UFC champions come and go, however a few of them cement themselves in UFC historical past whereas others have shorter reigns than others. There’s been two title matches this 12 months up to now the place we noticed Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili defend their belts at UFC 311. This weekend at UFC 312 we are going to see if Dricus Du Plessis and Zhang Weili can do the identical in opposition to Sean Strickland and Tatiana Suarez.
UFC Champions – finish of 12 months Predictions
Heavyweight – Tom Aspinall (Present Interim Champion)
For the heavyweight division this might simply be Jon Jones, however my daring assertion is that Tom Aspinall will get the Jones battle this 12 months and hand him his first actual UFC loss and defy the chances. In much less thrilling style, Jones might additionally decide to retire or vacate the belt which might make Aspinall the undisputed champion. Both method I consider Aspinall shall be one of many UFC champions when 2025 involves an finish.
Mild Heavyweight – Alex Pereira (Present Champion)
Alex Pereira has been a celebrity within the UFC always getting finishes and has been of probably the most thrilling UFC champions. Regardless of being one of the energetic champions it’s arduous to ascertain him shedding the belt within the 205 division as he prepares to make his first protection in 2025 in opposition to Magomed Ankalaev.
Middleweight – Khamzat Chimaev (Present Rank No. 3)
Regardless of Dricus Du Plessis middleweight takeover and rematch arising with Sean Strickland, Khamzat Chimaev has appeared like an unstoppable pressure and might very effectively be subsequent up for a title shot.
Welterweight – Belal Muhammad (Present Champion)
I’m boldly predicting Belal Muhammad will defeat welterweight’s largest risk in Shavkat Rakhmonov after he was uncovered a bit in his victory over Ian Machado Garry. If Muhammad can get by means of that I consider he can end this 12 months because the champion.
Light-weight – Islam Makhachev (Present Champion)
After his victory at UFC 311, I strongly consider Makhachev is now the best light-weight of all time now holding probably the most title defenses within the division all time. I don’t suppose anybody is a big risk to dethrone him this 12 months cementing himself as one of many best UFC champions ever.
Featherweight – Ilia Topuria (Present Champion)
The one method I don’t see Ilia Topuria ending this 12 months because the featherweight champion is that if he decides to make the total transition as much as light-weight as there have been earlier rumblings about it. If he decides to remain, I don’t suppose there’s anybody fairly on his stage within the division in the meanwhile.
Bantamweight – Merab Dvalishvili (Present Champion)
Merab Dvalishvili silenced many doubters when he turned the primary individual to defeat Umar Nurmagomedov which was no simple job. His cardio proves to be an X-factor and it’s tough to ascertain any high contenders actually threatening his present reign. By the tip of 2025, Dvalishvili ought to stay one of many UFC champions.
Flyweight – Brandon Moreno (Present Rank No. 2)
I do know Brandon Moreno has already misplaced to the dominating Alexandre Pantoja twice, so it is a scorching take. I consider if Moreno will get a 3rd battle he can get it finished and at last shake up the division a bit by which Pantoja has been dominating. He’d be the most popular tackle right here to finish 2025 as one of many UFC champions.
