Sometimes, it takes a winning streak for a fighter to earn the “hot” tag. Other times, it just takes a single win and a few headline grabbing antics. But the one thing that the hottest fighters have in common is that all eyes are on them as they gear up for the next fight. We’ve picked out one fighter in each division that bears watching right now. And if they’ve got an upcoming fight, we’ve got applicable odds.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Please note, the odds at BookMaker are updated on a daily basis, so some of the lines listed here may have changed since this article was written.
Flyweight - Henry Cejudo, 10-0, 3 KOs, 1 SUB
Next Fight: UFC 197, April 23
Demetrious Johnson -400 vs. Henry Cejudo +325
Any time an Olympic wrestling gold medalist enters the fight game, people pay attention. Henry Cejudo has made good on his promise with a 10-0 pro MMA record, which includes a four-fight win streak in the UFC. In a division that desperately needs marketable challengers for Demetrious Johnson - the UFC’s most dominant champion - Henry Cejudo is a godsend.
Bantamweight - Aljamain Sterling, 12-0, 2 KOs, 6 SUBs
Next Fight: TBA
Dominick Cruz stole the headlines by reclaiming his belt in an inspiring comeback tale, but Sterling is in a very important position as well. Undefeated at 12-0, with four wins in the UFC, Sterling is currently in free agency. For a blue chip prospect like Sterling, signing with a rival promotion like Bellator could make a huge statement in the ongoing argument that many UFC fighters are unhappy with the promotion’s pay and treatment of its fighters.
Featherweight - Max Holloway, 15-3, 6 KOs, 3 SUBs
Next Fight: TBA
Yes, the featherweight division revolves around Conor McGregor. But the future might belong to 24-year old Max Holloway, who has reeled off eight straight wins in an extremely competitive division. What’s scary is that he’s still improving, evidenced by easy wins over top-notch competition like Cub Swanson and Charles Oliveira.
Lightweight - Tony Ferguson - 20-3, 9 KOs, 7 SUBs
Next Fight: UFC on Fox 19, April 16
Khabib Nurmagomedov -225 vs. Tony Ferguson +175
Over/under 3.5 rounds, over -195, under +160
The lightweight division is the most stacked division in the UFC. Ferguson has won seven in a row at 155 and is coming off a 2015 Fight of the Year contender. He also happens to have one of the most unpredictable, entertaining fight styles on the entire roster. Yeah, he’s hot right now.
Welterweight - Demian Maia, 22-6, 3 KOs, 10 SUBs
Next Fight: UFC Fight Night Brazil, May 14
Demian Maia -425 vs. Matt Brown +320
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -155, under +125
At 38 years old, Maia continues defy Father Time and is now the winner of four straight. His last two wins have come against two of the most promising prospects at 170, Gunnar Nelson and Neil Magny.
Middleweight - Luke Rockhold, 15-2, 4 KOs, 9 SUBs
Next Fight: UFC 199, June 25
Chris Weidman +165 vs. Luke Rockhold -190
Rockhold just beat the undefeated Chris Weidman to win the middleweight title. Prior to that, he finished four straight opponents, including Lyoto Machida and Michael Bisping, in brutal fashion. There’s nobody else in the division that is competing at the level he is right now.
Light Heavyweight - Jon Jones, 21-1, 9 KOs, 6 SUBs
Next Fight: Future Event
Daniel Cormier +260 vs. Jon Jones -340
Over/under 4.5 rounds, over -155, under +125
It doesn’t matter that Jones hasn’t fought in over a year. Before his suspension, he was on track to become the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. Now, he’s back and ready to take his belt back from rival Daniel Cormier.
Heavyweight - Ben Rothwell, 36-9, 20 KOs, 3 SUBs
Next Fight: UFC Fight Night 86
Ben Rothwell -125 vs. Junior dos Santos +105
First, it was Andrei Arlovski. Now, it’s Ben Rothwell that’s in the spotlight as the “previously written off fighter who is now a contender.” Big Ben has won four in a row in a thin heavyweight division, with wins over Alistair Overeem, Matt Mitrione and Josh Barnett. Despite his awkward fighting style and burly frame, he’s earned a shot at the title.
Women’s Strawweight - Rose Namajunas, 4-2, 4 SUBs
Next Fight: UFC on FOX 19, April 16
Rose Namajunas -165 vs. Tecia Torre +145
Namajunas not only derailed Paige VanZant’s hype train, she reignited her own with her beatdown of PVZ at UFC Fight Night 80. At just 23 years old, with plus athleticism, speed and aggression, it seems inevitable that Namajunas will fight for the title some day.
Women’s Bantamweight - Holly Holm, 10-0, 7 KOs
Next Fight: UFC 196, March 5, 2016
Holly Holm -400 vs. Miesha Tate +300
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -180, under +140
The world is waiting to see Holm in action after her stunning victory over Ronda Rousey. Her next fight just so happens to be the next best fighter, Miesha Tate. Can Holm look as good against a fighter that doesn’t play completely to her strengths?
BET ON UFC FIGHTS NOW
With BookMaker’s quick and easy payout options, your winnings are always close at hand. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today!
