UFC 326: Power Rankings of the Night's Top Performers

UFC 326 returned to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, delivering another major event. The night featured a thrilling BMF title bout where Charles Oliveira emerged victorious over Max Holloway. Beyond the championship clash, several contenders secured significant wins, shaping their careers. Below is an analysis of the top performers from the main card.

UFC 326 Power Rankings

1. Drew Dober

Drew Dober delivered arguably the most spectacular knockout of the night, decisively stopping veteran Michael Johnson in their lightweight bout. While perhaps not on the immediate path to a title shot, Dober consistently guarantees an electrifying performance in the Octagon. Known for his entertaining walkouts and aggressive fighting style, he is a fighter fans eagerly watch. His victory over Johnson was a highlight-reel finish, marking his 11th UFC knockout and solidifying his record for the most KOs in the 155-pound division. This impressive showing also earned him a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus.

2. Gregory Rodrigues

Gregory "Robocop" Rodrigues successfully completed a mission of redemption at UFC 326. He avenged his previous loss to Brunno Ferreira, who had shocked him in their initial encounter at UFC 283 in January 2023. Since that setback, Rodrigues has maintained a strong momentum, only briefly interrupted by a fight against Jared Cannonier. Seizing the chance to settle the score with Ferreira, Rodrigues unleashed his formidable knockout power. He secured a stunning finish against Ferreira, taking less than half the time it took for their first fight. This emphatic victory also earned "Robocop" a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus.

3. Charles Oliveira

Despite winning the BMF title, Charles Oliveira ranks third, not due to the significance of his victory or the title itself, but rather the nature of his performance. Oliveira displayed exceptional tactical intelligence, relying heavily on his superior grappling skills against Max Holloway—a strategy few anticipated. Once he established his dominance on the ground, he effectively controlled the fight to secure a decisive win on the scorecards. While undeniably effective, this strategic approach led to a less action-packed bout than often expected from a BMF title fight, which typically implies high-octane entertainment. Although Oliveira's elite status remains unquestionable and future major fights await, some fans felt the contest lacked the classic, thrilling exchanges anticipated for such a belt.

4. Caio Borralho

The co-main event between Caio Borralho and Reinier de Ridder was a pivotal clash for both fighters, with title contention at stake for the victor and potential gatekeeper status for the loser. Borralho delivered a dominant performance, securing a unanimous decision victory over de Ridder, who appeared both dangerous at moments and demoralized at others. This shutout win positions Borralho back in the title picture, with a potential future matchup against former champion Dricus Du Plessis. For de Ridder, following two uninspired showings at 185 pounds, a move to the light heavyweight division might be a strategic consideration.

5. Raul Rosas Jr.

Raul Rosas Jr., the youthful sensation who entered the UFC as a teenager, continues to impress in the Octagon, showcasing his potential as a contender in the 135-pound division. He successfully navigated a significant step up in competition, facing veteran contender Rob Font at T-Mobile Arena. Rosas delivered a commanding performance, winning every round on all scorecards for a clear unanimous decision. While his ground dominance was evident, his striking offense from that position still needs refinement. Nonetheless, this victory propels him into the bantamweight top 15, setting the stage for increasingly challenging matchups. With his positive mindset and eagerness to learn, Rosas Jr. is well-positioned to steadily climb further up the rankings.