The mixed martial arts world is seeing significant shifts in its Pound-for-Pound rankings, particularly after the recent UFC 314 and UFC 315 events. Jack Della Maddalena and Alexander Volkanovski are among the biggest movers, both making their way into the top 10 of the men`s list.
Jack Della Maddalena delivered a breakout performance at UFC 315, dethroning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. This victory propelled Della Maddalena from being unranked all the way to the No. 9 spot in the updated rankings. He now boasts an impressive 18-fight winning streak, having not lost since his first two professional bouts in 2016. His upcoming clash with Islam Makhachev has the potential to further disrupt the hierarchy.
Alexander Volkanovski also had a successful night, reclaiming a vacant featherweight title at UFC 314 with a hard-fought win over Diego Lopes. This win sees “The Great” jump from No. 13 to No. 8, marking his highest ranking position since July 2023. Following his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, many anticipated his decline, but his inspiring performance against Lopes has solidified his place among the elite and suggests he could remain a top contender for some time.
Other notable movements include former welterweight champion Leon Edwards falling out of the rankings entirely after suffering a decisive defeat to Sean Brady. Although Brady received votes from multiple ballots, it wasn`t quite enough to secure him a ranked position this time. Jon Jones continues to drop in the rankings, with calls for his return to action persisting.
The women`s Pound-for-Pound list also saw notable changes driven by strong performances from Natalia Silva and Virna Jandiroba. These Brazilian contenders are building strong cases that could impact potential superfight plans, such as Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili.
Natalia Silva secured a clear-cut decision win over former flyweight champion Alexa Grasso at UFC 315, causing her to soar 11 spots and tie with Manon Fiorot at No. 5. Jandiroba extended her winning streak to five with a decision victory over recent strawweight title challenger Yan Xiaonan at UFC 314, moving her up seven spots to No. 11. Their impressive runs position them as legitimate title threats in their respective divisions.
Key Ranking Changes and Bouts
Recent Men`s Results (Previous Ranking Shown): Jack Della Maddalena def. No. 5 Belal Muhammad, No 13 (tied) Alexander Volkanovski def. Diego Lopes, Sean Brady def. No. 12 Leon Edwards
Upcoming Men`s Bouts Featuring Ranked Fighters: No. 2 Ilia Topuria vs. No. 18 Charles Oliveira (UFC 317, June 28), No. 3 Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France (UFC 317, June 28), No. 4 Merab Dvalishvili vs. No. 19 Sean O’Malley (UFC 316, June 7), No. 5 Dricus du Plessis vs. No. 15 Khamzat Chimaev (UFC 319, Aug. 16), No. 12 Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier (UFC 318, July 19)
Men`s Fighters Also Receiving Votes: Sean Brady (4), Movsar Evloev (2), Francis Ngannou (2), Jiri Prochazka (2), Brandon Moreno (1), Usman Nurmagomedov (1)
Men`s Fighters Falling Out of the Rankings (Previous Ranking Shown): No. 12 Leon Edwards
Recent Women`s Results (Previous Ranking Shown): No. 2 Valentina Shevchenko def. No. 5 Manon Fiorot, No. 16 Natalia Silva def. No. 3 Alexa Grasso, No. 18 Virna Jandiroba def. No. 11 Yan Xiaonan, Jasmine Jasudavicius def. No. 19 Jessica Andrade, No. 20 Liz Carmouche def. Ilara Joanne
Upcoming Women`s Bouts Featuring Ranked Fighters: No. 4 Kayla Harrison vs. No. 13 Julianna Peña (UFC 316, June 7), No. 7 Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber (UFC Vegas 107, May 31), No. 8 (tied) Dakota Ditcheva vs. Sumiko Inaba (PFL Africa, July 26), No. 14 Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick (UFC Atlanta, June 14), No. 19 Liz Carmouche vs. Elora Dana (PFL 6, June 20)
Women`s Fighters Also Receiving Votes: Maycee Barber (3), Jessica Andrade (2), Norma Dumont (2), Macy Chiasson (1), Amanda Lemos (1), Gillian Robertson (1)
Women`s Fighters Falling Out of the Rankings (Previous Ranking Shown): No. 19 Jessica Andrade
Oliver Croft