UFC Midyear Division Review 2025

As we reach the halfway point of 2025, the UFC has delivered a mix of thrilling matches and disappointing performances across its divisions. Here's a detailed look at each division's performance so far:

Heavyweight: F

Best Fight So Far: Jailton Almeida defeats Serghei Spivac by first-round knockout

Best Fight to Come: Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane (unofficial)

Analysis: The heavyweight division has been lackluster, largely due to Jon Jones' prolonged retirement. The Jones vs. Stipe Miocic title fight felt more like a legacy exhibition. However, Tom Aspinall's active approach offers hope for the future.

Light Heavyweight: B+

Best Fight So Far: Magomed Ankalaev defeats Alex Pereira by unanimous decision

Best Fight to Come: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 (unofficial)

Analysis: The 205-pound division has been surprisingly strong. The championship shakeup from Pereira to Ankalaev was a major storyline. Dominick Reyes' resurgence and the emergence of new contenders like Carlos Ulberg add excitement.

Middleweight: C

Best Fight So Far: Roman Kopylov defeats Chris Curtis by third-round knockout

Best Fight to Come: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev (UFC 319 on Aug. 16)

Analysis: The middleweight division has been solid, but the UFC 312 title fight between Du Plessis and Sean Strickland was a letdown. The upcoming Du Plessis vs. Chimaev bout promises to be one of the year's most intriguing matchups.

Welterweight: A

Best Fight So Far: Jack Della Maddalena defeats Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision

Best Fight to Come: Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev (unofficial)

Analysis: Welterweight has been incredibly entertaining. Despite aging talent at the top, the division has delivered high drama in contender fights. The potential title fight between Della Maddalena and Makhachev could be a highlight of the year.

Lightweight: C-

Best Fight So Far: Rongzhu defeats Kody Steele by unanimous decision

Best Fight to Come: Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett (unofficial)

Analysis: Lightweight has had a slow start, with several high-profile fights falling through. However, the upcoming Poirier vs. Holloway trilogy and Topuria's first title defense offer hope for a stronger second half.

Featherweight: B

Best Fight So Far: Alexander Volkanovski defeats Diego Lopes by unanimous decision

Best Fight to Come: Lopes vs. Jean Silva (Noche UFC on Sept. 13)

Analysis: Featherweight has been solid, with Volkanovski reclaiming the throne and the emergence of new talent like Jean Silva. The division is poised for an explosive second half.

Men's Bantamweight: B-

Best Fight So Far: Merab Dvalishvili defeats Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision

Best Fight to Come: Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen (unofficial)

Analysis: Dvalishvili has carried the division with top-notch performances. However, the rest of the division has been underwhelming. A potential Dvalishvili vs. Sandhagen bout could elevate the division.

Men's Flyweight: B

Best Fight So Far: Joshua Van defeats Brandon Royval by unanimous decision

Best Fight to Come: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Van (unofficial)

Analysis: Joshua Van has been a standout, with his skills and swag drawing comparisons to Max Holloway. Pantoja continues to solidify his legacy, making the flyweight division one to watch.

Women's Bantamweight: F

Best Fight So Far: Kayla Harrison defeats Julianna Peña by second-round submission

Best Fight to Come: Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes (unofficial)

Analysis: The women's bantamweight division is in a dire state, with Kayla Harrison being the only bright spot. The upcoming Harrison vs. Nunes bout could be one of the year's biggest fights.

Women's Flyweight: C

Best Fight So Far: Jasmine Jasudavicius defeats Jessica Andrade by first-round submission

Best Fight to Come: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Natalia Silva (unofficial)

Analysis: The women's flyweight division has had its ups and downs. Shevchenko continues to dominate, but the excitement around her title reign has waned. Natalia Silva's emergence offers hope for a more compelling second half.

Strawweight: D+

Best Fight So Far: Alice Ardelean defeats Rayanne dos Santos by unanimous decision

Best Fight to Come: Zhang Weili vs. Virna Jandiroba (unofficial)

Analysis: The strawweight division has been underwhelming, with Zhang Weili being the only standout. The division needs more than just Zhang to improve its rating in the second half.