One of the biggest UFC stars and one of the biggest PFL stars both hold titles and both come from the same gym.
Part of a team that seldom loses, Eagles MMA continued to add to its trophy case in 2025 with Islam Makhachev‘s addition of UFC welterweight gold and Usman Nurmagomedov’s addition of PFL lightweight gold.
Now, it can also add 2025 MMA Junkie Gym of the Year.
Makhachev first defeated Renato Moicano in a lightweight title defense before he dominated Jack Della Maddalena in a weight class 15 pounds above to become two-division champion.
Nurmagomedov defeated Paul Hughes twice in the calendar year over the course of 10 rounds and became the promotion’s inaugural (non-tournament) champion.
Add the success of others like Umar Nurmagomedov and Magomed Zaynukov, and the team remains one of the most dominant forces in mixed martial arts history.
All-time great and former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is driving the ship, with his longtime coach Javier Mendez also continuing to pass down knowledge to the next generation of champions.
It should be noted 2025 PFL Featherweight World Tournament winner Movlid Khaybulaev tested positive for a prohibited substance ahead of its final, with PFL removing the accolade from his resume and a suspension likely coming from the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (NJSACB). Despite what the detractors say, Khaybulaev, at least at this point in time, appears to be an exception – not the rule.
Honorable mentions
As MMA continues to expand, dominance across an entire gym has become increasingly rare. But these three gyms emerged as serious, under-the-radar players in the MMA landscape and could be taking home the award in 2026 if they keep it up.
- Bangtao Muaythai – Phuket, Thailand
- Team Ott – France
- GOR MMA – Moscow, Russia
