The Champion: Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria has made a stunning impact in the UFC Featherweight division, and as of 2024, he holds the UFC Featherweight Championship. The Georgian-Spanish fighter remains undefeated with a perfect 16-0 record, including impressive victories over top-tier opponents like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. His aggressive fighting style, which combines powerful striking with a lethal submission game, has made him one of the most exciting champions in the UFC today.
Topuria’s knockout of Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024 to capture the title was a statement victory, and his defense against Holloway at UFC 308 in 2024 showed that he is no flash-in-the-pan. His versatility in both the striking and grappling departments gives him an edge over many challengers.
Given his undefeated streak, Topuria is expected to remain a dominant champion in 2025. His well-rounded game, combined with his physical and mental toughness, positions him as the favorite to hold onto the title by the end of the year.
The Biggest Threat: Movsar Evloev (#4)
Movsar Evloev is an undefeated Russian fighter with a perfect 19-0 record, making him one of the most formidable contenders in the Featherweight division. Known for his well-rounded skill set, Evloev’s grappling and decision-making are key to his success, but his striking and cardio are also highly developed. He has accumulated a series of impressive victories in the UFC, including wins over Arnold Allen, Dan Ige, and Diego Lopes.
Evloev’s performance in his December 2024 fight against Aljamain Sterling, where he earned a dominant decision victory, has only strengthened his case as one of the top contenders for the Featherweight title. His ability to control opponents with his wrestling and his calculated approach in the octagon make him a dangerous challenger for Topuria.
As of 2025, Evloev is the biggest threat to Topuria’s reign. His undefeated record and well-rounded skills give him the tools to potentially dethrone the champion. A title shot for Evloev in 2025 is highly likely, and his grappling-heavy style could present problems for Topuria, making him the favorite to end the year as the Featherweight champion.
The Underdog: Diego Lopes (#3)
Diego Lopes, with a record of 26-6, is a highly skilled Brazilian fighter known for his well-rounded game, including a strong submission arsenal and solid striking. He has fought his way to the top of the UFC Featherweight rankings, currently sitting at #3. Lopes has defeated notable opponents like Brian Ortega and Dan Ige, which has earned him recognition as a top contender in the division.
Despite his impressive victories, Lopes faces stiff competition in a division stacked with elite talent. He has faced setbacks, including a loss to Movsar Evloev, but his resilience and ability to adapt make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. Lopes' striking and submission skills give him the potential to challenge for the title, though he may need a few more high-profile wins to secure a title shot in 2025.
As an underdog, Lopes has the skill set to make a run for the title, but he’ll need to continue improving and avoid losses to the top contenders. While he may not be the favorite to become champion by the end of 2025, his well-rounded game and ability to perform under pressure could make him a dark horse in the division.
