5 most exciting divisions in the UFC right now

#2. UFC men’s bantamweight division

The UFC men’s bantamweight division has emerged as one of the most exciting weight classes in the sport in recent years. The 135 lbs division comprises one of the most interesting groups of fighters in the promotion.

The division has everything fans can hope for – specialists in different disciplines, young up-and-coming talents, legends of the sport and a dominant fighter atop the pecking order.

While Aljamain Sterling is the current champion of the division, the consensus opinion among fans and fighters alike is that Petr Yan is the best bantamweight in the world.

The Russian is a formidable force atop the 135 lbs ladder and is a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division. ‘No Mercy’ has dominated almost every opponent he’s faced in the octagon and, at just 28 years of age, he will be a force to be reckoned with over the next decade or so.

Regardless of all the disrespect that comes his way, Aljamain Sterling is an elite competitor at 135 lbs. The American has lost just thrice in his professional career, with two of those losses coming by way of split-decision.

Former champions Dominick Cruz, T.J. Dillashaw and Jose Aldo are still fighting at the highest level despite their relatively advanced ages. All three fighters have proved in the past that they are championship caliber athletes and have what it takes to become a champion once again.

Cory Sandhagen, Rob Font, Merab Dvalishvili and Marlon Vera are mainstays in the top 10 at 135 lbs. They are as talented and durable as they come, further bolstering the depth of this insanely stacked division.

Sean O’Malley remains one of the most intriguing fighters in the bantamweight division. The polarizing kickboxing phenom has been slow-playing his career so far, but is expected to compete for championships in the coming years. O’Malley, despite being further down the pecking order at 135 lbs, is among the most popular fighters in the weight class.

Rising bantamweight Adrian Yanez, Dagestani ace Umar Nurmagomedov and Welsh star Jack Shore are also expected to break into the rankings in the near future.

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#1. UFC lightweight division

The UFC’s 155 lbs division has been the home of a murderers’ row of fighters for quite some time now. The intrigue and glamor surrounding the weight class hit an all-time high during the unforgettable rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. That aura has seemingly carried over to the latest breed of UFC lightweights.

Charles Oliveira is the reigning king of the division. The Brazilian is the best finisher in UFC history, period. He owns the records for most submissions, as well as the most finishes in promotional history. ‘Do Bronx’ is riding a 10-fight winning streak and is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the world.

One of the most entertaining fighters in the world, Justin Gaethje, is expected to be the next challenger to Oliveira’s throne. ‘The Highlight’ has developed a reputation for being – as Joe Rogan puts it – "The most violent man in the most violent sport." The American has never had a boring fight.

Gaethje’s compatriots, Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, are also among the most beloved fighters at 155 lbs. Both Poirier and Chandler are stand-and-bang fighters who have a propensity to engage in bloody and brutal wars in the octagon.

Dagestani prodigy Islam Makhachev is seen by many as the future of the lightweight division. Makhachev, a close friend and training partner of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, is an ominous presence at 155 lbs.

Makhachev is more than likely just one win away from a shot at the title. He is expected to take on fellow lightweight Beneil Dariush in his next bout.

Former UFC champions Conor McGregor and Rafael dos Anjos, as well as former interim UFC champion Tony Ferguson, are still at large in the lightweight division. Despite their recent shortcomings, all three are extremely dangerous fighters.

McGregor, thanks to his undeniable star power, could very well compete for a championship in his very next bout.

Rafael Fiziev, Mateusz Gamrot, Arman Tsarukyan, Guram Kutateladze and Paddy Pimblett are expected to make their way into the top 10 at 155 lbs very soon. The division will undoubtedly remain the best weight class in the UFC for many years to come.