Mid Year Pound for Pound Rankings
- Benjamin Furnish
- Jul 15
- 10 min read
Welcome to our mid-year pound-for-pound rankings. Since January, the UFC landscape has shaken up dramatically. Before diving into our rankings, as per usual, a concrete definition of pound-for-pound has to be established. The objective of the rankings is to assess the fighter's overall skill, dominance, and achievements relative to their opponents rather than their physical size or weight. This concept assumes all fighters are of equal weight, focusing solely on their technical abilities, fight IQ, and effectiveness. Now that the idea is established, let’s dive into the rankings.
15. → Umar Nurmagomedov
Sliding into the number 15 spot is none other than Umar Nurmagomedov, a name that carries generational weight in the world of MMA. The undefeated Russian standout is the only fighter to have truly tested reigning bantamweight king Merab Dvalishvili, pushing the relentless Georgian to his limits in a razor-thin decision loss that many felt could’ve gone either way. What sets Umar apart isn’t just his elite grappling pedigree, inherited from the famed Nurmagomedov lineage, it’s his calculated, technical striking. Training out of American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, under Javier Mendez, Umar has all the tools necessary to make the right adjustments in a potential rematch. If that rematch materializes, don’t be surprised if the bantamweight throne changes hands. With a few tactical tweaks, Nurmagomedov could be the one to finally disrupt Dvalishvili’s reign.
14. → Arman Tsarukyan
Heading into 2025, Arman Tsarukyan was viewed by many as the next heir to the lightweight throne. After a career-defining win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, albeit controversial split decision, Tsarukyan appeared poised for gold. A title shot against then-champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 was set, but just one day before the bout, the surging contender mysteriously withdrew, leaving fans stunned and UFC President Dana White visibly frustrated. Since then, Tsarukyan’s future has grown increasingly murky. Despite being the consensus No. 1 contender and arguably the most well-rounded threat to newly crowned champion Ilia Topuria, his path to the belt is no longer guaranteed. With White’s reception to his withdrawal, Tsarukyan may be forced to take a detour, potentially in a title elimination bout against either Justin Gaethje or rising star Paddy Pimblett. One thing is certain: Arman Tsarukyan remains a problem in the lightweight division. But in the UFC, talent alone doesn't always dictate opportunity. Timing, politics, and redemption may now shape his road to the top.
13. → Khamzat Chimaev
Landing at number 13 in the pound-for-pound rankings is Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev, the undefeated juggernaut whose meteoric rise has left a trail of broken opponents and unanswered questions. Chimaev hasn’t stepped into the Octagon since his dominant showing at UFC 308, where he ran through former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, submitting him in the first round. Now, the stage is set. Chimaev is scheduled to challenge Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight crown at UFC 319 in Chicago, a fight that could mark the final step in his transformation from hype machine to historic force. If Chimaev defeats Du Plessis, not only will he seize UFC gold, but his pound-for-pound stock will skyrocket, legitimizing the whispers of greatness that have followed him since his debut. The pressure is immense. The test, undeniable. And the prophecy? Just one win away.
12. → Belal Muhammad
Taking the number 12 spot is former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, who is coming off a disappointing and telling defeat at the hands of Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. In what was expected to be a showcase of championship resilience, Muhammad was instead overwhelmed, with glaring vulnerabilities in his game, particularly his struggle to adapt against elite takedown defense, brought to light. The path back to the title won’t be easy, but the welterweight division offers no shortage of top-tier contenders. With names like Kamaru Usman, Sean Brady, and Ian Machado Garry circling the upper echelon, Muhammad has a wealth of high-stakes matchups to choose from as he looks to reassert himself in the title picture. It’s now a question of evolution. If Muhammad can make the right adjustments and bounce back stronger, a return to the throne isn’t out of reach, but the margin for error has vanished.
11. → Max Holloway
Holding steady at number 11 is Max "Blessed" Holloway , a fan-favorite and former featherweight kingpin now standing at a pivotal point in his storied career. After suffering a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria and enduring a three-fight skid in title bouts, Holloway’s next outing at UFC 318 against Dustin Poirier feels like a must-win, not just for his legacy, but for his future as a contender. A loss here could all but extinguish his hopes of another title run, while a win re-establishes him as a force in the lightweight division. Holloway will need to lean into his signature pace, volume, and durability, as well as his height advantage, to wear down the hard-hitting Poirier. Returning to 155 pounds, where his last performance was a sensational knockout of Justin Gaethje, Holloway now stands on the edge of either resurgence or decline. UFC 318 isn’t just a fight, it’s a defining moment for one of the sport’s all-time warriors.
