The top spot in the mixed martial arts pound-for-pound rankings is currently a hot topic of debate. Islam Makhachev has held the coveted #1 position for over 600 days, but his reign is now under serious threat following recent events in the sport.
Rising undefeated star Ilia Topuria is making a compelling case for the top ranking. While he reportedly expressed a desire to face Makhachev to definitively claim the top spot, Topuria has built a powerful resume on his own. His impressive victories include a recent win over Charles Oliveira, along with stunning knockout wins against former featherweight champions like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, proving he belongs firmly in the conversation for the best fighter in the world.
With Makhachev`s next potential defense against Jack Della Maddalena still pending, there is ample time for discussion regarding the strength of Topuria`s challenge. The latest panel voting from analysts reflects this ongoing debate, showing a notable split at the very top of the list. Makhachev received three first-place votes, while Topuria garnered two, and surprisingly, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja also received one vote, highlighting the depth of talent at the top and the subjective nature of the rankings. Several other elite fighters, including Merab Dvalishvili, Dricus du Plessis, Tom Aspinall, and Magomed Ankalaev, are closely trailing. Makhachev`s position could become even more uncertain if he were to stumble in a future bout, despite his significant past achievements.
The pound-for-pound discussion is undeniably exciting again, partly thanks to a significant recent change: Jon Jones, who had become something of a part-time competitor, has officially announced his retirement from the sport. Jones, who remains a legendary figure in any greatest-of-all-time conversation, had been steadily falling in the rankings due to his extended inactivity and apparent diminishing interest in competing. His removal simplifies the rankings picture by no longer requiring the inclusion of a fighter who wasn`t actively pursuing challenging competition.
Recent Results for Ranked Fighters (Previous Ranking):
- No. 2 Ilia Topuria def. No. 17 Charles Oliveira
- No. 3 (tied) Alexandre Pantoja def. Kai Kara-France
Upcoming Bouts Featuring Ranked Fighters:
- No. 5 Dricus du Plessis vs. No. 14 Khamzat Chimaev (UFC 319, Aug. 16)
- No. 11 Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier (UFC 318, July 19)
- No. 17 Movsar Evloev vs. Aaron Pico (UFC Abu Dhabi, July 26)
Fighters Also Receiving Votes (Number of Ballot Appearances):
- Francis Ngannou (2)
- Aljamain Sterling (2)
- Joshua Van (1)
- Mario Bautista (1)
- Brandon Moreno (1)
- Cory Sandhagen (1)
Falling Out of the Rankings (Previous Ranking):
- No. 15 Jon Jones (retirement)
