The Champion: Julianna Peña
Julianna Peña, a two-time UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, has solidified her place among the division's elite. Known for her relentless pressure and grappling prowess, Peña’s career highlights include her shocking upset victory over Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 and her recent title win over Raquel Pennington at UFC 307.
Peña’s ability to weather adversity and adapt her game plan makes her a formidable champion. However, with emerging threats like Kayla Harrison and Norma Dumont, she’ll need to remain at the top of her game to hold onto the belt through 2025.
The Favorite: Kayla Harrison (#2)
Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and former PFL lightweight champion, has quickly made her mark in the UFC Bantamweight division. With a professional record of 18-1, Harrison’s transition from judo to MMA has been seamless, showcasing her dominance with a blend of grappling expertise and improving striking.
Harrison’s notable victories include a submission win over Holly Holm at UFC 300 and a unanimous decision against Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307. Her only loss, a decision against Larissa Pacheco in the 2022 PFL Women’s Lightweight Tournament, remains a rare blemish on her otherwise stellar record.
As the favorite to end 2025 as champion, Harrison’s elite grappling and physicality pose significant challenges for any opponent. Her ability to dictate the pace and control fights makes her a serious contender for the Bantamweight throne.
The Underdog: Norma Dumont (#4)
Norma Dumont has steadily climbed the ranks of the Bantamweight division, earning respect for her technical precision and adaptability. With a professional record of 12-2, Dumont has demonstrated her ability to out-strategize opponents, securing notable wins over Germaine de Randamie and Irene Aldana in 2024.
Dumont’s journey has not been without obstacles, including losses to Megan Anderson and Macy Chiasson earlier in her career. However, her recent performances have highlighted her growth and determination to compete at the highest level.
As the underdog to end 2025 as champion, Dumont will need to leverage her strategic acumen and well-rounded skill set to navigate the division’s elite. While she faces an uphill battle, her resilience and continued improvement make her a dark horse in the title race.
