Lightweights and bantamweights are currently considered the most explosive in MMA, with the former generally attracting the most attention. However, there are reasons to believe that the bantamweight division has moved past lightweight as
Five reasons UFC bantamweight is the best division in MMA:
#5: A healthy mix of former champions, veterans and young rookies
Unlike any other UFC division, the promotion’s bantamweight division currently has three former undisputed champions who are still active – Cody Garbrandt, Dominick Cruz and Petr Yan. Cruz and Jan are still in the top 10 in the division, but Garbrandt still has time to win another title.
Additionally, former champ Henry Cejudo is set to return later this year, as is former flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo, who is now moving up to bantamweight.
But even without the aforementioned names, the bantamweight division has seen a resurgence of up-and-coming talent, with Son Yadong, Cris Gutierrez and Adrian Yanez among the top bantamweight prospects and all three currently in the division’s top 15.
#4 Lightweights have more experienced fighters
At the start of the UFC, the heavier weight classes got the most attention and hype from the masses. At the time, the lower divisions, especially flyweight and bantamweight, always seemed to be on the sidelines.
Today, the lower weight classes are booming, and there is real evidence that lower weight fighters, at least technically, are far superior to their heavier peers.
Clearly, there is a palpable skill gap between the top fighters in the middleweight, lightweight, and heavyweight divisions and the rest of the fighters.
Interestingly, at bantamweight, it feels like the top 15 fighters can beat any other ranked opponent on any night because they’re all tied. In fact, fighters like 11th-ranked Umar Nurmagomedov would likely be favorites against all fighters ahead of him.
The bantamweight division offers a unique combination of skill, speed and power that makes almost every potential pair an explosive match.
#3. Polarizing, Interesting, and Colorful Characters
It should be noted that the bantamweight division of the UFC has the most interesting number of opponents in combat sports. It’s nearly impossible to pinpoint why this phenomenon has occurred, but the fighters from this division who are currently signed to the UFC are certainly a motley crew.
The defending champion, Aljamain Sterling, does not hesitate to turn the crowd against him, as does his future rival, the “King of Antics” Henry Cejudo. There should be no shortage of chatter in preparation for their upcoming fight at UFC 288.
Marlon Vera has become a fan favorite for his serious take on fighting. Corey Sandhagen is a smart and very creative individual with an activist mindset that no one else has. Merab Dvalishvili also resonated with the masses, gaining support with his affable character and unlimited gas tank.
Most bantamweight title contenders are comfortable sharing their personal lives, especially Sean O’Malley. “Sugar” is one of the most recognizable figures in MMA, and he could propel the division to astronomical levels of popularity if he takes the belt in the future.
No. 2. Top 15 UFC Strongest
When it comes to the level of competition and power in the UFC, two divisions stand out above the rest – lightweight and bantamweight.
Top lightweight contenders Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira have lost title fights over the past two years, and a new generation of fighters are still unable to challenge for the belt. Additionally, Chandler and Rafael dos Anjos’ future in the division is uncertain, with both fighters considering promotion.
Outside of the top 10, Dan Hooker has struggled with instability, Damir Ismagulov is set to leave the UFC, and fighters like Drew Dober and Renato Moicano have been in promotion for ages with no results. Rafael Fiziev, Arman Tsarukyan, Mateusz Gamroth and Jalyn Turner are promising contenders but so far they haven’t had any breakthrough moments.
Additionally, while Poirier, Gaethje, Oliveira and champion Islam Makhachev are popular fighters, the division lacks a true superstar. The biggest star in the division aside from those four is Paddy Pimblett, who doesn’t seem to have a very high ceiling at the moment.
On the other hand, the bantamweight division is full of new contenders who have yet to fight for the belt. And many of whom haven’t even made title fights.
Following the recent retirements of Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar, the flyweight division has become the most competitive in the promotion. Umar Nurmagomedov, Adrian Yanez and Chris Gutierrez have champion-caliber prospects.
Raul Rosas Jr., 18, has also shown great potential, which bodes well for the future of the bantamweight division.
No. 1. Potential Superstars
What makes an ordinary fighter a superstar? From what we’ve seen in the UFC over the years, stars are created from a combination of storylines and personalities. There’s no shortage of the UFC’s bantamweight division either.
Ever since the championship days of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dagestan’s teammates have been enjoying Orel’s glory in a big way. His younger cousin, undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov, certainly has the skills to dominate the division for a long time to come.
Umar has come out of his shell lately by doing more English interviews and he just needs a worthy opponent for the masses to really take notice.
There’s quite a bit of rivalry simmering elsewhere in the division. After losing to Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili, Russian fighter Pyotr Yan is now looking for revenge.
Sterling and Henry Cejudo are another rivalry, and the two fighters rarely miss an opportunity to push each other.
Additionally, Sterling’s friendship with top-ranked Dvalishvili creates an interesting dynamic at the top of the division.
All things considered, the bantamweight division is on fire right now.
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Source: Sport
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