10. → Alex Pereira
Breaking into the top ten, Alex "Poatan" Pereira stands at a critical juncture in his remarkable career. The former two-division champion etched his name into history with a whirlwind 2024 campaign, defending his light heavyweight title three times, a feat unmatched in recent memory. However, his momentum came to a halt in a highly anticipated clash with Magomed Ankalaev, a matchup that played out exactly as Pereira’s fans feared. In that bout, Pereira looked tentative and reactive, spending most of the fight on the back foot and, uncharacteristically, being outstruck. The mere threat of the takedown kept Poatan off balance, disrupting his rhythm and neutralizing the devastating power that has defined his rise. Ankalaev fought smart, and Pereira never found his moment. Despite the loss, Pereira remains firmly in the title picture. An immediate rematch seems all but guaranteed, and with the kind of fight-ending power he possesses, no opponent, not even Ankalaev, is safe for a second. But at 38 years old, time is now Pereira’s most formidable opponent. If he hopes to reclaim the throne, the moment to act is now.
9. → Jack Della Maddalena
Newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena has arrived in emphatic fashion. At UFC 315, the Australian standout delivered a clinical performance against former champion Belal Muhammad, showcasing elite takedown defense and dismantling his opponent with precision striking over five rounds. It was a coming-of-age moment, one that cemented Della Maddalena as a legitimate force atop the welterweight division. But the celebration will be short-lived. With Islam Makhachev vacating his lightweight title and eyeing two-division supremacy, a blockbuster clash between the two has been booked for the end of 2025. It will be the defining test of Della Maddalena’s career, a chance to elevate from respected champion to global superstar. The game plan remains simple, but far from easy: stuff the takedown, control the distance, and win the striking battle. Della Maddalena has the tools, the momentum, and now the platform. But standing in his way is a fighter many consider the most dominant in the sport. The future is bright, but the storm is coming, and it wears the name Islam Makhachev.
8. → Alexander Volkanovski
Back on the throne, Alexander Volkanovski has reclaimed his place atop the featherweight division. At UFC 314, the Aussie veteran delivered a vintage performance, outclassing surging contender Diego Lopes over five measured rounds. It was a masterclass in control, pace, and precision, the kind of calculated dominance that defined Volkanovski’s first reign. Yet, even in victory, the signs of wear are beginning to show. At 36, and with a chin that has been tested more frequently in recent bouts, Volkanovski is no longer the invincible force he once was. The margins are thinner now, and each title defense will demand perfection. If he hopes to establish a second dominant run, activity will be key. Staying sharp, staying busy, and staying ahead of the next wave of contenders is the only way forward. The division has evolved, but so has Volkanovski. Whether that evolution is enough to stave off the future remains to be seen.
7. → Magomed Ankalaev
There’s a new king at 205 pounds, and for many fans, it was only a matter of time. After enduring setback after setback in his pursuit of gold, Magomed Ankalaev finally got his title shot, and made it count. At long last, the Dagestani contender fulfilled his potential with a dominant victory over Alex Pereira, putting on a complete, composed performance to capture the light heavyweight crown. Ankalaev executed his game plan to perfection. Using the ever-present threat of his world-class wrestling to keep Pereira off rhythm, he found consistent success with his straight left hand, dictating the pace from the outset and never letting the former champion settle into the fight. It was a systematic dismantling, the kind of performance that signals the beginning of a new, potentially long-lasting reign. A rematch with Pereira appears inevitable, but if Ankalaev sticks to the same blueprint, the outcome could be the same. With a skillset built for control, consistency, and calculated violence, Ankalaev may be poised for a long title reign.
6. → Tom Aspinall
It’s finally official, Tom Aspinall is the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. But his coronation didn’t come the way he envisioned. With Jon Jones stepping away from the sport, Aspinall assumes the throne by default rather than conquest. Still, few would argue he hasn't earned it. Aspinall’s résumé speaks for itself. With wins over a majority of the ranked heavyweight roster and the fastest average fight time in UFC history, the Englishman has torn through the division with a rare blend of speed, precision, and fight-ending instincts. But with veteran Derrick Lewis turning back rising prospect Tallison Texeira, the next generation of challengers appears stalled. That leaves names like Alexander Volkov or Ciryl Gane, as the most likely title defenses on the horizon. Aspinall looks poised for dominance, but there's one variable that looms large: inactivity. He hasn’t fought in nearly a year, not by choice however. In a division where timing and sharpness are everything, that layoff could mean more than people realize. The title is finally his. Now the reign begins, but questions remain.
