In 2025, there were 12 new world champions crowned in the UFC. Valentina Shevchenko and Alex Pereira were the only two fighters in 2025 to start and finish the calendar year as UFC champions. Pereira lost to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 but regained the title in October at UFC 320.
With the UFC’s 2025 schedule in the books, let’s look ahead to how things will play out in each division in 2026. DraftKings Sportsbook offers future bets for who will be UFC champions on December 31, 2026.
Below, Ryan Wohl and Cooper Albers give their best UFC future bets for all eight Men’s divisions and Women’s Strawweight and Bantamweight.
Men’s UFC Heavyweight
Ryan Wohl: Tom Aspinall (-180)
Tom Aspinall faced Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, but the fight ended via a no-contest after Gane poked Aspinall in the eye. But before that, Aspinall successfully defended the Interim title two times. Aspinall is likely to have a rematch against Gane at the start of 2026. Even though Gane found some success against Aspinall, if Aspinall is more aggressive, he is likely to win. Besides his injury against Curtis Blaydes, Aspinall hasn’t suffered a legitimate loss since 2016.
Cooper Albers: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (+1500)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (16–2) fought five times in 2025, capping a 4–1 stretch with back-to-back first-round knockouts to jump to No. 5 in the heavyweight rankings. While Tom Aspinall is likely to run it back with Ciryl Gane, “Salsa Boy” seems poised to slide into the title conversation if he can take care of business against Derrick Lewis in January. And in a division where every fighter has a puncher’s chance, I’m rolling with the former Cincinnati Reds pitcher who throws knockout blows like they’re 90 mile per hour fastballs.
Men’s UFC Light Heavyweight
Ryan Wohl: Jiri Prochazka (+600)
Even though Khamzat Chimaev is coming off a dominant victory against Dricus Du Plessis, it is still surprising to see him as the favorite at -150 to end 2026 as the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. With current Champion Alex Pereira having his sights set on the Heavyweight division, a vacant title fight could be made in 2026. Former 205-pound king Jiri Prochazka would be at the front of the line if Pereira moves up, making him an excellent value play at +600 to be champion come December 31, 2026.
Cooper Albers: Khamzat Chimaev (-150)
It feels increasingly likely that reigning middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev (15–0) will bulk up to 205 pounds and pursue double-champ status in 2026. The UFC’s boogeyman bulldozed his way through the 185-pound division en route to the throne in August, and there’s little evidence to suggest light heavyweight would present a different outcome. Chimaev’s sporadic activity also factors into this projection. Oft hampered by injuries and health issues, there’s a realistic scenario in which “Borz” wins the belt in 2026 and doesn’t defend it until the following year.
Men’s UFC Middleweight
Ryan Wohl: Khamat Chimaev (-350)
This isn’t great value, obviously, but considering Khamzat Chimaev is coming off a dominant victory to win the title, it doesn’t seem like there will be anyone to stop him in the near future. Chimaev isnt the most active fighter as he has only fought once in each of the last three years. A move to light heavyweight could be possible, but even he has stated the plan is to defend the 185-pound title first. A matchup against Nassourdine Imavov in the first quarter of 2026 is most likely to occur, which favors Chimaev.
Cooper Albers: Nassourdine Imavov (+300)
Considering recent history, Khamzat Chimaev would likely have to vacate his middleweight title to move up to light heavyweight, clearing the path for a new 185-champion by the end of the year. Enter Nassourdine Imavov (17–4), the No. 2-ranked contender on a five-fight winning streak. Nicknamed “The Sniper,” the French striker punctuated his surge with a pair of statement victories: a second-round knockout of former champ Israel Adesanya and a unanimous decision win over No. 7 Caio Borralho, who hadn’t lost in nearly a decade.
Men’s UFC Welterweight
Ryan Wohl: Ian Machado Garry (+500)
Since Islam Makhachev is a -200 to still be the Welterweight Champion at the end of 2026, I’m taking a chance on Ian Machado Garry at +500. Garry is coming off two impressive top 10 victories against Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad. Even though he lost last year to Shvkat Rakhmonov, he has shown an improved skillset this year that should give him a chance against someone like Makhachev.
Cooper Albers: Michael Morales (+500)
Ian Machado Garry likely earned the next shot at Islam Makhachev after his statement win over former champ Belal Muhammad. While Shavkat Rakhmonov is still knocking on the door, his limited activity should keep him out of the title picture for the foreseeable future. That perfectly sets up a compelling No. 1 contender bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales (19–0). The undefeated, 26-year-old striker boasts 14 knockouts and has finished each of his last three fights in the first round. With a strong, 89% takedown defense, Morales poses a serious threat to whoever holds the belt when he finally gets his opportunity.
Men’s UFC Lightweight
Ryan Wohl: Arman Tsarukyan (+200)
Arman Tsarukyan is coming off a submission win over Dan Hooker in November and is making himself undeniable for another opportunity at gold. With Ilia Topuria not active, Tsarukyan should be able to get a title shot in 2026. If he does, there is a good chance he would be a favorite against Paddy Pimblett or Justin Gaethje, who are fighting for the Interim title in January. You can get Tsarukyan to be the Lightweight Champion at +200 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Cooper Albers: Ilia Topuria (-200)
Reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria (17–0) announced he will be out of action until at least April 2026 to address a personal matter. His absence has set up an interim title bout between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, which will headline UFC’s first numbered event Paramount+ in January. Topuria’s initial plan to move up to 170 pounds for a super-fight against Islam Makhachev is now likely delayed, as a pending unification bout with either Pimblett or Gaethje — and an inevitable title shot for Arman Tsarukyan — could keep “El Matador” at 155 pounds for the foreseeable future.
