Who will be UFC champion by the end of 2024

Alexandre Pantoja: Pantoja's toughest test is Brandon Moreno, but he won't get a rematch anytime soon. Figueiredo has also left flyweight. So I favor him to stay champion facing up against anyone else in line for a title shot. 

Merab Dvalishvili: Sean O'Mallley will defend against Marlon Vera, who isn't even the number one contender. The UFC may want to protect O'Malley for as long as they can but should Dvalishvili beat Henry Cejudo he will be next and line and destroy O'Malley or Vera.

Ilia Topuria: Alexander Volkanovski suffered the worst knockout loss of his career. Some fighters are never the same after a knockout like that, he's also 35 years old now and returning way too soon from his knockout. That will make it easier for Topuria to test his chin if he is not fully recovered. 

Islam Makhachev: There's nothing but rematches awaiting Makhachev and he's the favorite against all of them. Whether it's Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan, he will be favored to beat both. If we continue down the line, Justin Gaethje would also be considered an underdog. 

Shavkat Rakhmonov: Leon Edwards might lose his title to Belal Muhammad, depending on who's improved the most since their last fight that ended in a no contest. Regardless of who wins, they will both fail to defend against Rakhmonov. 

Khamzat Chimaev: This is hard to call because I'm split on who will win between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis but I give a slight edge to Chimaev against both of them. That being said, Chimaev's cardio is a concern. If either survive the first three rounds they can ware him out in the championship rounds. So I give the slightest of edge to Chimaev. 

Magomed Ankalaev: Alex Pereira will have a tough time dealing with Jamahal Hill's durability and size. Hill will then have a tough time imposing his will on Ankalaev. Ankalaev will get passed Johnny Walker then get a title shot later this year and win. 

Tom Aspinall: Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic will both fight for the last time against each other and retire. Aspinall will then get promoted to undisputed status and remain there until the end of 2024. 

Tatiana Suarez: As long as Suarez is consistent, she will win her fight against Amanda Lemos and get her title shot after the China vs. China showdown. She will most likely meet Zhang Weili and defeat year by the end of the year. 

Erin Blanchfield: Alexa Grasso is on borrowed time as she barely got passed Valentina Shevkchenko who is no longer in her prime but still very dangerous. Shevchenko will have enough left in her to regain her title but then lose it to the undefeated Blanchfield and father time remains undefeated. 

Germaine de Randamie: This one is hard to call because I'm not sure if de Randamie comes back from maternity in time to fight for a title and if she doesn't I don't know if Julianna Pena returns from injury on time as well. But those are my two favorites in that order. Where Mayra Buena Silva becomes the new champion only to lose to one of the two ladies listed above.