Subscribe
Follow Us
The UFC landscape is in a perpetual state of flux, with champions rising and falling, legends making their final stands, and new contenders emerging from the shadows. As the sport continues to evolve, so too does the technology used to analyze and predict its future. Artificial intelligence, and specifically ChatGPT, has become a powerful tool for fans and analysts seeking to forecast the next wave of UFC titleholders.
The past year has already seen dramatic title changes and unforgettable moments, with new stars capturing the imagination of fans and shifting the balance of power in several divisions. But what does the future hold? As we look ahead, ChatGPT’s predictions provide a compelling glimpse into the potential end-of-year champions across every UFC weight class. These projections are not just educated guesses; they synthesize fight data, career trajectories, stylistic matchups, and even the intangibles that make MMA so unpredictable.
Will dominant champions like Islam Makhachev and Zhang Weili maintain their reigns, or will surging contenders like Tom Aspinall and Khamzat Chimaev usher in a new era? From the heavyweight giants to the strawweight dynamos, here’s a division-by-division breakdown of who ChatGPT predicts will be holding UFC gold as 2025 draws to a close.
Heavyweight: Tom Aspinall
AI models across the board are bullish on Tom Aspinall’s prospects at heavyweight. The British powerhouse, known for his speed and finishing ability, has already defended his interim title and is widely expected to either dethrone Jon Jones or inherit the undisputed belt should Jones retire or vacate. Aspinall’s youth, athleticism, and knockout power make him the frontrunner in a division that’s long been ruled by aging legends.
Light Heavyweight: Magomed Ankalaev
The light heavyweight division remains one of the most volatile, but AI sees Magomed Ankalaev as a likely candidate to retain his belt through 2025, despite looming threats from the former champion Alex Pereira. Pereira’s striking has proven effective against top-tier competition and is still a threat even coming off the recent defeat.
Middleweight: Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev is the name on all ChatGPT's list when it comes to the middleweight crown. After a dominant run capped by a first-round submission over Robert Whittaker, Chimaev’s blend of wrestling and finishing ability makes him the consensus pick to seize the title from Dricus du Plessis or any other contender. ChatGPT notes that Chimaev is “a man on a mission, leaving destruction in his wake,” and his undefeated record only bolsters his case as 2025’s likely middleweight king.
Welterweight: Shavkat Rakhmonov
The welterweight division is primed for a changing of the guard. While Belal Muhammad’s consistency and tactical prowess have kept him at the top, ChatGPT models are increasingly favoring Shavkat Rakhmonov to break through. Rakhmonov’s undefeated streak and high finishing rate make him a formidable threat.
Lightweight: Islam Makhachev
Few divisions are as locked down as lightweight, where Islam Makhachev’s reign is projected to continue. ChatGPT forecasts cite his dominant grappling, striking improvements, and tactical acumen as reasons he could “hold onto the belt for as long as he desires.” With no clear challenger on the horizon, Makhachev is expected to remain the man to beat at 155 pounds through the end of the year.
Featherweight: Alexander Volkanovski
With Topuria vacating, Volkanovski reclaimed the title and, despite recent losses, is expected to leverage his experience and skill to hold the division against new contenders, at least through 2025.
Bantamweight: Merab Dvalishvili
Merab Dvalishvili recently defended his title against Umar Nurmagomedov, proving his relentless style is hard to solve. He’s expected to keep the belt, as he’s on a historic win streak and has already beaten the division’s most dangerous challenger.
Flyweight: Alexandre Pantoja
Pantoja remains the consensus pick, with most ChatGPT believing his skillset and recent performances put him ahead of the pack. Manel Kape is a dark horse, but Pantoja’s consistency gives him the nod
Women’s Strawweight: Zhang Weili
Zhang has looked dominant and is expected to remain champion, with her well-rounded game and improvements in wrestling and grappling keeping her ahead of the field.
Women’s Flyweight: Valentina Shevchenko
Despite a division that’s slowly catching up, Valentina Shevchenko’s experience and skill set keep her in ChatGPT's good graces as the reigning flyweight queen. While she may not be as dominant as in years past, Shevchenko is still “a difficult opponent for anyone in the division,” and ChatGPT expects her to fend off all challengers through 2025.
Women’s Bantamweight: Kayla Harrison
The arrival of Kayla Harrison is expected to shake up the women’s bantamweight division. AI models overwhelmingly predict that her Olympic-level grappling and physicality will allow her to dethrone Julianna Peña and establish a new era at 135 pounds. Harrison’s transition from PFL to UFC is seen as a game-changer, with ChatGPT forecasting her as the division’s champion by year’s end
