The Star Stage Is Reconfigured

UFC: The All-Star Stage Reconfigures

Topuria, Gaethje and Saint Denis Set the Pace in a Year of Change in the UFC

The start of 2026 has brought with it a wave of movements in the UFC rankings, redefining the landscape for the promotion's big figures. The Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, nicknamed “El Matador”, is temporarily away from the action while he resolves personal matters. However, its immediate future seems to be shaping up strongly.

At UFC 324 in Las Vegas, Justin Gaethje took a giant step towards a possible confrontation with Topuria. The American won the interim featherweight belt, defeating Paddy Pimblett in a fight that has shaken the foundations of the division.

For his part, Paddy Pimblett has seen his position in the Top 5 of the category affected. After the resounding victory by KO of the Frenchman Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 325 in Sydney against Dan Hooker, the Briton has given ground. Saint Denis, a former military man with a meteoric projection, bursts into the elite with force.

Saint Denis' victory has not only catapulted him into the Top 5, but has also caused a domino effect. Dan Hooker, another of the important names in the lightweight division, has also dropped in the ranking, giving up positions to the rise of the Frenchman. BSD's momentum is undeniable and places them as a serious contender for the title held by Topuria, and their showdown could be sooner rather than later.

This reconfiguration of the lightweight division is clearly reflected in the latest update of the official UFC rankings:

• Ilia Topuria (17-0, =) – Champion
• Justin Gaethje (27-5, =) – Interim Champion
• Arman Tsarukyan (23-3, =)
• Charles Oliveira (36-11, =)
• Max Holloway (27-8, =)
• Benoit Saint Denis (17-3, +3)
• Mateusz Gamrot (25-4, =)
• Dan Hooker (24-14, -2)
• Mauricio Ruffy (13-2, +5)
• Renato Moicano (20-7, =)

Beyond the light division, the “pound-for-pound” (P4P) ranking, considered by many to be the promoter's most prestigious and subjective classification, has also experienced movements. Alexander Volkanovski has moved up one position, consolidating his presence among the pound-for-pound best.

Other names such as Magomed Ankalaev and Dricus Du Plessis have swapped positions in 12th place, despite not having competed recently. These sometimes inexplicable movements highlight the volatile nature of these rankings, which still depend on voting by a panel of selected media.

Volkanovski is now in fourth position in the P4P, behind heavyweights such as Khamzat Chimaev, Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev. Makhachev, who closed 2025 as the pound-for-pound monarch, maintains his reign at the beginning of 2026.

In other divisions, several significant changes stand out. Shavkat Rakhmonov has disappeared from the welterweight rankings due to an injury that keeps him out of combat. At heavyweight, Tallison Teixeira has climbed to 11th place, while Tai Tuivasa has fallen to 15th position.

Surprisingly, despite his recent loss to Volkanovski, Diego Lopes remains firmly in second place at featherweight. The only change in the Top 3 of this division is the rise of Lerone Murphy, who now surpasses Yair Rodríguez.

Finally, at featherweight, Jean Silva has made one of the biggest climbs, rising four places to sixth position after his performance at UFC 324. At that same event, Justin Gaethje secured his place as the main contender for the Topuria belt thanks to his interim title. A duel that promises strong emotions, as long as no unforeseen extra-sports events arise for the double Spanish champion.

Frequently Asked Questions about the UFC

Who is the current UFC lightweight champion?

The current UFC lightweight champion is Ilia Topuria.

Which fighter won the interim featherweight title at UFC 324?

Justin Gaethje won the interim featherweight title at UFC 324.

Who is number 5 in the lightweight rankings after UFC 325?

Number 5 in the lightweight rankings after UFC 325 is Benoit Saint Denis.

Who is fourth in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings?

Alexander Volkanovski He occupies fourth position in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings.

Which fighter has risen five places in the lightweight rankings?

Mauricio Ruffy has risen five places in the lightweight rankings.

Why doesn't Shavkat Rakhmonov appear in the welterweight rankings?

Shavkat Rakhmonov has disappeared from the welterweight rankings due to a sick leave due to injury.

Who remains at number two in the featherweight despite a defeat?

Diego Lopes He remains at number two in the featherweight despite a defeat.

Which fighter has risen four places at featherweight after UFC 324?

Jean Silva He has risen four places at featherweight after UFC 324.

Who is the UFC pound-for-pound champion entering 2026?

Islam Makhachev He is the pound-for-pound champion of the UFC at the start of 2026.

Which fighters have exchanged positions in 12th place in the P4P ranking?

Magomed Ankalaev and Dricus Du Plessis They have exchanged positions in 12th place in the P4P ranking.

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