance McKinney, and Mansur Abdul-Malik taking on Antonio Trocoli. Catch it all live on ESPN+ with pay-per-view options—perfect for fans who want to experience the high-stakes atmosphere without leaving home.
And this is the part most people miss—the UFC doesn't slow down for long, with another event just a week later on December 13: UFC on ESPN 73: Royval vs. Kape at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. This card highlights the main event between American flyweight Brandon Royval and French-Gabonese fighter Manel Kape, a matchup that could redefine featherweight contention with Royval's grappling prowess pitted against Kape's striking speed. As an example, Royval's previous wins often come from ground-and-pound techniques, while Kape has dazzled with flashy kicks—it's the kind of contrast that makes UFC so unpredictable. The lineup also includes Georgians Giga Chikadze versus Kevin Vallejos, Yaroslav Amosov against Neil Magny (a heavyweight showdown mixing power with technique), Amanda Lemos battling Gillian Robertson in a women's featherweight clash, Marcus Buchecha versus Kennedy Nzechukwu, Melsik Baghdasaryan against Joanderson Brito, Morgan Charriere taking on Melquizael Costa, Cesar Almeida versus Cezary Oleksiejczuk, Steven Asplund against Sean Sharaf, Melissa Croden facing off with Luana Santos, AJ Frye versus Guilherme Pat, and Tereza Bleda against Jamey-Lyn Horth. Stream it exclusively on ESPN+ for that easy-access viewing experience.
There you have it—a comprehensive look at the UFC's post-Thanksgiving schedule, complete with breaks and big fights to fuel your passion. But let's turn the tables: Do you believe the UFC should schedule more events during holidays to keep the buzz going, or is the break a smart move for athlete recovery? Share your thoughts and any controversial takes on these matchups in the comments—do you think Yan can avenge his loss this time, or will Dvalishvili dominate again? We're all ears!