Men’s UFC Featherweight
Ryan Wohl: Alexander Volkanovski (+170)
Getting Volk at +170 to continue his Featherweight reign until the end of 2026 is a good play considering his next fight on January 31 is against Diego Lopes, whom he previously beat. If Volkanovski can get past Lopes, he would most likely face Lerone Murphy or Movsar Evloev next. Volk proved in his last fight that even at 37, he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Lopes, Murphy, and Evloev are all talented, but it is hard not back Volk until someone besides Topuria or Makhachev stops him.
Cooper Albers: Movsar Evloev (+350)
While featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski has dispelled retirement rumors ahead of his title rematch with Diego Lopes in January, it feels increasingly unlikely that the 37-year-old legend will still hold the belt by year’s end. The division is brimming with emerging contenders, headlined by undefeated No. 1 contender Movsar Evloev (19–0). A string of injuries and fight cancellations sidelined the 31-year-old Russian for all of 2025, but he has already logged wins over Dan Ige, Lopes, Arnold Allen, and former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling on his rise to the top.
Men’s UFC Bantamweight
Ryan Wohl: Merab Dvalishvili (+150)
Dvalishvili is coming off a loss to Petr Yan at UFC 323, but since he was a dominant champion, he should receive another title shot in 2026. Even though Yan had a tremendous performance against Dvalishvili, the former champion has all the tools to become a two-time 135-pound champion. If Dvalishvili rests and takes time off, getting him at +150 to finish 2026 as Bantamweight Champion is doable.
Cooper Albers: Merab Dvalishvili (+150)
Petr Yan stunned the MMA world with a masterclass upset in his rematch against longtime bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili (21–5) earlier this month. But here’s the thing about a one-in-a-million performance like Yan’s: It’s extremely unlikely for him to do it again. Dvalishvili is expected to take a much-needed break from the Octagon after defending his belt four times in 2025. An immediate title shot feels inevitable upon his return, giving “The Machine” the chance to resume his mission fully recharged — and with a point to prove.
Men’s UFC Flyweight
Ryan Wohl: Manel Kape (+600)
After picking up three consecutive knockouts in the last year, Manel Kape has become a legit title contender. If Alexandre Pantoja is unable to be Joshua Van’s next opponent due to his injury recovery, Kape should be next. Van is an unbelievable striker, but Kape might have the power advantage over him and will present a ton of problems for the new champion in a potential fight. This is an incredible value, getting Kape at +600 to be the Flyweight Champion at the end of 2026, since he proven to be a real threat recently.
Cooper Albers: Joshua Van (+300)
Despite winning the flyweight championship in anticlimactic fashion, Joshua Van (16–2) remains one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. Former champ Alexandre Pantoja is likely to be sidelined for an extended period after a gruesome elbow injury, and it’s uncertain whether the 35-year-old Brazilian will return at the same level. Van, 24, faces tough competition from the likes of Manel Kape and Tatsuro Taira, but “The Fearless” welcomes every challenge — with welcome arms and closed fists.
Women’s UFC Bantamweight
Ryan Wohl: Kayla Harrison (-120)
Kayla Harrison beat Juliana Pena for the title in June and has a scheduled fight against former champion Amanda Nunes in January. Although Nunes has an elite resume and is the most accomplished women’s fighter in UFC history, she is coming off a significant layoff. If Harrison gets past Nunes in January, there aren’t any other clear contenders.
Cooper Albers: Valentina Shevchenko (+200)
There’s not much left for flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko (26–4–1) to accomplish at 125 pounds. She accounts for 11 of the division’s 13 title fight wins while defeating the best the division has to offer. Rather than stick around for more title defenses, it’s possible that “Bullet” gets lured back up to bantamweight. Although Amanda Nunes is unlikely to stick around for a trilogy bout after her pending super-fight with defending champ Kayla Harrison, the intrigue at 135 pounds could see Shevchenko pursue another legacy fight with Harrison for the elusive bantamweight crown.
Women’s UFC Strawweight
Ryan Wohl: Zhang Weili (+250)
Zhang Weili won four consecutive title fights at Strawweight before moving up to challenge Valentina Shevchenko. Even though she is coming off a loss, Weili should reenter the title picture at 115 pounds since she is a former champion in the division. Since Weili has a chance to be favored in a potential fight against the champion Makenzie Dern, backing her at +250 is an excellent value play given her upside.
Cooper Albers: Zhang Weili (+250)
After vacating her strawweight title and falling short against flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko, Zhang Weili (26–4) can return to regularly scheduled programming: Dominating the 115-pound division. Tied with Joanna Jedrzejczyk for the most title fight wins in strawweight history, Weili is poised to make history once more by reclaiming her belt against current champ Mackenzie Dern, who rose to the top in Weili’s absence. If successful, she will have already defeated four of the division’s top five contenders.