BETNOW's Official MMA Heavyweight Rankings

The Heavyweight division is one of the most exciting in all of MMA, with some of the sport's most formidable fighters battling for supremacy. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve. Let’s dive into the current rankings and what’s next for the top fighters in the division.

1. Tom Aspinall (15-3) | UFC 

Tom Aspinall has firmly established himself as one of the top heavyweights in the world. At UFC 304 on July 27, Aspinall delivered a thunderous first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes, showcasing his striking prowess and reinforcing his status as a future champion. Aspinall’s ability to dispatch top-tier opponents with such ease makes him a dangerous contender, and he’s now eyeing a potential unification bout with the reigning heavyweight champion, Jon Jones. With his explosive performances, Aspinall has earned a spot at the very top of these rankings, and the heavyweight division is on high alert as he looks to continue his dominant streak.

2. Jon Jones (28-1, 1 NC) | UFC 

Jon Jones is back and better than ever. In his second outing at heavyweight, "Bones" proved why he's still regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. At UFC 309, Jones faced former champion Stipe Miocic, and in typical Jones fashion, he dismantled the Croatian with a devastating mix of kicks, punches, and elbows. The fight ended in the third round with a spinning back kick to Miocic’s ribs. While some fans were critical of Jones’ matchmaking—citing the long-inactive Miocic over interim champ Tom Aspinall—Jones proved once again that he remains a dominant force in the division. His next challenge could very well be Aspinall, and should that fight materialize, it promises to be one of the most anticipated heavyweight clashes in recent memory.

3. Francis Ngannou (18-3) | PFL 

After a long hiatus from MMA, Francis Ngannou made an explosive return to the cage on October 19 in Saudi Arabia at PFL's “Battle of the Giants.” Despite a two-year absence and a challenging year personally, Ngannou showcased his usual terrifying knockout power, pounding out Renan Ferreira for a dominant win. The Cameroonian powerhouse has now won seven straight fights dating back to 2018, and while his future remains somewhat uncertain—especially after moving to the PFL—his status as one of the sport’s most feared heavyweights is undisputed. If Ngannou continues to compete regularly, he could once again be a major threat in the heavyweight landscape, especially with the PFL positioning him as their biggest star.

4. Ciryl Gane (12-2) | UFC 

Ciryl Gane is a dynamic and technical fighter, known for his fluid movement and striking precision. Gane recently got back on track with a dominant second-round TKO win over Sergey Spivak in the UFC Fight Night 226 main event. This victory was a much-needed rebound after his disappointing loss to Jon Jones at UFC 285, and it solidified Gane’s place as one of the top contenders in the division. Gane’s ability to outclass opponents with his speed and technique makes him a tough matchup for anyone, and he’ll look to prove himself further when he faces Alexander Volkov in a rematch at UFC 310.

5. Alexander Volkov (38-10) | UFC 

Alexander Volkov continues to impress with his experience and skill, maintaining his relevance in the heavyweight rankings. At UFC on ABC 6, Volkov earned a unanimous decision victory over his former sparring partner, Sergei Pavlovich, in a competitive three-round affair. The victory extended Volkov’s win streak to four, tying the longest winning run of his UFC career. The Russian heavyweight has been a mainstay at the top of the division for years, and with another high-stakes fight on the horizon against Ciryl Gane, Volkov has a chance to cement his position as a top contender once again.

The Heavyweight Division: What's Next?

The Heavyweight division is as exciting as ever, with several top fighters looking to make their mark. Tom Aspinall’s meteoric rise, Jon Jones’ dominance, and the potential of Francis Ngannou's continued success in the PFL have the division in a state of flux. Meanwhile, Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov remain dangerous threats, eager for another shot at the top. .

The matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall could be the defining fight in the division, with both fighters bringing different skill sets and motivations to the cage. While Jones has shown his near-flawless game at heavyweight, Aspinall’s explosive power and speed make him a formidable challenge.

The top heavyweights in MMA are all vying for the same coveted spot: the undisputed champion. As Jon Jones looks to continue his reign, Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, and others are ready to challenge for the title.

