The Division of High Stakes and Punishing Consequence
In 2024, the UFC Heavyweight Rankings are constantly changing as each matchup unfolds. The 265-pound division has a rich championship history with brutal takedowns, devastating KOs and shocking upsets.
Whether you’re a long-time MMA fan or complete newbie, you can't ignore the Heavyweight roster. Here are the Top 15 fighters that are currently competing for the Championship belt.
Top 15 Heavyweights
Current Heavyweight Champion - Jon Jones
Inside the octagon, Jon Jones is known for his unparalleled skills, strategic brilliance, and an unyielding fighting spirit. Jones has dominated the heavyweight division.
Jon Jones' UFC journey is a highlight reel of epic moments. From his breathtaking spinning elbow against Stephan Bonnar to iconic battles with Daniel Cormier, each fight etches his legacy.
Notorious for dynamic strikes that are tough to predict and unmatched grappling, Jones's dominance and adaptability have solidified his status as a true UFC legend.
#1 Heavyweight - Tom Aspinall (Interim Champ)
Tom Aspinall has lightning-fast hands and a solid ground game. His success in the Octagon, so far, highlights his exceptional skills and potential for even more future greatness. Raised in a region known for producing tough fighters, Aspinall began his combat sports journey in boxing before transitioning to mixed martial arts.
Aspinall's early career showcased his raw talent, and his impressive performances on the regional circuit quickly caught the attention of the UFC. While making his promotional debut in July 2020, Aspinall secured a first-round submission victory over Jake Collier, marking the beginning of his ascent to Heavyweight Interim Champ.
Standing at 6'5" with a fluid combination of speed and power, Aspinall possesses all the right tools to threaten opponents on the feet. Since joining the UFC, Tom Aspinall has a professional record of 15 wins and 3 losses.
In July 2024, Aspinall successfully defended his Heavyweight Interim Champion belt title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304.
#2 Heavyweight - Ciryl Gane
Coming from a professional kickboxing background, Ciryl Gane started his professional MMA journey in 2018 and quickly gained attention for his ability to stand with some of the division's most competitive fighters. Before entering the UFC, Gane had a flawless record fighting for promotions like TKO and ACB.
Gane's won his Octagon debut in August 2019 by submission. Gane's kickboxing-influenced MMA style is supplemented by his natural reach advantage.
As of 2024, Gane has earned a record of 12 wins 2 losses in the UFC. His staying power culminated in his latest bout against Serghei Spivac in September 2023, where Gane won by KO after just 3 minutes and 44 seconds into Round 2.
#3 Heavyweight - Alexander Volkov
Standing at 6'7", Alexander Volkov made his UFC debut in 2016, quickly earning attention with a series of impressive performances. Volkov's background in kickboxing and a successful stint in Bellator showcased his striking expertise, while his adaptability in MMA has been a key factor in his success.
Early on, it was a defining moment in Volkov's career came in 2018 after he secured a dramatic, last-second knockout victory over Fabricio Werdum. This win catapulted him into the upper echelons of the Heavyweight rankings.
Known for his technical approach and measured striking, Volkov has fought some of the division's toughest competitors, including Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa.
Beyond his impressive professional MMA record of 38 wins 10 losses, Volkov's international appeal and sportsmanship both contribute to his growing popularity.
#4 Heavyweight - Sergei Pavlovich
Sergei Pavlovich has a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 3 losses. Known for his explosive power and relentless approach to fighting, Pavlovich made a name for himself before joining the UFC.
With a background in boxing and Combat Sambo, he has a well-rounded skill set that transitioned seamlessly into mixed martial arts. Pavlovich signed with the UFC in 2018, and his debut against Alistair Overeem showcased his striking skills and raw strength.
Despite losing his UFC debut fight, Pavlovich rebounded with a TKO victory over Marcelo Golm in his second UFC appearance. Standing at 6'3" with a solid frame, Pavlovich's aggressive fighting style and knockout power have made him an exciting addition to the UFC's Heavyweight division.
His most recent loss against Alexander Volkov ended after three rounds at UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov. Through all the victories and setbacks, Pavlovich has shown resilience and commitment to improvement.
#5 Heavyweight - Curtis Blaydes
Curtis "Razor" Blaydes has been a dominant force in the division since 2016. A standout collegiate wrestler, Blaydes transitioned his grappling prowess into mixed martial arts, showcasing a relentless and effective ground-and-pound style.
Debuting in the UFC in 2016, Blaydes quickly garnered attention with his powerful takedowns and striking. His wrestling skills, sharpened at Harper College, have been a defining aspect of his success, allowing him to control and overpower opponents in the cage.
