The landscape of the UFC is continually changing, and one of its most thrilling emerging talents has made a surprising revelation about a fellow fighter who was a runner-up for the Newcomer of the Year award. It appears that this fighter is not just formidable in the Octagon but also leaves a lasting impression beyond it.
In a spectacular display earlier this year, Petr Yan delivered one of the standout performances of 2025 by defeating Merab Dvalishvili. This victory has significantly stirred the conversation surrounding the Fighter of the Year accolades as we approach the end of the year, especially since it marked the final title fight of the season. Discussions about these awards often dominate the headlines as the calendar turns, yet there are several other categories worthy of attention.
Carlos Prates has recently shared insights from his discussion with Dana White regarding a potential title shot, adding to the intrigue surrounding his career. He was honored as the UFC’s Newcomer of the Year for 2024, highlighting his rise within the organization. Notably, the fighter who secured the second position on the 2025 newcomers list has been actively training with a two-weight champion to gear up for his next competitive bout.
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Have you picked your Fighter of the Year from the UFC?
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Will Fleury, a seasoned two-weight champion, is riding high on the momentum after sparring with rising star Ateba Gautier as he prepares for his upcoming match at OKTAGON 81 on December 28, where he will defend his heavyweight title against former UFC competitor Martin Buday. The Irish fighter has trained at various elite gyms, including Manchester Top Team, where he had valuable training sessions alongside the promising middleweight, Gautier.
This past October, Gautier showcased his knockout prowess by earning his third KO victory of the year, and he is set to make his fourth appearance in the Octagon during the first event of 2026. Gautier, at only 23 years old, has been generating buzz throughout the middleweight division, garnering praise from established fighters like Kamaru Usman, who commended Gautier’s impressive skills and fighting spirit.
In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, Fleury expressed his belief in Gautier’s potential, stating, "I think this momentum is here to stay. Honestly, size-wise, he feels larger than most light heavyweights, and he competes as a middleweight. He didn’t seem out of place in terms of size when I trained with him, and his skill level is exceptional. His precision in executing techniques and his intelligent approach to training make me believe that he has limitless possibilities ahead."
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Despite his notable achievements, Gautier lost out to another electrifying up-and-comer for the Newcomer of the Year title. Gautier has impressively finished all three of his opponents in the UFC without allowing any to reach the second round. However, the award winner, Quillan Salkilld, also made waves in 2025 with three remarkable wins, including a stunning head-kick knockout of Nasrat Haqparast, culminating an incredible first year in the promotion for the Australian lightweight.
Who do you think deserves the title of Best UFC Newcomer of the Year for 2025? Do you align with the UFC's decision? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.
The top five newcomers recognized by the UFC in 2025 are:
- #1 – Quillan Salkilld – 3 wins, 2 finishes, 2 performance bonuses
- #2 – Ateba Gautier – 3 wins, 3 finishes, 2 performance bonuses
- #3 – Kevin Vallejos – 3 wins, 2 finishes, 1 performance bonus
- #4 – David Martinez – 2 wins, 1 finish, 1 performance bonus
- #5 – Malcolm Wellmaker – 2 wins, 1 loss, 2 finishes, 2 performance bonuses
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