In the world of UFC, the heavyweight division often faces criticism for being “shallow,” but rising prospect Mario Pinto argues this assessment is fundamentally unfair. The undefeated fighter (11-0) believes the current generation is constantly and unjustly measured against the “juiced to the gills” superheroes of the pre-USADA era .
In a recent interview, Pinto defended the division, pointing to a new, more well-rounded and tactical fighter that is taking over. “Right now, in the heavyweight division, we’ve got a lot more well-rounded guys,” Pinto told Bloody Elbow. “The heavyweights are evolving. They aren’t just trying to slang and bang and knock each other out, they are being more tactical” .
The USADA Divide and a New Era of Athletes
A significant part of the criticism aimed at today’s heavyweights stems from comparisons to past legends. Pinto dismisses these comparisons as irrelevant, citing the different eras’ rules on performance-enhancing drugs.
“A lot of people are trying to compare the heavyweights now to the heavyweights before. Especially pre-USADA era, it doesn’t make sense,” Pinto stated. “The guys there, they were different, they were juiced to the gills. They were like superheroes” .
The introduction of the UFC’s anti-doping program with USADA in 2015 marked a clear turning point for the sport and the physicality of many fighters . The careers of several prominent athletes, such as Vitor Belfort and Alistair Overeem, visibly changed post-USADA, with notable declines in their physiques and performance records . This context is crucial for understanding Pinto’s argument that the playing field today is different, and so are the athletes who excel on it.
The Modern Heavyweight Roster: Technically Sound and Diverse
Pinto’s view that the division is filled with more versatile fighters is supported by an analysis of the current top contenders. The landscape has shifted from a reliance on single, overwhelming attributes to a premium on diverse and complete skill sets.
The table below illustrates the well-rounded talents that define the current top of the division:
| Fighter | Key Skills & Attributes | Distinction from Past Eras |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall (Champ) | BJJ black belt, boxing, takedowns, speed | Exceptional speed & technical grappling for his size |
| Ciryl Gane | Elite, versatile striker; athletic, fast at 247 lbs | Kickboxing fluidity & movement uncommon for heavyweight |
| Sergei Pavlovich | Powerful hands, strong takedown defense, wrestling background | Aggressive knockout power combined with defensive skills |
| Curtis Blaydes | Excellent wrestler, ever-improving striking, powerful | Dominant wrestling base with evolving stand-up game |
| Alexander Volkov | High-level striker, uses length effectively, veteran consistency | Leverages significant reach with technical kickboxing |
| Jailton Almeida | Strong grappler, dominant submission artist | BJJ-centric game that prioritizes control and submissions |
This shift towards a “hybrid” model means today’s heavyweights can no longer rely solely on brute power. They must be prepared to win fights wherever they go—on the feet, or on the ground .
“Exciting Times” Ahead for the Heavyweight Division
While acknowledging that the division was held back by the delayed title picture involving Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones, Pinto is optimistic about the future . He sees the current period as the dawn of an exciting new chapter.
“I think there are exciting times coming,” Pinto said. “People are overlooking the new hybrid heavyweight that’s coming. I think we are going to see some exciting things” .
This sentiment is echoed by others in the sport, though the pressure is on the new champion, Tom Aspinall, to legitimize the division through dominant performances . As he and his contemporaries continue to evolve, they are not just replacing the legends of the past- they are carving out a new identity for the UFC heavyweight.