UFC Championship Odds: Who Will Have The Belts At The End Of 2023?

2022 was one of the greatest years in UFC history. Fans were spoiled as four belts changed hands during jaw-dropping upsets. There were some stunning knockouts and submissions, all while new MMA superstars were born.

Sportsbook

Since this year was so darn fun and the new year is mere days away, Sportsbook has released odds for who the UFC titleholders will be by the end of 2023. And, as we comb the list, there are some exciting names on the board. Surely, our next Leon Edwards or Alex Pereira is hidden on the list with some tasty plus money next to his name.

We’ll walk through all the UFC future champions odds and give our picks in just a moment. First, check out some of the other UFC odds and sites, including our UFC betting news page and our How To Bet on UFC guide.

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Flyweight Division Odds: Figueiredo, Moreno At The Top

Odds as of December 22 at Sportsbook

Prediction: Brandon Moreno (+165)

As of right now, the 125-pound division is a two-man show. Brandon Moreno (+165) and Deiveson Figueiredo (+150) have fought three times in the last two years (one win apiece, one draw) and will fight a fourth time for the undisputed title at UFC 283 in Brazil. 

The Moreno-Figueiredo duo is arguably the most competitive active rivalry in the sport. Both mixed martial artists are uniquely talented – Figueiredo’s strength is unmatched, while Moreno’s creativity sets him apart – but I like “The Assassin Baby” to reign supreme by the end of 2023. 

Moreno is six years younger than Figueiredo and more disciplined inside and outside the Octagon. “Deus Da Guerra” sometimes loses his cool inside the cage and has missed weight before in his career. I’m counting on Moreno to snatch the undisputed title at UFC 283 and successfully defend it at least once in 2023, either against Figueiredo again or rising challenger Alexandre Pantoja (+400). 

Bantamweight Division Odds: Sterling Steadily Chalked

Odds as of December 22 at Sportsbook

Prediction: Aljamain Sterling (+110)

The 135-pound division has rapidly transformed into the UFC’s second-most competitive division (lightweight is clearly No. 1). As it stands heading into the new year, the market hinges on one champion, Aljamain Sterling (+110), and two potential challengers, Henry Cejudo (+200) and Sean O’Malley (+400). 

This is a tough one. Cejudo, who has been retired since early 2020, is expected to return and fight Aljo for the title in early 2023. I anticipate the Sportsbook of that fight remaining champion for the duration of 2023. Sterling and Cejudo are both punishing wrestlers whose styles are bound to flummox standup artists such as O’Malley and Marlon “Chito” Vera (+700). 

If I had to pick a Sportsbook today, I’d take Sterling to retain the belt at +110. It’s not a sexy pick, but I think “Funk Master” will squeak past Cejudo and hold on to the bantamweight strap. 

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Lightweight Division Odds: Makhachev a big favorite

Odds as of December 22 at Sportsbook

Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski (+325)

Here’s where things get saucy. 

Islam Makhachev (-220) is pretty hefty chalk to retain his belt through 2023 and, frankly, I don’t see much value there. Makhachev is set to fight current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (+325) at UFC 284 in Perth as the Aussie makes the leap to become double champ at lightweight. That’s where I see the true value, even if the logic for Volk becoming champ is tricky.

I think Volkanovski will beat Islam at UFC 284 – I’ve said as much in my Volkanovski vs Makhachev odds and pick analysis from earlier this year – but for “Alexander The Great” to retain the belt through all of 2023, he’ll presumably need to beat Makhachev twice, as a win in Perth would necessitate a rematch. That’s a brutal position to be in. If anyone can get it done, though, it’s Volkanovski and his 12-0 UFC record.

I’ve made it a rule to back Volkanovski until I see him lose. So, with that mindset, I’ll take a value bet on the 34-year-old to become the lightweight champion by the end of 2023.

Welterweight Division Odds: Usman Favored To Reclaim Strap

Odds as of December 22 at Sportsbook

Prediction: Kamaru Usman (+150)

Boring, right? I know, and I’m sorry, but Usman is the best pick on the board. The former champion lost his belt to Leon Edwards (+225) at UFC 278 in stunning, last-minute knockout fashion, which has tossed him into the void for the first time in his UFC career.

