Most Boring UFC Weight Divisions Going Into 2025

Dana White and Co. ended 2024 on a high note, as the action-packed year was a cherry on top for every division. We witnessed Islam Makhachev cement his place at 155lbs, thrilling bouts in the featherweight division, fiery clashes in the light-heavyweight division, and dominance in the bantamweight division, among others. However, some divisions may need to improve as we head into 2025.

So today, we decided to treat you with a list of the top divisions within the promotion that have to add a tad bit of excitement as they have been termed as boring. So without any ado, let’s get right into it!

The flyweight division: No popularity in fan base

Arguably, the flyweight division has been the most stagnant in the history of the promotion, and its condition has only worsened as we move toward 2025. There are many fighters at 125lbs, who have the power and skillset to become champions but what they lack is star power. After the exodus of Demetrious Johnson, the lightest men’s division has felt stuck. It must be noted that the promotion as well as Dana White has had a disdain for the division with attempts to inject new life failing every now and then.

What is the other factor that keeps the division out of reach for the general viewership? It’s the fact that there are no challengers. Alexandre Pantoja has been such a dominant force that the promotion had to call on former Rizin bantamweight champion, Kai Asakura to fight him. However, the Japanese sensation failed in his UFC debut and got dominated at UFC 310.

For the unversed, the same misery has always doomed the 125lbs division, even when it had ‘Mighty Mouse’ as the reigning champ. And the same fate has followed the Brazilian, owing to his constant dominance. However, this might change in the future as Deiveson Figueiredo has called out Pantoja for a flyweight title fight in 2025. If this fight goes down, the division might get some star power. Regardless, let us jump three divisions up and move to the welterweight division!

The welterweight division: Where is the action?

Rory MacDonald vs. Robbie Lawler 2 remains one of the most unforgettable and brutal battles in UFC history, a blood-soaked war that redefined the welterweight division. Both fighters left everything in the Octagon, delivering a performance that set a new benchmark for grit, skill, and heart in the sport.

That era of welterweight greatness was defined by fierce rivalries and nonstop action. Legends like Georges St-Pierre, Robbie Lawler, Carlos Condit, Rory MacDonald, Nick Diaz, Tyron Woodley, Matt Hughes, and many others shaped the division’s legacy with their electrifying bouts and compelling narratives. However, it seems the new generation of welterweights has struggled to live up to the lofty standards set by their predecessors. The once-dominant division, brimming with drama and excitement, appears to have lost some of its luster.

The dynamics at 170lbs have shifted, and what was once a thriving weight class now appears stagnant. Kamaru Usman’s reign marked a high point in the modern era, as ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ brought much-needed star power, charisma, and thrilling performances to the division. However, after losing his title to Leon Edwards in 2022, the trajectory of the 170-pound division took a dramatic turn.

Leon Edwards proved to be a capable champion, delivering exciting fights and keeping the division afloat. Yet, despite his skills, ‘Rocky’ lacked the star power to fully revive the division from its steady decline. Things took a darker turn when Edwards lost to Belal Muhammad, leaving the division’s future looking grim.

Muhammad, though undeniably effective and skilled, has struggled to capture the hearts of fans. Much of the MMA community labels him a “boring” fighter due to his tendency to win via decision rather than highlight-reel finishes. His calculated approach, while successful, has done little to reignite the division’s excitement. The state of the welterweight division now seems uncertain, with fans yearning for the drama and rivalries of its golden era.

As UFC CEO Dana White faces increasing pressure to restore the 170-pound division to its former glory, he must also address the struggles of another weight class in limbo: the heavyweight division. Both divisions are at a crossroads, and the UFC’s next moves will be pivotal in shaping their future.

The heavyweight division: What after Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

The heavyweight division, once regarded as the UFC’s crown jewel, has seen its relevance wane due to prolonged inactivity and repeated holdups. There was a time when it was ruled by titans like Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, Brock Lesnar, Stipe Miocic, Alistair Overeem, and others. These fighters brought star power, rivalries, and memorable battles to the division. However, their retirements left a void that the new generation of heavyweights has struggled to fill.

The arrival of Jon Jones in the heavyweight division was seen as the perfect solution—a chance to restore its former glory and excitement. Yet, the opposite has happened. Since capturing the heavyweight title at UFC 285, Jones has defended his belt only once, leaving fans and analysts frustrated with the lack of activity.

The most anticipated fight in the division right now is Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion. However, this matchup remains shrouded in uncertainty. Jones has seemingly avoided committing to the fight, raising questions about his willingness to face the rising star.

It’s fair to say that Jones has been holding up the division, brimming with star potential but stuck in a rut due to a lack of title clashes. As we move into 2025, the head honcho seems determined to breathe new life into the division, reportedly pushing for a showdown between Jones and the Englishman. A clash of this magnitude could reignite the heavyweight division and restore its prestige.

The question remains: will the reigning champion agree to the UFC’s plans? Jon Jones has yet to fully commit, and fans are left wondering whether this pivotal fight will finally materialize or continue to exist as a “what if” scenario. What’s your take on the current state of the three divisions we mentioned and their potential future? State your thoughts in the comments below!