The Division of High Stakes and Punishing Consequence

In 2024, the UFC Heavyweight Rankings will change and shift as the matchups unfold. The 265-pound division has a rich champinistory.

Expect brutal takedowns, devastating KOs and shocking upsets. Whether you’re a long-standing MMA fan or a newcomer, it's impossible to ignore the Heavyweight roster.

Here are the Top 15 fighters that are currently in the running for the Championship belt.

Top 15 UFC Heavyweights

Current Champion - Jon Jones

  1. Tom Aspinall (Interim Champ)
  2. Ciryl Gane
  3. Sergei Pavlovich
  4. Curtis Blaydes
  5. Stipe Miocic
  6. Alexander Volkov
  7. Jailton Almeida
  8. Marcin Tybura
  9. Serghei Spivac
  10. Tai Tuivasa
  11. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
  12. Derrick Lewis
  13. Alexandr Romanov
  14. Marcos Rogerio De Lima
  15. Rodrigo Nascimento

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's latest triumph over Sergei Pavlovich showcased his explosive prowess in the UFC. With lightning-fast hands and a seamless ground game, Aspinall secured a first-round finish, solidifying his rising status in the heavyweight division.

The victory highlighted his exceptional skills and potential for future greatness in the octagon. Raised in a region known for producing tough fighters, Aspinall began his combat sports journey in boxing before transitioning to mixed martial arts (MMA).

Aspinall's early career showcased his raw talent, and his impressive performances on the regional circuit quickly caught the attention of the UFC. Making his promotional debut in July 2020, he secured a first-round submission victory over Jake Collier, marking the beginning of his ascent in the organization.

With a background in both striking and grappling, Aspinall's versatility has been a key factor in his success. Standing at 6'5" with a fluid combination of speed and power, he possesses the tools to threaten opponents on the feet.

Simultaneously, his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, honed at Team Kaobon in Liverpool, provide a well-rounded arsenal. Since joining the UFC, Tom Aspinall has maintained an impressive record in the UFC.

His latest victory over Sergei Pavlovich in 2023 continued his streak, further establishing him as a rising star in the heavyweight landscape.

#2 Heavyweight - Ciryl Gane

Hailing from a kickboxing background, Ciryl Gane started his professional MMA journey in 2018 and quickly gained attention for his striking prowess and fluid movement. Before entering the UFC, Gane showcased his skills in promotions like TKO and ACB, amassing a flawless record.

Gane's won his Octagon debut in August 2019 by submission, setting the stage for a remarkable career. Gane's kickboxing fighting style adds to his natural reach advantage.

Gane possesses the physical tools to dominate opponents in various aspects of the game. As of 2024, Gane has earned a record of 9 wins 2 losses in the UFC. His staying power culminated in his latest bout against Serghei Spivac in September 2023, where Gane earned a dominant victory.

#3 Heavyweight - Sergei Pavlovich

Sergei Pavlovich has a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 2 losses. Known for his explosive power and relentless style, Pavlovich made a name for himself before joining the UFC.

With a background in boxing and Combat Sambo, he possesses 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 prowess and raw strength.

Despite a tough first outing, he 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 a compelling addition to the UFC's heavyweight division.

His latest loss against Tom Aspinall ended in a first round KO at UFC 295. While his journey in the Octagon has included both victories and setbacks, his resilience and commitment to improvement have kept him in the mix among the heavyweight contenders.

#4 Heavyweight - Curtis Blaydes

Curtis "Razor" Blaydes has secured his presence as a dominant force in the UFC's heavyweight division. 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, honed 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, notching victories over the likes of Tom Aspinall and Alistair Overeem. His only setbacks have come against top-tier opponents, including Francis Ngannou and Sergei Pavlovich. Despite these challenges, Blaydes consistently remains in the title conversation with his impressive skill set and determination.

#5 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.

#6 Heavyweight - Alexander Volkov

Standing at 6'7", Alexander Volkov brings a unique blend of height, striking precision, and grappling skills to the octagon. Volkov made his UFC debut in 2016, swiftly earning attention with a series of impressive performances.

His 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. A defining moment in Volkov's UFC career came in 2018 when he secured a dramatic last-second knockout victory over Fabricio Werdum.

This win catapulted him into the upper echelons of the heavyweight rankings, solidifying his reputation as a formidable contender. Known for his technical approach and measured striking, Volkov has faced some of the division's toughest competitors, including Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa.

Beyond his impressive professional MMA record of 37 wins 10 losses, Volkov's international appeal and sportsmanship have also contributed to his popularity.

#7 Heavyweight - Jailton Almeida

UFC Heavyweight Jailton Almeida is quickly making a name for himself within the competitive realm of mixed martial arts (MMA). 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 presents a formidable opponent in the Octagon, with a training background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing, exemplifying the dynamic, versatile nature of his combat style. Despite his recent entry to the UFC, Almeida has paved a substantial track record for himself through his successful bouts in regional tournaments.

Almeida lost his most recent bout against Curtis Blaydes (by KO) at UFC 299. Almeida's record sits at 20 wins and 3 losses.

#8 Heavyweight - Marcin Tybura

The Polish powerhouse, Marcin Tybura, has established himself as a force to be reckoned with 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 the ranks.

Standing at 6'3" and weighing around 250 pounds, Tybura possesses a combination of striking accuracy and grappling expertise. His ability to seamlessly transition between disciplines has led to victories over notable opponents, showcasing his versatility in the octagon.

Throughout his UFC tenure, Tybura has faced some of the division's toughest competitors, including Tom Aspinall and Serghei Spivac. Notable wins and a series of impressive performances have earned him a Top 10 spot in the heavyweight division.

Tybura won his last fight in March 2024 after defeating Tai Tuivasa at UFC Fight Night: Tuivasa vs. Tybura.

#9 Heavyweight - Serghei Spivac

Serghei "Polar Bear" Spivac, was born in Chișinău, Moldova, has a background in judo and a decorated amateur MMA career. Spivac made his UFC debut in 2018, which showcased his well-rounded skill set, although he suffered a loss.

Standing at 6'3" and weighing around 260 pounds, Spivac possesses a combination of power and agility that makes him a formidable competitor. Known for his striking proficiency and grappling abilities, he has secured wins both by knockout and submission, demonstrating his versatility in the cage.

Spivac's journey in the UFC has seen him face tough opponents, including Derrick Lewis and Greg Hardy, displaying his resilience and determination. His commitment to improvement is evident in each performance, making him an intriguing prospect in the heavyweight division.

With a fighting style characterized by explosive takedowns and precise striking, Spivac is a constant presence in the division.

#10 Heavyweight - Tai Tuivasa

Tai "Bam Bam" Tuivasa, from Sydney, Australia, has a professional MMA record of 14 wins and 6 losses. Tuivasa has made a distinct mark in the UFC's heavyweight division.

Known for his exuberant personality and knockout power, Tuivasa brings a unique flair to the octagon. Debuting in the UFC in 2017, Tuivasa gained attention with a series of impressive victories, often finishing fights in spectacular fashion.

His background in kickboxing and boxing, combined with his powerful leg kicks, has contributed to his success as a dynamic striker. Standing at 6'2" and weighing around 264 pounds, Tuivasa's aggressive fighting style and personality have endeared him to fans.

This includes his walk-off knockout victories and celebratory post-fight shoeys have become iconic moments in his UFC journey. In March 2024, Tuivasa was defeated by Marcin Tybura after being submitted with a rear naked choke.

Outside the octagon, Tai Tuivasa's charismatic persona and fan-friendly fighting style make him a popular figure in the MMA world.

Navigating the Ever-Evolving 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 email 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.