The UFC heavyweight division is as volatile and exciting as ever, with a blend of all-time legends, international stars, and surging contenders. As of May 28, 2025, here’s how the top 10 stack up, based on recent performances, skill sets, and their impact on the division.
1. Jon Jones (28-1, 1 NC) – The Reigning King
Jon “Bones” Jones continues to stand atop the heavyweight mountain. Since moving up from light heavyweight, Jones has silenced doubters with a dominant run, including his most recent title defense against Stipe Miocic in late 2024. Jones’ fight IQ, adaptability, and unbreakable will have kept him a step ahead of the new generation. “I’m still here because I’m obsessed with greatness,” Jones said after his last win. “Every fight is about legacy now.” His wrestling, range management, and ability to neutralize opponents’ strengths make him the man to beat.
2. Tom Aspinall (15-3) – The British Phenom
Aspinall’s meteoric rise has electrified the division. After capturing the interim belt with a first-round finish of Curtis Blaydes, Aspinall followed up with a clinical TKO of Sergei Pavlovich. He’s the most athletic heavyweight since Cain Velasquez, blending speed with crisp boxing and underrated grappling. “I want to unify the belts and prove I’m the best in the world,” Aspinall told BT Sport. With a 93% finish rate, he’s never in a boring fight.
3. Ciryl Gane (13-2) – The Technical Maestro
Ciryl Gane rebounded from his 2023 title loss with back-to-back wins, including a striking masterclass against Alexander Volkov at UFC 310. Gane’s movement and precision are unmatched in the division. He’s landed more significant strikes than any other heavyweight since 2021, and his ability to avoid damage is elite. “I’m always improving. My goal is to be the smartest fighter in the cage,” Gane said after his last victory.
4. Alexander Volkov (38-11) – The Towering Technician
Volkov’s experience and technical prowess have kept him in the upper echelon. He’s racked up wins over Tai Tuivasa and Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the past year, using his 6’7” frame to control range and punish opponents with straight punches and knees. Volkov’s 49-fight resume is the deepest among active heavyweights, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down.
5. Sergei Pavlovich (19-3) – The Russian Wrecking Ball
Few heavyweights possess the raw knockout power of Pavlovich. After a setback against Aspinall, he bounced back with a devastating KO of Jairzinho Rozenstruik in just 90 seconds. Pavlovich averages nearly nine significant strikes per minute, making him the most dangerous first-round fighter in the division. “Every fight is a chance to show my power,” Pavlovich said in a post-fight interview.
6. Jailton Almeida (22-3) – The Submission Machine
Almeida’s grappling-heavy style has been a nightmare for strikers. With four straight wins, including a dominant submission of Serghei Spivac, the Brazilian has proven he can impose his will on almost anyone. He’s landed 65% of his takedown attempts and finished 16 of his 22 wins by submission. “People don’t like to fight me because I take them to deep water,” Almeida said.
7. Curtis Blaydes (18-5, 1 NC) – The Division’s Gatekeeper
Blaydes remains the division’s premier wrestler, holding the all-time heavyweight record for takedowns. Although he lost the interim title bout to Aspinall, Blaydes’ relentless pressure and control make him a tough matchup for anyone. He’s set to face Rizvan Kuniev next, and a win could put him back in the title conversation.
8. Marcin Tybura (27-9) – The Durable Grinder
Tybura’s recent resurgence has been built on grit and cardio. He’s on a two-fight win streak, most recently outlasting Mick Parkin in a grueling decision. Tybura absorbs the fewest significant strikes per minute among ranked heavyweights, a testament to his defense and fight IQ.
9. Serghei Spivac (17-5) – The Polar Bear
Spivac’s grappling and ground-and-pound have earned him a spot in the top 10, despite a recent loss to Almeida. He’s the top submission artist in the division, with 10 of his 17 wins coming by tapout. Spivac’s next fight could determine whether he’s a true contender or a gatekeeper.
10. Derrick Lewis (28-12, 1 NC) – The KO King
At 40, Derrick Lewis is still knocking out contenders and breaking records. His recent KO of Rodrigo Nascimento proved he remains the most dangerous puncher in UFC history, with 16 knockouts in the Octagon. “I’m here to put people to sleep. Age is just a number,” Lewis told reporters after his last win.
Honorable Mention: Waldo Cortes-Acosta is surging, but needs one more signature win to crack the top 10.
Conclusion
The UFC heavyweight division is as competitive as ever, with Jon Jones’ legacy looming over a new generation of contenders. Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, and Sergei Pavlovich are all hungry for gold, while veterans like Volkov and Lewis continue to thrill fans. As the division evolves, one thing is certain: every fight can change the landscape in an instant. As Jones put it, “The heavyweight title isn’t just a belt—it’s a target.” In 2025, the chase is more intense than ever.
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