Here’s a rewritten version of the content in my own words:
Several UFC championships have changed hands recently, making 2025 another pivotal year for wrestlers in the sport.
A major figure today, Alex Pereira, lost his title to Magomed Ankalaev but reclaimed it a few months later at UFC 320. Fighters like Ilya Topria and Islam Makhachev have followed strategic career moves, changing weight classes and building their legacies. As 2025 winds down, here are my predictions for UFC champions across divisions by the end of 2026.
Women’s Strawweight – Weili Zhang
Although Weili Zhang regained the strawweight title in 2025, her attempt to move up to flyweight ended in a loss to Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 322. Zhang has dominated the 115-pound division but lacks notable challengers there. With Mackenzie Dern currently leading the division, it makes sense for Zhang to focus back on strawweight, where I foresee her reclaiming the title before eventually retiring.
Women’s Flyweight – Natalia Silva
Facing Shevchenko is a daunting challenge given Shevchenko’s peak performance and status as a top pound-for-pound female fighter. At UFC 322, Shevchenko dominated Zhang decisively. However, I predict Natalia Silva will emerge as the 125-pound champion by the end of 2026, potentially without needing to face Shevchenko if she vacates the flyweight title to pursue bantamweight.
Women’s Bantamweight – Kayla Harrison
This division remains unpredictable, owing to a thin roster and promotional uncertainties. Kayla Harrison, the current champ, is set to defend her title against Amanda Nunes, who is making a comeback. While I expected Nunes to win, I believe she might retire again soon, leaving Harrison to retain her belt through 2026.
Men’s Flyweight – Muhamad Mokaev
In a bold prediction, I foresee former UFC star Muhamad Mokaev returning to the promotion in 2026 and capturing the flyweight title. His outstanding performance outside UFC in 2025 highlights what the organization has missed. Current champ Joshua Bunn could face serious competition from Mokaev soon.
Men’s Bantamweight – Umar Nurmagomedov
I expect Merab Dvalishvili to move up to featherweight after his third bout with Petr Yan. Although Dvalishvili might lose his bantamweight title at UFC 323, he is likely to regain it next year. This would pave the way for Umar Nurmagomedov to step into the bantamweight division.
Men’s Featherweight – Merab Dvalishvili
Uncertainty surrounds whether Dvalishvili will face Alexander Volkanovskiy or if Volkanovskiy will vacate the title, giving Dvalishvili a shot at a second belt. Despite Volkanovskiy’s enduring presence in MMA, he might retire in 2026, opening opportunities for Dvalishvili, who I wouldn’t want to face next year.
Men’s Lightweight – Ilya Topria
Since moving up a weight class, Ilya Topria has looked unstoppable. In 2026, I predict he will maintain an undefeated streak, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. With Islam Makhachev unlikely to return to lightweight, Topria looks unbeatable in this division.
Men’s Welterweight – Islam Makhachev
Similar to Topria, Makhachev is embracing new challenges at welterweight after moving up from lightweight. Although there are fewer lightweight contenders, welterweight has many strong fighters. I see Makhachev defending his title twice in 2026 before possibly retiring at year’s end.
Men’s Middleweight – Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev has long awaited UFC gold and is unlikely to relinquish his title easily. I predict a tough first defense against Nassourdin Imavov, with Chimaev emerging victorious. After this mid-year defense, he may hold onto the middleweight crown through the end of 2026.
Men’s Light Heavyweight – Azamat Murzakhanov
This was my toughest prediction. The light heavyweight division, like the heavyweight one, suffers from a lack of viable contenders. Although Alex Pereira currently dominates and could become the first-ever three-division champ by moving up to heavyweight, I see Azamat Murzakhanov’s momentum pushing him to the top by 2026.
Men’s Heavyweight – Tom Aspinall
The heavyweight division has faced difficulties but must recover in 2026. I expect Tom Aspinall and Cyril Gane to secure victories early in the year, with Aspinall ultimately prevailing. Despite a slow year due to few challengers, Aspinall may set up a match against Francis Ngannou (Poitan) late in 2026 or early 2027.
Fan Take:
This forecast highlights exciting shifts and emerging talents that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. As UFC embraces new champions and potential retirements, the sport’s landscape evolves, promising fresh rivalries and historic milestones ahead.
