Discussing Every Male UFC Champion’s Biggest Threat: From Welterweight Through Heavyweight
In 2025, UFC Champions are better than they have ever been. In terms of domination, few champions have separated themselves from their division-mates. However, everyone’s gotta lose at some point. Even these champions. Here are the fighters that have the best chance at dethroning each champion.
Welterweight: Islam Makhachev
The former Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, vacated his championship with one goal in mind: to win the Welterweight Championship. Newly crowned Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena is more than happy to welcome Makhachev to the division. Della Maddalena showed improved takedown defense in his championship-winning performance against Belal Muhammad. However, if there is one aspect of fighting that Della Maddalena has struggled with over his impressive UFC run, it is grappling. Islam Makhachev is believed to be one of, if not the greatest, wrestlers in the UFC today. Touted as Khabib Nurmagomedov with striking, Makhachev will look to avoid Della Maddalena’s striking and get the fight to the ground.
Middleweight: Khamzat Chimaev
Dricus Du Plessis will defend his Middleweight Championship against undefeated phenom Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. The fight, which is potentially the biggest bout in Middleweight history, will determine the shape of the division for years to come. Dricus Du Plessis has solidified himself as one of the all-time greatest Middleweights. Du Plessis, who may not be the most technically impressive fighter in the world, somehow always seems to win. Khamzat Chimaev, on the other hand, is perhaps the single most dominant wrestler the UFC has ever seen. Chimaev will without a doubt have the advantage on the ground, but will most likely be a step behind the South African in the standup.
Light Heavyweight: Alex Pereira
At UFC 313, the UFC’s biggest star, Alex Pereira, lost his Light Heavyweight Championship to Magomed Ankalaev. The bout was rather close, with many fans believing Pereira did enough to retain his championship. However, the wrestling of Ankalaev and hesitation on the feet from Pereira was enough for the Russian to get the nod from the judges. At UFC 320, Alex Pereira will have a chance at redemption. Pereira has the tools needed to defeat Ankalaev. The power and accuracy of ‘Poatan’ give him a puncher's chance in every fight he is in. If Pereira can pressure Ankalaev early on, while utilizing his dangerous leg kicks, the former Light Heavyweight Champion could regain his championship once again.
Heavyweight: Jailton Almeida
Despite UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall having a fight booked with Cyril Gane, expect the British champion to earn his first undisputed defense. Jailton Almeida is one fight away from challenging for the Heavyweight Championship. Almeida is the best grappler in the Heavyweight Division by a long shot. After suffering a first-round knockout loss to Curtis Blaydes back in 2024, Almeida improved his striking, finishing his next two opponents. Almeida is perhaps the only fighter who could truly threaten Tom Aspinall in the bare Heavyweight Division. With suffocating wrestling and dominant ju-jitsu, Almeida could become the Heavyweight Champion by 2026.
