Top 5 Martial Artists In The World In 2025
May 15, 2025, 21:49 IST
By May 2025, the international martial arts map will include a wide range of athletes dominating different disciplines, such as MMA, Muay Thai, and so on. These martial artist have gained world recognition through their abilities, titles, and influence.
1. Islam Makhachev (Russia) – the UFC Lightweight Crown holder
Islam Makhachev is still the most dominant fighter in the UFC lightweight division. With 14 straight wins and four successful title defenses, he has the longest win streak in the history of the division. He is at the moment the UFC’s pound-for-pound number one.
2. Anatoly Malykhin (Russia) – the ONE Championship Triple Champion
Anatoly Malykhin became the first ever three-division world champion in MMA. Taking part in ONE Championship, he has achieved victories in the categories of heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight, with a 100% finish rate.
3. Dricus du Plessis (South Africa) – UFC Middleweight Champion
Dricus du Plessis won the UFC Middleweight Championship title by defeating Sean Strickland and defending the title against Israel Adesanya. His striking and grappling abilities make him one of the best order fighters at the UFC.
4. Tawanchai P.K. Saenchai (Thailand) – ONE Featherweight Muay Thai Champion
Tawanchai is one of the best names in the ranks of Muay Thai with four successful defenses of a title under ONE Championship. He is famous for his technical approach, and in 2022, he became the winner of the Muay Thai Fighter of the Year and still rules the featherweight division.
5. Zhang Weili (China) – UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion.
Zhang Weili is still the queen of the women’s strawweight as she successfully defends her title for a third time in 2025. Her dominance, stamina, and devastating striking accuracy put her among the best in all women’s MMA.
Conclusion
These warriors have achieved titles and formed a sport due to their influence and talent. They are at the top of the heap in martial arts stardom in 2025, a source of inspiration to future generations of fighters worldwide.
