Here’s a bold statement: the UFC’s championship landscape is in chaos, and Michael Bisping isn’t having it. The former middleweight champ is calling out the growing trend of fighters chasing multiple titles without properly defending their current belts—and he’s not alone in his frustration. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this ambition or arrogance? Let’s dive in.
On December 12, 2025, Bisping took to his YouTube channel to voice his concerns about the recent wave of champions eyeing belts in other divisions before solidifying their legacy in their current weight class. Take Ilia Topuria, for example. Fresh off relinquishing his featherweight title after just one defense, Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) is already eyeing the lightweight belt—and now, he’s talking about a potential welterweight showdown with Islam Makhachev. Wait, what? And this is the part most people miss: By jumping divisions so quickly, fighters like Topuria risk leaving their original weight class in limbo, stalling the progression of other contenders.
It’s not just Topuria. Middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) has hinted at moving up to light heavyweight after just one title defense to challenge Alex Pereira. But Pereira seems more interested in a heavyweight clash with Jon Jones. Meanwhile, Bisping points out a troubling pattern: fighters are increasingly accusing one another of dodging matchups. From Topuria allegedly avoiding Arman Tsarukyan to Jon Jones supposedly sidestepping Tom Aspinall, the blame game is in full swing. Is this the new normal, or are fighters losing sight of what it means to be a champion?
Bisping’s stance is clear: champions should defend their titles at least three times before considering a move up. If they’re not willing to commit, they should vacate the belt to keep the division moving. He reminisces about the days when champions prioritized legacy over quick glory, ensuring their weight class remained competitive. “Vacate the belt, keep the division moving, and then go chase your next dream,” Bisping said. “But this trend of jumping ship immediately? It’s not fair to the sport or the fans.”
Of course, there’s an exception to every rule. Alex Pereira, for instance, earned his shot at bigger things after a dominant return against Magomed Ankalaev. But Bisping argues that such moves should be the exception, not the norm. So, here’s the question for you: Are fighters like Topuria and Chimaev pushing the sport forward, or are they undermining its integrity? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
