Tom Aspinall, the interim UFC heavyweight champion, has shared his bold predictions for the champions expected to dominate the octagon by the end of 2025. With a highly anticipated fight against Jon Jones on the horizon, Aspinall has taken time to weigh in on the potential male titleholders across eight divisions.
Tom Aspinall Predicts the UFC Champions to Watch by 2025
As Aspinall prepares for his own quest for undisputed gold, his predictions bring attention to fighters who are either rising through the ranks or already holding titles. Among his picks, he sees strong potential in some divisions while expressing doubt about certain champions’ ability to maintain their grip on the belt.
The UFC landscape is already heating up with high-stakes fights on the calendar. Merab Dvalishvili is set to defend his bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January, marking a critical showdown for the division. Meanwhile, in the welterweight division, Belal Muhammad secured the title earlier this year after defeating Leon Edwards. Despite Edwards’ plans to headline UFC London in March, the road back to the title seems uncertain.
“It’d be between Merab [Dvalishvili] and Umar [Nurmagomedov],” Aspinall said about bantamweight champion.
“It’s an interesting fight, but I would back Merab, I think.”
In flyweight action, Alexandre Pantoja continues to hold his place at the top, though challenges from younger contenders may shake up the division by 2025. Elsewhere, the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions present a mix of established champions and emerging threats, leaving room for significant changes over the next year.
“I mean, I would have to choose Muhammad Mokaev, but he’s gone,” Aspinall said to TNT Sports.
“So Pantoja, I’d say he’ll still be there this time next year.”
“Featherweight… Hmm… I’d say Lerone Murphy will be getting up there this time next year,” Aspinall added.
“But I still don’t think he’ll have won a title just yet. I think that’ll be probably the year after.”
“I think Ilia Topuria will still be champion this time next year. Easy, easy.
“Islam [Makhachev] is going to be the [lightweight] champion. Again, next year.
“I think Belal [Muhammad] is massively underrated, and he’s still going to be the [welterweight] champion next year.”
👑Tom Aspinall predicts every UFC Champion in 2025:
Flyweight: Alexandre Pantoja
Bantamweight: Merab Dvalishvili
Featherweight: Ilia Topuria
Lightweight: Islam Makhachev
Welterweight: Belal Muhammad
Middleweight: Khamzat Chimaev
Light Heavyweight: Ankalaev / Pereira… pic.twitter.com/6K44LHjc8Z— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 28, 2024
As for the heavyweight division, all eyes are on Aspinall’s potential clash with Jon Jones. With the heavyweight belt on the line, it’s clear that Aspinall envisions himself leading the division as its undisputed champion by the end of 2025.
While some of his predictions are based on the current trajectory of fighters, others hint at unexpected developments that could redefine the UFC’s hierarchy. Aspinall’s picks underline the dynamic nature of the sport, where one fight can change everything.
“Right. I’ve picked against Dricus [Du Plessis] so many times, and I’m not going to do it again,” Aspiall added.
“I think Alex Pereira [ light heavyweight title holder]. Ah, I don’t know. I think he’s got a tough fight with Magomed Ankalaev. I think that’s a really tough fight, so I don’t know.
“I don’t know in that one. I’m going to be on the fence. It’s going to be one of them two. It’s either going to be Ankalaev or Pereira.”
“But I think to say that Khamzat Chimaev is not going to be a champion this time next year is just silly, so I’m going to say Khamzat.
“I’m going to say me this time next year, yeah. Definitely.” when asked about who will be heavyweight champion.
As the New Year approaches, fans eagerly anticipate not just Aspinall’s showdown with Jones but also the unfolding storylines in every division. The next 12 months promise to be pivotal, with champions emerging and divisions evolving.