Light Heavyweight Division: The Battle for Supremacy

The Light Heavyweight division is brimming with talent, and it’s currently led by one of the most exciting and dominant fighters in the sport, "Poatan," Alex Pereira. However, contenders like Magomed Ankalaev, Vadim Nemkov, Jiri Prochazka, and others are all vying for their chance at the top. Let’s break down the rankings and where each fighter stands in this thrilling division.

1. Alex Pereira (12-2) | UFC 

Alex Pereira has been nothing short of sensational since moving to Light Heavyweight, with an undefeated 5-0 record in the division. His recent victory at UFC 307 on October 5 was another testament to his skill and power, as he overcame a tough challenge from Khalil Rountree and secured a dominant win with a fourth-round TKO. With three successful title defenses in record time, Pereira has cemented his place as the king of 205 pounds. The Brazilian has rapidly become one of the most dangerous fighters in MMA, and despite calling for a break after his recent victory, he remains one of the most dangerous threats in the sport. His next challenger is likely to be the streaking Magomed Ankalaev.

2. Magomed Ankalaev (19-1-1, 1 NC) | UFC 

Magomed Ankalaev has been on a 13-bout unbeaten streak, and his recent win over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 on October 26 further solidified his case as the next title challenger. While Ankalaev’s fight style is more tactical than explosive, his precision and fight IQ make him a tough test for anyone in the division. Ankalaev's left hand is his signature weapon, and he can control a fight with his methodical approach. After another dominant win, Ankalaev has positioned himself as the likely next contender for Alex Pereira’s title, and a showdown between the two could be a thrilling encounter of striking versus strategy.

3. Vadim Nemkov (17-2, 1 NC) | Bellator 

Vadim Nemkov made a successful transition to heavyweight, securing a win in his debut at PFL vs. Bellator, where he defeated Bruno Cappelozza with an arm-triangle choke in the second round. Nemkov, a Fedor Emelianenko protégé, has been a dominant force in the Light Heavyweight division for years, and his success at heavyweight only adds to his growing legacy. The Russian is unbeaten in his last 13 fights dating back to 2016, and his return to 205 pounds will undoubtedly make him a serious contender. Nemkov’s skill set, which includes strong submissions and versatile striking, will make him a difficult challenge for anyone in the division when he eventually returns to his former weight class.

4. Jiri Prochazka (30-5-1) | UFC

Jiri Prochazka's hopes of reclaiming the Light Heavyweight title suffered a setback when he faced Alex Pereira at UFC 303 on June 29. The Czech fighter was stopped in the second round, a result that sent shockwaves through the division. Despite that, Prochazka remains one of the most talented and dangerous fighters at 205 pounds, known for his wild, unpredictable striking and unorthodox techniques. While his loss to Pereira may have extinguished his immediate championship hopes, Prochazka’s ability to create chaos in the cage and finish fights remains a threat. His next fight will be crucial in determining whether he can stay in the title picture.

5. Jamahal Hill (12-2, 1 NC) | UFC 

Jamahal Hill's 2023 was marked by both promise and adversity. After vacating his title due to a torn Achilles tendon, Hill made a brief comeback, challenging Alex Pereira for the Light Heavyweight title at UFC 300. Unfortunately, his comeback was short-lived, as Hill suffered a first-round knockout in the main event. The loss sent Hill back to the drawing board, and he was set to make a quick return to the cage against Carlos Ulberg before an injury forced him to withdraw. With his immense potential and raw talent, Hill remains a dangerous fighter in the division, but he will need to stay healthy and regain his momentum if he hopes to get back into the title mix.

Light Heavyweight Division: What’s Next?

The Light Heavyweight division is heating up with several fighters vying for the top spot. Pereira has been a revelation since his move to 205 pounds, but challengers like Magomed Ankalaev and the returning Vadim Nemkov are poised to give him a run for his money. Jiri Prochazka, despite his recent loss, is still one of the most exciting fighters in the division, while Jamahal Hill's potential remains sky-high as he works through injuries and setbacks.

Alex Pereira’s reign may be challenged soon, with Ankalaev likely next in line for a title shot. However, with fighters like Nemkov and Prochazka in the mix, the future of the Light Heavyweight division remains unpredictable and filled with exciting matchups.