Blaydes has faced elite competition in the Heavyweight division, earning victories over Tom Aspinall and Alistair Overeem. His most significant losses have come against top-tier opponents, Francis Ngannou (former UFC) and Sergei Pavlovich. At UFC 304, Blaydes was defeated by Interim Champ, Tom Aspinall in a KO victory, putting his professional record at 18 wins and 5 losses.
#6 Heavyweight - Jailton Almeida
UFC Heavyweight Jailton Almeida is quickly making a name for himself within the competitive realm of mixed martial arts at the highest level. Still a relative newcomer to the UFC, Almeida possesses an impressive skill set that underscores his potential to rise to considerable prominence.
Standing at 6'4", this Brazilian fighter has a training background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing, exemplifying the dynamic, versatile nature of his style in the Octagon. Almeida paved a substantial path for himself through his successful bouts in regional tournaments and is seeing continued success in the UFC.
Almeida won his most recent bout against Alexander Romanov (by submission) at UFC 302. Almeida's record now sits at 21 wins and 3 losses.
#7 Heavyweight - Stipe Miocic
Outside of the octagon, Stipe Miocic works as a firefighter and paramedic. He is a former Division I collegiate wrestler, with a journey to becoming a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion that stands as a testament to his grit, skill, and resilience. Miocic's striking acumen, combined with his wrestling pedigree, makes him a versatile and well-rounded fighter.
Debuting in the UFC in 2011, he steadily climbed the ranks with notable wins over veterans like Roy Nelson and Mark Hunt. In 2016, he captured the heavyweight title with a knockout victory over Fabricio Werdum.
However, Miocic's legacy reached new heights when he engaged in a trilogy with Daniel Cormier. After a loss in their initial meeting, Miocic rebounded to reclaim the title in 2019 and successfully defended it in 2020 at UFC 252. His technical prowess, durability, and adaptability in the cage solidify his status as one of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history.
Beyond the octagon, Miocic's humility and commitment to his community further endear him to fans. Whether in thrilling title bouts or displaying sportsmanship outside the cage, Stipe Miocic stands as a true ambassador for mixed martial arts.
#8 Heavyweight - Serghei Spivac
Serghei "Polar Bear" Spivac, was born in Chișinău, Moldova, and has a background in judo and a decorated amateur MMA career. Spivac made his UFC debut in 2018, which didn't go according to plan, since he lost the bout.
Standing at 6'3" and weighing around 260 pounds, Spivac is known for his striking proficiency and grappling abilities. Spivac has secured wins by knockout and submission, demonstrating his versatility in the Octagon.
Spivac's journey in the UFC has seen him face tough opponents, including Derrick Lewis and Greg Hardy. Spivac has been a consistent presence in the Heavyweight division since his debut and currently has a professional record of 17 wins and 4 losses.
#9 Heavyweight - Marcin Tybura
The Polish powerhouse, Marcin Tybura, has established himself as a true contender in the UFC's Heavyweight division. With a diverse skill set and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Tybura made his UFC debut in 2016 and quickly rose through to the Top 10 rankings.
Standing at 6'3" and weighing around 250 pounds, Tybura's ability to seamlessly transition between disciplines has led to victories over notable opponents, including Serghei Spivac and Tai Tuivasa, showcasing his versatility in the octagon.
Throughout his MMA career with the UFC, Tybura has faced some of the division's toughest competitors, earning himself 25 wins and 9 losses. Tybura lost his most recent fight against Serghei Spivac (part 2) in August 2024 by way of armbar submission in the first round.
#10 Heavyweight - Tai Tuivasa
Tai "Bam Bam" Tuivasa is a fan favorite with a professional mixed martial arts record of 14 wins and 8 losses. At UFC Fight Night: Tuivasa vs. Tybura in March 2024, Tuivasa lost the fight after being submitted with a rear-naked choke.
This loss marked Tuivasa's fourth loss in a row, but his corner was rooting for a win to break the streak. At UFC 305 in August 2024, Tuivasa fought fellow Top 15 Heavyweight, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, where Tuivasa lost by split decision.
Stay Current with the Heavyweight Division
The UFC Heavyweight Rankings constantly evolve, but one thing remains true—the Heavyweight division is always entertaining. Come back again (or sign up for updates) to stay in the loop with the rankings.
Whether you're a seasoned fight fan or MMA casual, it's impossible to ignore rising stars like Tom Aspinall and established UFC legends like Stipe Miocic. As fighters climb, fall, and rise again, the rankings represent more than just numbers—they're a reflection of the blood, sweat, and glory that define professional mixed martial arts.
