UFC Heavyweight Champion Odds, Best Bets, Predictions 2023

Francis Ngannou is the current heavyweight champion. He hasn't fought since January 2022. Ngansou has been recovering from knee surgery and contract disputes with the UFC. Oddsmakers still believe Nansanou will remain the champion by the end of the year.

Jon Jones hasn't fought since 2009. February 8, 2023 will be his third full year without a fight. He last fought in the main event of UFC 247, defending his light heavyweight title against Dominick Reyes. After contract disputes, he vacated his title and began training for an eventual return to the heavyweight division.

Ciryl Gane is a French heavyweight fighter. He lost to Francis Ngannou at UFC 270. Gne defeated Tai Tuivasa by knockout in the third round at the UFC's first event in France. Gene is considered a contender for the undisputed heavyweight title in 2023.

Sergei Pavlovich is the most active heavyweight in 2022. He won all three of his fights last year via first-round KO or TKO. Pavlovich started his 2022 campaign with a win over Shamil Abdurakhimov and followed that with wins over Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa.

Pavolovich has no opponent set for his first bout of 2023.

Stipe Miocic has not fought since losing his title to Francis Ngannou in March 2021. He is the least active heavyweight on this list. Oddsmakers still consider MiOCic as the fifth and final favorite to hold the UFC heavyweight title at the end of 2023.