With Leon Edwards’ recent ascent to the UFC Welterweight crown. And with Arnold Allen set to main event this coming Saturday against Calvin Kattar. We thought what better time to look at the UFC roster, and select which UK fighters have the best championship hopes, as of now?
With the UK in a recent purple patch. Not just in the UFC but elsewhere too. Who at each weight class poses the biggest threat of claiming gold and bringing yet another belt back to the UK?
Women’s Strawweight – Cory McKenna
At just 23, with a professional record of 7-2, Cory McKenna is the UK’s Strawweight hope. Currently, the only UK 115lber plying her trade in the UFC. It would be a discredit to say she only made the list because of this.
An extreme talent who despite her age has gone 2-1 since joining the promotion. With the skill and age on her side, there is no reason Cory can’t go all the way to the top.
A division that sees change around the top regularly, give it a few years and we wouldn’t be surprised if McKenna’s name is floating around the mix.
Women’s Flyweight – Casey O’Neill
The Scottish-born O’Neill has taken the UFC by storm. Since entering the promotion she has gone 4-0 and built her overall record to 9-0. This run has seen her go on to claim the number #10 ranking.
With the #10 next to her name already, this is proof of her MMA pedigree. A problem on the feet and the mat, Casey has it all. Only just hitting 25 she has years at the top ahead of her.
Currently sidelined with an injury, the next time we see ‘King’ Casey will surely be in a big fight.
Women’s Bantamweight – NA
With currently zero Brits in the division, this is the only division without a fighter. I could have chosen a Flyweight to step up. However, I feel that’s unlikely given their respective success at 125.
Flyweight – Muhammad Mokaev
A man who needs a limited introduction is Muhammad Mokaev. Amassing some crazy records outside the UFC, the Dagestan-born Brit has burst onto the global scene.
9-0 overall and 3-0 in the UFC at only 22, the very top has a seat waiting for him. Most recently putting on a dominant display at UFC 280. Mokaev sees himself as #15. Always growing and looking to improve he already has a skillset that causes a challenging problem for many other Flyweights.
Looking to become the youngest UFC champion ever. If he continues on his current trajectory he will surely achieve it.
Bantamweight – Davey Grant
Bantamweight is one of the deepest divisions. Stacked full of killers, there is top 15 talent almost everywhere you look. One such man is Davey Grant.
One of the most entertaining and likeable fighters on the planet. The 36-year-old is must-watch in the cage. Giving his all each time out, it’s kill or be killed for Davey.
Entering the swan song of his career, a string of impressive performances could catapult Grant up the ladder and into contention. With his fan-friendly style, he could leapfrog some of the competition and become a new star for the UK.
A 10-fight veteran in the UFC now, there is nothing we’d love more than to see a ‘Dangerous’ Davey Grant late-career renaissance and a run with the gold.
Featherweight – Arnold Allen
The division with the most hope of providing the UK’s next gold bearer. Three main fighters come to mind. Nathaniel Wood has gone 2-0 since his debut in the weight class and looked unbelievable in doing so.
Recently announcing his move up to Featherweight puts Jack Shore in contention. Despite never fighting Featherweight in the UFC, his body of work at Bantamweight speaks for itself.
However, the pick of the bunch is Arnold Allen. Headlining for the first time this weekend. The #6 has gone undefeated in his UFC tenure amassing a 9-0 record in the promotion (18-1 overall).
Proving his talent every time he enters the cage. It is only a matter of time before he’s fighting for the gold.
Lightweight – Paddy Pimblett
Perhaps the most controversial name on this list. Paddy Pimblett divides opinion like no other. Many are critical of his style and say he hasn’t got what it takes to go all the way in the UFC. However, he keeps winning, and if you keep winning you’ll get a shot.
With the name value already behind him, an impressive run could see Paddy’s name at the top. Despite what many like to say. Pimblett is talented. At only 27 he has plenty of time to grow and improve and potentially put his name nearer the top.
Maybe the competition hasn’t been the toughest, but you can only beat what’s in front of you. Paddy has done that going 3-0 with three finishes. To look at another name the UFC built up in Sean O’Malley, there is a chance Paddy could do the same.
Welterweight – Leon Edwards
The most obvious name on the list is Leon Edward. Already holding a big gold belt. He is the best the UK has to offer. Undefeated in his last 11 fights (10-0 1 NC) he earned his championship the hard way.
Defeating the pound-for-pound king in story-tale fashion. Leon has cemented his name into the history books for eternity. One of the best stories in the sport, we hope Leon has paved the way for UK fighters.
Looking to defend his gold in a rematch with Kamaru Usman at a big UK PPV next year. 2023 could be a momentous one for the British.
Middleweight – Darren Till
Highly ranked at both Welterweight and Middleweight, Darren Till’s ascent to the top was rapid. Proving both inside and outside the cage he was a top prospect, he fought for 170lbs gold in just six fights.
Since moving up to Middleweight he has faced some of the very best. Going 1-2, many have written Darren off. However, he’s still #9 in the rankings, full of talent and on his day one of the best in the world.
With a few statement wins, he is right in the mix. With current champion Israel Adesanya wiping out a lot of the top contenders already. A fresh face to fight for the belt is surely a welcome challenge.
Light Heavyweight – Paul Craig
The BJJ specialist continues to be one of the most dangerous names at Light Heavyweight. Having a Submission game like no other, his guard is arguably the most dangerous in the whole sport.
After a rocky start to his UFC career, he managed to accrue a six-fight unbeaten run. This run saw him produce five finishes and a ranking next to his name.
Despite a loss last time out he is still #9 in the world. With his exciting and dynamic style, a few wins and finishes put Paul Craig on the cusp of the gold.
Heavyweight – Tom Aspinall
The easiest pick of the bunch sees Tom Aspinall as our Heavyweight hope. Breaking records through his first five fights, which he won, all via stoppage. The Aspinall rise to a title was well and truly underway.
An injury last time out halted his ascent, but once he’s back fit, business resumes as usual. Extremely well-rounded he is lighting fast on the feet and a killer on the mat. He possesses all the necessary tools to climb the throne.
At only 29, he has years ahead of him. With constant improvements and the talent already there, it’s only a matter of time before we’re calling Tom the king of the Heavyweights.
Did you agree with our list and who would you add?
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