UFC Hall of Fame 2025: Nunes, Belfort & How to Watch

by liam.oconnor - Sports Editor

UFC Hall of Fame 2025: Amanda Nunes Headlines Star-Studded Class

The UFC Hall of Fame will honor the legendary Amanda Nunes, alongside a compelling group of fighters and contributors, at a ceremony on Thursday, June 26, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. this year’s induction class, a cornerstone event during International Fight Week, precedes UFC 317 by just two days and celebrates pivotal figures in the sport’s history.

Nunes,widely considered the greatest female mixed martial artist of all time – and by many,the greatest fighter regardless of gender – tops the list of inductees. She is the only UFC fighter to together hold titles in two weight divisions while defending those belts,and boasts a remarkable collection of women’s records. Throughout her illustrious career,Nunes secured victories over fellow icons like Ronda Rousey,Cris Cyborg,Valentina shevchenko (twice),Miesha Tate,and Holly Holm. “She’s just on another level,” one analyst noted, reflecting the widespread sentiment regarding Nunes’ dominance. Currently preparing for her highly anticipated return to the Octagon against Kayla Harrison, Nunes continues to compete at the highest level even as her legacy is cemented.

did you know?-Amanda Nunes is nicknamed “The Lioness,” a nod to her ferocious fighting style and Brazilian heritage. She has consistently demonstrated extraordinary power and technical skill throughout her career.

however, Nunes isn’t the only current competitor being recognized. The thrilling 2019 bout between Israel adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum, awarded CBS Sports’ Fight of the Year, will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing. Charles Oliveira, who is scheduled to headline Saturday’s pay-per-view event against Ilia Topuria, will receive the Forrest Griffin Community Award, recognizing his contributions beyond the cage.

Reader question:-What other fights from recent years do you think deserve to be considered for the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing in the future? Share yoru thoughts!

Rounding out the 2025 class are: Robbie Lawler, inducted in the Modern wing; Vitor Belfort and Mark Kerr, both recognized in the Pioneer wing; and Craig Piligian, honored in the Contributors wing for his significant work behind the scenes.

Fans can watch the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame ceremony live on UFC Fight Pass, beginning at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday. The event promises to be a fitting tribute to the individuals who have shaped the sport of mixed martial arts and a thrilling prelude to the action at UFC 317.

The Legacy Continues: Understanding the UFC Hall of Fame’s Impact

The recent proclamation of the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame class, with Amanda Nunes leading the charge, sparks a broader discussion about the Hall’s importance. Established in 2003 [[2]], the UFC Hall of Fame serves as a monument to the most influential figures in MMA history Why the hall of Fame Matters

The UFC Hall of Fame celebrates the remarkable journeys and achievements of its inductees. It’s a platform for recognizing legendary athletes like Nunes, and also the amazing fights that have captivated audiences over the years, such as the Adesanya vs. Gastelum bout.

Wings of Glory: A Look at the Categories

The UFC Hall of Fame encompasses several categories, providing a comprehensive approach to recognizing outstanding contributions:

  • Modern Wing: Honors fighters who made significant contributions in the modern era.
  • Pioneer Wing: Recognizes the early pioneers of the sport.
  • Fight Wing: Celebrates the most memorable and impactful fights, like the Adesanya vs. Gastelum duel.
  • Contributors Wing: Acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions outside of the cage.

The Hall of Fame’s diverse categories reflect the all-encompassing nature of MMA and ensure that achievements across the board receive appropriate recognition. This provides a better understanding of the UFC’s rich history and the evolution of the sport.

Beyond the Octagon: The Impact of the hall

The recognition provided by the UFC Hall of Fame has lasting effects.Inductees frequently enough see their legacies solidified, inspiring future generations of fighters and further enhancing the sport’s global reach. The Hall of Fame has also helped introduce new fans to the sport’s history and lore.

The UFC Hall of Fame recognizes a wide array of individuals. This includes fighters, coaches, commentators, and other influential figures. Athletes like Amanda Nunes, and the unforgettable battles like Adesanya vs. Gastelum, become inspirations for generations to come.

The Hall of Fame provides the ultimate tribute, cementing their legacy in the history of the sport. The UFC Hall of Fame is a place that will live on through both competitors and fans.

More Hall-Worthy fights

As mentioned by a reader question earlier,many other fights deserve consideration for future inclusion in the Fight Wing. Consider the following, all exciting candidates:

  • Dustin Poirier vs. Dan Hooker (2020): A five-round war showcasing incredible grit and striking.
  • Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway (Trilogy): Three epic battles that defined a rivalry for the ages.
  • Rose Namajunas vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk 1 & 2: Two fights that are considered some of the best in women’s MMA history.

The Future of the Hall

As the sport evolves, the UFC Hall of Fame will continue expanding to include new generations of fighters and contributors. This ensures that the history of MMA remains alive and well-documented, celebrating its icons for decades to come.

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