The Champion: Merab Dvalishvili
Merab Dvalishvili has proven himself as one of the most relentless fighters in the UFC Bantamweight division. As the current champion, Dvalishvili’s cardio, wrestling, and pressure are his key strengths. His victory over Sean O'Malley in September 2024 to capture the title solidified his status as one of the most durable and well-rounded fighters in the division.
With a record of 18-4, Dvalishvili’s rise to the top was marked by victories over elite fighters such as Petr Yan, José Aldo, and Henry Cejudo. His wrestling-heavy approach, combined with a high-output striking style, makes him a tough opponent for anyone.
While Dvalishvili’s style might not always be the flashiest, his ability to grind down opponents and maintain a high pace for three to five rounds is a huge asset. In 2025, Dvalishvili will likely remain a dominant force in the division, defending his title against the top contenders.
The Favorite: Umar Nurmagomedov (#2)
Umar Nurmagomedov, with his undefeated record of 18-0, is widely considered the most dangerous threat to Merab Dvalishvili’s reign. A member of the renowned Nurmagomedov family, Umar brings a unique blend of striking and elite-level grappling, making him one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division. His dominant performances, including a standout knockout of Raoni Barcelos in 2023, and an impressive victory of Cory Sandhagen in 2024, have made him one of the hottest prospects in the UFC.
Known for his relentless pressure and smothering wrestling, Umar has the tools to match up well against Dvalishvili. Both fighters share a similar style, relying on relentless pace and high-volume output, but Umar’s striking versatility and the threat of his submissions give him a potential edge in a title fight. Given his undefeated streak and the way he has dismantled top opponents, Umar could very well end the year as the Bantamweight Champion.
The Underdog: Sean O'Malley (#1)
Sean O'Malley, the former UFC Bantamweight Champion, is an exciting and dynamic striker who has proven his ability to mix flashy kicks with precise, technical boxing. O'Malley claimed the title in August 2023 with a TKO victory over Aljamain Sterling and successfully defended it in March 2024 against Marlon Vera. His unorthodox style, combined with his knockout power, makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
However, despite his success, O'Malley faces challenges when it comes to the more well-rounded fighters like Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov. His reliance on his striking, coupled with potential vulnerabilities in his grappling defense, leaves room for improvement. O'Malley’s knockout ability will always make him a threat, but he’ll need to continue refining his overall game to stay at the top of the division.
While O'Malley remains one of the top bantamweight contenders heading into 2025, his style might be better suited for fights against other strikers rather than wrestlers or grapplers like Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov. He may be an underdog in a potential title rematch, but his striking could make him a dangerous challenger nonetheless.