5. → Alexandre Pantoja
Alexandre Pantoja is finally getting his flowers. After securing his fourth consecutive title defense, this time with a dominant win over Kai Kara-France, the Brazilian champion has carved his name into flyweight history. With an ironclad résumé that includes multiple wins over Brandon Royval and Brandon Moreno, along with victories over Kai Asakura, Steve Erceg, and now Kara-France, Pantoja has effectively cleaned out the division. Despite this dominance, Pantoja has often voiced frustration with the UFC’s lack of promotion, a slight he believes stems from competing in the sport’s lightest male division. But at this point, the numbers don’t lie, Pantoja has become a generational force at 125 pounds. Still, the division isn’t entirely void of threats. Rising star Joshua Van has emerged as the next big challenge, and UFC President Dana White confirmed the matchup following Pantoja’s latest win. If the champion turns away Van, a move up to bantamweight could be on the horizon, with the prospect of chasing double-champ status. The recognition is here, the respect is overdue, and at the age of 35 years old, Pantoja is breaking the curse against older fighters in lighter weight classes.
4. → Dricus Du Plessis
At number four on our list sits the reigning middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis, a fighter who has quietly assembled one of the most impressive résumés in recent UFC history. With signature victories over Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya, and two wins over Sean Strickland, Du Plessis has silenced every critic and surpassed all expectations. Now, the South African powerhouse faces what many consider his greatest test yet, a third title defense against the undefeated wrecking ball, Khamzat Chimaev, at UFC 319. It’s a stylistic clash that promises chaos, and while Chimaev poses an undeniable threat, fans are no longer underestimating Du Plessis. He’s earned his respect, and then some. If Du Plessis can overcome Chimaev, he won't just be defending his title, he'll be stepping into rarefied air. A win could position him in the conversation for the greatest middleweight of all time, a legacy few saw coming, but one he’s been steadily building all along.
3. → Merab Dvalishvili
Cracking the top three is none other than “The Machine” Merab Dvalishvili, a relentless force who continues to bulldoze his way through the bantamweight division. With suffocating pressure, endless cardio, and an unbreakable will, the Georgian champion has looked nothing short of unstoppable. Fresh off a dominant submission victory over Sean O’Malley in their rematch, Dvalishvili has now cleared out nearly every top contender in the division. Only one name remains unchecked: Cory Sandhagen. A highly anticipated bout between the two looms large, and while Sandhagen presents a unique stylistic challenge, the odds, and public sentiment, favor Dvalishvili. If Merab gets through Sandhagen, he will not only have beaten the who's who of bantamweight, but he’ll further cement his case as the greatest 135-pound fighter in UFC history.
2. → Islam Makhachev
Once the undisputed pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev now sits at number two, but his legacy is far from finished. The Dagestani champion’s résumé speaks for itself: back-to-back wins over Alexander Volkanovski, a dominant submission of Charles Oliveira, and a hard-fought victory over Dustin Poirier have solidified him as one of the most complete fighters in UFC history. Having conquered the lightweight division, Makhachev has set his sights on new territory, the welterweight crown. A blockbuster showdown with newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena is on the books, a matchup that could catapult Makhachev back to the top of the pound-for-pound list. If he adds a second division title to his name, Makhachev won’t just reclaim the number one spot, he’ll etch himself into the conversation among the greatest fighters to ever step foot in the Octagon.
1. → Ilia Topuria
There truly isn’t much to say about Ilia Topuria that hasn’t already been proven inside the Octagon. The Georgian standout is a once-in-a-generation talent, blending elite Greco-Roman wrestling with frightening knockout power that has dismantled some of the greatest fighters of all time. Victories over the likes of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira have put the featherweight division, lightweight division, and soon, the sport as a whole, on notice. What makes Topuria's rise so remarkable is the fact that his striking is a relatively recent development. To think that this powerhouse only recently evolved his stand-up game is terrifying, as his striking prowess is arguably the best in the UFC. From featherweight to welterweight, there isn’t a man alive who isn’t vulnerable to Topuria’s brutal knockout power. At UFC 317, Topuria cemented his place in history, securing his double champion status with a flawless victory over Charles Oliveira. Dominating in all facets, from grappling to striking, Topuria knocked out the former champion in the first round, further solidifying his position as the face of the UFC. With only a few more victories separating him from all-time great status, Ilia Topuria’s future seems limitless. The UFC is witnessing the dawn of a new legend.
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