The UFC rankings are a ranking system used by MMA fans to determine the top fighters in a given weight division. The rankings are based on a voting panel of media members and are updated weekly. In order to be eligible for a fighter to be considered for the rankings, they must be in active status in the UFC.
The top fighters in the UFC rank according to their pound-for-pound ratings, which take into account the fighter’s ability and fighting statistics rather than their actual body weight. The pound-for-pound ratings also include the results of their respective fights.
1. Islam Makhachev (21-5): One of the best lightweights in the world right now, Makhachev has been on an incredible run in the UFC. He recently defeated Charles Oliveira to claim the UFC lightweight title and has become a household name for his submission skills.
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0): The reigning welterweight champion and arguably the greatest lightweight in the world, Nurmagomedov has won six of his last seven fights and has become a fan favourite. His winning streak includes an emphatic win over Conor McGregor in 2021.
3. Rafael dos Anjos (31-6): Dos Anjos is a former lightweight champion and one of the most difficult fighters in the UFC. He has fought some of the best in the business, including Nate Diaz, Anthony Pettis, Neil Magny and Robbie Lawler.
4. Kenny Florian (9-2): Despite losing to Sherk, Florian has improved by leaps and bounds and is now a real contender. His win over Edgar has solidified him as a legitimate top ranked lightweight.
5. Hermes Franca (6-4): A veteran of the UFC, Franca is a very tough fighter who has been on a hot streak. He has beaten the likes of Spencer Fisher, Marcus Aurelio and current WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner.
6. Kamaru Usman (17-4): Despite his loss to Covington, the “Nigerian Nightmare” is still a very active and accomplished athlete. The 35-year-old fought three times in 2021 and was a masterful stoppage artist in the process, having beaten a vast array of divisional rivals.
7. Alexander Volkanovski (20-4): The former interim welterweight champion is currently the best featherweight in the world, and holds wins against the likes of Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes and Brian Ortega. He enhanced his own claims to be labelled the 145lbs GOAT by putting on a clinic against fan favourite Chan Sung Jung in April, and then producing a devastating masterclass against Holloway in July.
8. Charles Oliveira (30-8): One of the most talented fighters in the UFC, Oliveira has been on an incredible run since he moved up to the lightweight division in 2014. He has a record of 30-8, and he is on the verge of challenging for the lightweight title.
9. Dan Henderson (23-4): Despite losing to Max Holloway, Henderson remains an active and impressive fighter in the UFC. He has a win over former lightweight and featherweight champion José Aldo, as well as an emphatic submission victory over Dustin Poirier.