MMA Fighting’s Breakthrough Fighter of the Year 2025
MMA Fighting reinstates the Breakthrough Fighter of the Year award for the first time since 2020. Five years ago, the honor was given to Khamzat Chimaev, with Kevin Holland taking second place for an outstanding year. After previously introducing the Rookie of the Year award, MMA Fighting is officially reverting back to the older tradition.
The award criteria are straightforward: which fighter experienced the most notable breakthrough this year? This can refer to an athlete who realized their potential, transformed their public perception from negative to positive, or a newcomer who quickly garnered attention in the sport.
The question now is: which fighter stood out above the rest as a true game-changer? Let’s reveal the recipient of the award.
Congratulations to Joshua Van, whose remarkable journey throughout 2025 began with no ranking and culminated in him clinching a UFC world title.
Known as “The Fearless,” Van made a significant impact in 2025, winning four matches, including a flyweight championship against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323 in the final pay-per-view event of the ESPN era. As a result, he has earned the title of MMA Fighting’s Breakthrough Fighter of the Year for 2025.
Aged 24, Van has already had an impressive 18 fights since debuting professionally in October 2021. This averages out to 4.5 bouts per year, showcasing his dedication as a championship-level fighter in a top organization. He started this year with a tough decision win over the undefeated Rei Tsaruya at UFC 313.
However, it was in June that Van solidified his status with a fantastic knockout over Bruno Silva at UFC 316, followed by stepping in on short notice to defeat Brandon Royval at UFC 317. This decisive victory not only earned him one of the most thrilling bouts of 2025 but also a title shot, which he successfully capitalized on at UFC 323, making him the second-youngest UFC champion in history.
Honorable Mentions
Waldo Cortes-Acosta also made waves this year, achieving four wins in five UFC matches, including notable knockouts that drew fans’ attention. Furthermore, Valter Walker gained recognition with impressive heel hook submissions in each of his fights, standing out as a heavyweight submission specialist.
Kevin Vallejos, also a promising fighter, swiftly rose through the ranks following his debut on Dana White’s Contender Series and has already secured a position in the UFC featherweight rankings.
Finally, Thad Jean emerged as a fresh star for the PFL, winning the welterweight grand prix after stepping in as an alternate and defeating high-profile opponents.
