The world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one that is full of excitement, competition, and drama. One of the most anticipated events in the MMA calendar is the ESPN MMA schedule, which features some of the biggest names in the sport. In this post, we will be breaking down the top contenders for each weight class on the 2025 ESPN MMA schedule.

Lightweight

The lightweight division is one that has been dominated by Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov in recent years. However, with both fighters now retired from active competition, there are several other talented lightweights vying for their spot at the top of the division.

Top Contenders:

  1. Charles Oliveira: The Brazilian fighter is known for his incredible grappling skills and has already shown that he can finish fights with a variety of submissions. He is a strong favorite to win the title in 2025.

  2. Islam Makhachev: Makhachev is a rising star in the lightweight division, having won 10 straight fights since joining the UFC. He has also shown impressive grappling skills and could be a dark horse contender for the title.

  3. Justin Gaethje: Gaethje is another top contender in the lightweight division, known for his aggressive fighting style and devastating striking. He has already fought for the title once before and could return to challenge for it again in 2025.

Welterweight

The welterweight division has been dominated by Kamaru Magomedmagomedov in recent years, but with him now retired from active competition, there are several other talented fighters vying for their spot at the top of the division.

Top Contenders:

  1. Colby Covington: The American fighter is known for his aggressive fighting style and has already won the interim welterweight title once before. He could be a strong contender for the full title in 2025.

  2. Leon Edwards: Edwards is a rising star in the welterweight division, having won 10 straight fights since joining the UFC. He has also shown impressive grappling skills and could be a dark horse contender for the title.

  3. Belal Muhammad: Muhammad is another top contender in the welterweight division, known for his strong wrestling background and devastating striking. He has already fought for the title once before and could return to challenge for it again in 2025.

Middleweight

The middleweight division has been dominated by Israel Adesanya in recent years, but with him now retired from active competition, there are several other talented fighters vying for their spot at the top of the division.

Top Contenders:

  1. Robert Whittaker: The Australian fighter is known for his aggressive fighting style and has already fought for the title once before. He could be a strong contender for the full title in 2025.

  2. Jared Cannonier: Cannonier is a rising star in the middleweight division, having won 10 straight fights since joining the UFC. He has also shown impressive striking skills and could be a dark horse contender for the title.

  3. Bruno Silva: Silva is another top contender in the middleweight division, known for his strong wrestling background and devastating striking. He has already fought for the title once before and could return to challenge for it again in 2025.

Heavyweight

The heavyweight division has been dominated by Stipe Miocic in recent years, but with him now retired from active competition, there are several other talented fighters vying for their spot at the top of the division.

Top Contenders:

  1. Francis Ngannou: The Cameroonian fighter is known for his incredible power and has already knocked out several top-level opponents in the UFC. He could be a strong contender for the title in 2025.

  2. Curtis Blaydes: Blaydes is a rising star in the heavyweight division, having won 10 straight fights since joining the UFC. He has also shown impressive wrestling skills and could be a dark horse contender for the title.

  3. Derrick Lewis: Lewis is another top contender in the heavyweight division, known for his aggressive fighting style and devastating striking. He has already fought for the title once before and could return to challenge for it again in 2025.

In conclusion, there are several talented fighters vying for their spot at the top of each weight class on the 2025 ESPN MMA schedule. Whether you’re a fan of grappling or striking, there’s sure to be something for everyone in the world of MMA.