The 35-year-old is now without his belt for the first time since 2019 and will have plenty of time to cope with his loss, as a rematch with Edwards is being targeted for March in London. It’ll be tough to contend with the rowdy English crowd, but I think Usman will silence the doubters. “The Nigerian Nightmare” was dominating Edwards for 4.5 rounds at UFC 278 before a head kick ended his night. Otherwise, Usman had it in the bag.

The rise of Khamzat Chimaev (+300) at welterweight makes me a little uneasy, though I ultimately think the 170-pound weight cut will be too much for “The Wolf” and he’ll move to middleweight full time. In the meantime, take Usman at +150 while the value is there. 

Middleweight Division Odds: Adesanya Favored To Avenge Loss, Chimaev Waiting In the wings

Odds as of December 22 at Sportsbook

Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev (+210)

The Chimaev train has always been headed toward a championship destination. Few fighters in UFC history have burst onto the scene like Khamzat, and the Chechen has earned every ounce of the hype he has created in his first two years with the promotion.

Once Israel Adesanya (+155) and Alex Pereira (+210) run back their fight from UFC 281, I believe Chimaev will get the next shot regardless of who wins. Against either Pereira or Adesanya, Chimaev should be able to take the fight to the ground and punish his opponent. 

The only thing that makes me a tad uncertain about this bet is that the UFC is reportedly targeting a Chimaev vs Colby Covington welterweight bout in March. Like I said earlier, I think Chimaev’s future is at middleweight, but if he beats Covington, then he’s an obvious candidate for a title shot at 170 pounds.

I don’t think Khamzat beats Covington, but at +225 value, I’ll gladly bet on him to be middleweight champion by the end of 2023.

Light Heavyweight Division Odds: Ankalaev, Hill Top The oddsboard

Odds as of December 22 at Sportsbook

Prediction: Jiri Prochazka (+325)

I find these odds a bit puzzling. Then again, the entire light heavyweight division is one giant mess right now.
After champion Jiri Prochazka (+325) pulled out of his UFC 282 title fight vs Glover Teixeira (+800) due to injury and vacated the belt, Magomed Ankalaev (+150) and Jan Blachowicz (+375) stepped up for an interim title fight. Naturally, that dud of a fight ended in a draw, leaving the division without a true champ.

The 2023 odds are now wide open, and I like Prochazka at +325 to return to the 205-pound throne. The 30-year-old has undergone shoulder surgery and a lengthy rehab awaits, but once he returns (perhaps in late 2023), he’ll get a crack at the title. Jiri will triumph in what will presumably be a matchup against the Sportsbook of Jamahal Hill (+300) vs Teixeira. 

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Heavyweight Division Odds: Ngannou-Jones Superfight Awaits

Odds as of December 22 at Sportsbook

Prediction: Jon Jones (+240)

The heavyweight division, like the light heavyweight group, is clouded with controversy. Current champ Francis Ngannou (+115) defended his belt at UFC 270 in January but hasn’t fought since as he rehabs two serious knee injuries. The UFC has long targeted light heavyweight GOAT Jon Jones (+240) as Ngannou’s next foe, with the promotion’s latest promise setting up the superfight for the spring of 2023. 

If Jones and Ngannou do finally fight, I think the smart bet is on Jones. While Francis has flashed some improved wrestling chops lately, Jones is still a far more complete fighter with a longer reach. It’s hard to predict how Jones’ transition to heavyweight will go – he’s been out of the Octagon for nearly three years – but the value is right on a bet for “Bones” to be champ by the end of 2023.

Women’s Strawweight Division Odds

Since we’re confident that Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko have their respective women’s bantamweight and flyweight divisions locked down, let’s look at our women’s strawweight odds and picks for 2023.

Odds as of December 22 at Sportsbook

Prediction: Zhang Weili (-250)

Zhang is quickly on her way to becoming a queen of women’s MMA. The 33-year-old had some bumps through her UFC career – notably two losses to Rose Namajunas (+200) – but is back on top with a championship win over Carla Esparza (+3300) at UFC 281. Weili looks too fierce for 115 pounds, able to dispatch opponents with relentless striking or a much-improved plethora of submissions on the canvas. 

A rematch with Namajunas is inevitable. I believe she’ll avenge her previous losses to “Thug Rose” and hang on to the 115-pound strap through the end of 2023.