Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings
John Brannigan/Sherdog.com illustration
Justin Gaethje is a bridesmaid no extra.
After arising brief on the most important stage on two events, “The Highlight” grew to become an undisputed UFC champion for the primary time in his profession by authoring maybe his greatest efficiency up to now. By shutting down Ilia Topuria‘s race to GOAT standing within the UFC White House major occasion with a fourth-round stoppage victory, Gaethje single-handedly altered your entire course of the UFC’s light-weight division. While there is a distinct risk that Gaethje decides to finish his profession on a excessive be aware, his ascent to the No. 1 rating is nicely deserved. Topuria, in the meantime, stays put at No. 2 and appears extra more likely to stay at 155 kilos for the foreseeable future.
Another key element of the light-weight image is the beforehand top-ranked Islam Makhachevwho hasn’t competed within the division since January 2025 and is awaiting his first 170-pound title protection. With little to no likelihood of a return to 155 kilos within the close to future, Makhachev exits the ballot solely.
In the night’s co-headliner, Ciryl Gane
extinguished Alex Pereira‘s desires of changing into the UFC’s first ever three-division champion, and he did so in emphatic trend with a second-round technical knockout victory. Gane turns into a two-time interim champion in victory, however he has unfinished enterprise to deal with. The win ought to arrange a rematch with present undisputed heavyweight king Tom Aspinallas quickly because the Brit totally recovers from the attention damage he suffered of their first assembly this previous October. As for the massive man rankings, a majority of the Sherdog.com employees was impressed sufficient with “Bon Gamin” to vote him to the No. 1 place forward of Aspinall and former foe Francis Ngannou.
Also at heavyweight, title hopeful Josh Hokit
saved his momentum going by sporting down Derrick Lewis on the mat and on the ft en path to a second-round technical knockout victory. “The Incredible Hok” is now 4-0 in UFC competitors, and with back-to-back wins over Lewis and Curtis Blaydesseems to be like an rising contender at heavyweight. For now, he stays put at No. 7 within the divisional ballot. As for Lewis, a pair of lackluster showings jettison the promotion’s all-time KO chief from the heavyweight rankings. Taking his place is Australian prospect Brando Pericicwho has completed his first three UFC opponents by KO or TKO.
Sean O’Malley made an announcement in opposition to Aiemann Zahabiending the Tristar Gym product’s seven-bout promotional profitable streak with a walk-off technical knockout victory in a bantamweight pairing. After a pair of discouraging losses in title bouts to Merab Dvalishvili“Suga” has rebounded to submit back-to-back triumphs over Zahabi and Yadong Song. If Petr Yan bests
Merab Dvalishvili of their anticipated trilogy bout, O’Malley may have a reputable declare at one other 135-pound title shot.
Elsewhere, Mauricio Ruffy capitalized on a mismatch, as he overwhelmed a past-his prime Michael Chandlerplacing the ex-Bellator champ away with a spinning wheel kick and follow-up punches within the opening stanza of their light-weight conflict. Chandler, who has misplaced six of his final seven Octagon appearances, is not the feather within the cap he as soon as was — however with the remainder of the motion at 155 kilos, Ruffy climbs to No. 9 within the newest replace.
To kick off the cardboard, Diego Lopes
weathered a tough begin, rallying for a second-round technical knockout victory over Steve Garcia in a featherweight tilt. By ending his opponent’s seven-bout promotional profitable streak, Lopes is ready to keep his No. 3 rating at 145 kilos. However, one other title shot is perhaps troublesome to return by so long as Alexander Volkanovski reigns atop the division. There is one change on the featherweight bubble, as 2024 PFL champ Timur Khizriev you will have reached your inactivity threshold. His exit clears the best way for Aaron Pico
to hitch the ballot at No. 15.
Note: Previous rankings listed in brackets.
WOMEN’S ATOMWEIGHT
