Ah, the UFC heavyweight division. You’d think it was the stuff of legends, filled with titans clashing in epic battles. But nah, it’s kind of hit a slump—like that mid-afternoon crash when your coffee buzz wears off. I mean, Jon Jones is supposedly the champ, but he’s more like a ghost. Or maybe he just enjoys popping in and out like some reality TV star who never really leaves the show. Weird, I know.
Here’s the thing, though. The division feels emptier than my fridge on a Sunday night. There’s only one dude, Tallison Teixeira, who’s managed to string together five wins. And when you peek over at featherweight, there are like five guys strutting around with seven-win streaks. Seriously, that’s wild.
In 2025, there’ve been only nine heavyweight fights. I’d expect them to at least hit double digits by mid-year, but nope. The count’s been laughably low for the past few years. Only thing more scarce might be my motivation to hit the gym. But anyway—wait, where was I?
Right, why’s this division on life support? Let’s chat about three reasons and, maybe, how to pump some life back in. Or not. Who knows?
### So, What’s Going On?
#### An Invisible Champ
Jon Jones. Is he the GOAT? Sure, let’s give him that. His past fights were like watching a master at work, but now? The heavyweight stuff he’s pulled is kinda meh. Like, he grabbed the vacant belt fighting Ciryl Gane, and Gane looked like he was doing something else mentally. Oh, and there was this bit where Jones faced Stipe Miocic, who was like a relic of his former self, out of action for ages. It’s like he was summoned back from vacation just to warm the octagon.
And poor Tom Aspinall. Kid deserves a shot at the title, but Jones isn’t having it. Scaredy-cat? Ducking? Or maybe he just doesn’t like Aspinall’s face. Who’s to say?
Jones has barely fought twice in five years. Twice! That’s like a hermit crab coming out for air. Aspinall? He’s been busy making waves while Jones has been chilling. An inactive champ isn’t great for business, and it shows.
#### Shallow as a Kiddie Pool
Then there’s the talent pool—or lack of it. Heavyweight just isn’t where you’d find the fresh talent. Elsewhere, you’re noticing names like Paddy Pimblett and others shaking things up. The heavyweights? Snooze fest.
I can’t remember the last time I got hyped about a heavyweight bout. Okay, I’ll confess, Jailton Almeida’s grappling stuff is cool, but it feels repetitive. The division needs fresh, fierce blood—fighters who aren’t afraid to go all out and don’t care if a loss stings. Vadim Nemkov, you listening?
#### Where’d All the Stars Go?
Picture Brock Lesnar or Cain Velasquez. Those dudes? They sold out arenas. Now? Not a heavyweight headliner in sight. Not this year. Last year barely saw a few.
Derrick Lewis? Entertaining but flawed. Almeida? Dominant but divisive. Aspinall? Must-watch. Jones? Legendary. The rest? Meh. You’re not missing much by skipping a fight here and there.
We need another Lesnar—a monster, ideally not of the juiced-up variety, but someone to reinvigorate the division. A sure-fire draw that makes you cancel plans just to catch a fight. As of now? That dream’s a distant mirage.
So, here we are, with a heavyweight division yearning for a spark. Here’s hoping someone lights that fire soon. Or maybe not. Life’s weird that way.
