We’re kicking off the second half of 2025! The UFC world has witnessed seven pay-per-view events and fifteen Fight Night cards, held in eight US states and seven international countries. We’ve seen the crowning of six new champions (one without needing to fight), six title defenses, and countless spectacular knockouts, submissions, and decisions.Despite the excitement, not everything has been perfect. Some divisions have disappointed, especially in categories that used to be synonymous with spectacle. Halfway through the UFC calendar, we analyze the performance of each division, evaluating the quality of the fights and the activity of the fighters.
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Analysis of the Divisions
Here’s the analysis of each category, with its best fights and expectations for the rest of the year.Heavyweight: F
The heavyweight division has been disappointing. The lack of activity and the wait for key fights have affected its performance. The most outstanding fight so far was Jailton Almeida’s knockout of Serghei Spivac in the first round.Hope is placed in the future, especially in the fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, although it is not yet official.The inactivity of Jon Jones, who retired, has stagnated the division, leaving little appeal for fans.Jon Jones is the main culprit for the current situation of the division.
Alofoke Deportes
Light Heavyweight: B+
Surprisingly, the 205-pound division has offered a good show. The fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, which ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Ankalaev, has been the highlight.The rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira promises to be another great event. The division has shown a notable improvement, with the return of Dominick Reyes and the rise of new contenders.Middleweight: C
The middleweight division has had ups and downs. The fight between Roman Kopylov and Chris Curtis, with a knockout in the third round, has been the best so far.The clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev in August promises to be one of the most exciting fights of the year. In addition, Reinier de Ridder and Robert Whittaker, along with Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, also promise great matchups.Welterweight: A
The welterweight division has been one of the most exciting of 2025. The fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad, which ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Della Maddalena, was a great event.With Islam Makhachev seeking the title, this division could be the most attractive for the rest of the year.Lightweight: C-
The lightweight division needs to improve. The pay-per-view card at the start of the year was a disaster, and several important fights were canceled due to injuries.However, there is hope, with the expected fight between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, and the possible defense of Ilia Topuria’s title.Peso Pluma: B
The featherweight division has performed well. Alexander Volkanovski regained the throne in a very entertaining fight.Patricio Pitbull’s debut in the UFC and the emergence of new talents have added excitement. The fights of Aaron Pico, Jean Silva, and Brian Ortega promise great emotions in the second half of the year.Men’s Bantamweight: B-
Merab Dvalishvili has been the engine of this division. His two fights have been high-level.The division has had ups and downs, but Dvalishvili has proven to be one of the most exciting fighters in the sport.Men’s Flyweight: B
Joshua Van has been the big revelation in the flyweight division. His next title fight against Alexandre Pantoja is highly anticipated.Pantoja, for his part, is consolidating as one of the best of all time.
Women’s Bantamweight: F
This division is the most disappointing in the UFC right now. Kayla Harrison is the only one who stands out, and her fight against Amanda Nunes could be one of the most important of the year.The lack of activity and quality fights have negatively affected this category.Women’s Flyweight: C
The women’s flyweight division has had ups and downs. Valentina Shevchenko remains dominant, but interest in her fights has waned.The fight between Natalia Silva and Alexa Grasso was a highlight. The division is expecting a better second half of the year.Women’s Strawweight: D+
The strawweight division has performed poorly. The fight between Alice Ardelean and Rayanne dos Santos was the highlight.Zhang Weili remains the center of attention, but the division needs more talent to improve its ranking.
