The Champion: Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira is one of the most unique and accomplished fighters in the UFC, known for his exceptional kickboxing background and knockout power. He has held both the UFC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight titles, making history as a two-division champion. Pereira’s MMA journey has been meteoric, capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2022 by defeating Israel Adesanya and transitioning, losing it in the rematch, to transition into the Light Heavyweight division soon after.
In 2023, Pereira claimed the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Jiří Procházka, cementing his status as one of the sport’s top athletes. Pereira’s striking is his bread and butter, and his ability to finish fights with his powerful left hook has earned him multiple Performance of the Night bonuses. With a strong kickboxing foundation and elite striking, Pereira is a dangerous champion.
However, his reign is far from secure, as there are a number of formidable challengers in the division. His ability to withstand the wrestling-heavy game of certain opponents, along with his overall striking dominance, will be put to the test in the coming year.
The Favorite: Magomed Ankalaev (#1)
Magomed Ankalaev is the current #1 ranked fighter in the UFC Light Heavyweight division and one of the most well-rounded and dangerous fighters in the weight class. With a record of 19 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, Ankalaev has established himself as one of the top contenders in the division. His only career loss came in 2018, when he was submitted by Paul Craig, but since then, Ankalaev has been on a dominant win streak.
Ankalaev’s striking is precise, and he has knockout power to go along with a solid grappling game. He has earned victories over top fighters like Johnny Walker, Thiago Santos, and Volkan Oezdemir. Ankalaev’s ability to mix his striking with his wrestling makes him a difficult puzzle for anyone in the division.
His most recent title shot came in 2022, where he fought Jan Błachowicz for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. That fight ended in a split draw, but Ankalaev’s performance solidified him as the top contender. Ankalaev’s skill set makes him the favorite to challenge Pereira in 2025, and if he can avoid Pereira’s striking onslaught, he could very well become the next champion.
The Underdog: Carlos Ulberg (#6)
Carlos Ulberg is an emerging talent in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. With a record of 11 wins and 1 loss, Ulberg has impressed with his striking power and precision. Known for his knockout ability, Ulberg has secured 7 of his victories by knockout, demonstrating his lethal power. His only loss came in 2021 to Kennedy Nzechukwu, but he has since bounced back with impressive performances, including a dominant decision victory over Volkan Oezdemir and a knockout win over Alonzo Menifield in 2024.
Ulberg’s striking is his greatest asset, and he has shown significant improvements in his overall MMA game. While his wrestling and grappling remain areas of potential growth, Ulberg’s knockout power and striking IQ make him a dangerous fighter in the Light Heavyweight division. He is currently ranked #6, and while he may be considered an underdog to become the champion by the end of 2025, his continued rise in the rankings could make him a serious contender.
If Ulberg can refine his grappling and continue his striking dominance, he could challenge the likes of Pereira and Ankalaev in the future. His explosive power and potential for growth make him a fighter to watch closely in the coming year.
