Ali Akbar RosadyLas Vegas, NV – Alex Pereira, at 38 years old, emphatically silenced persistent whispers regarding the twilight of his career last Saturday, reclaiming his light heavyweight championship at UFC 320 in Las Vegas. His swift victory over Magomed Ankalaev marked a significant resurgence and a critical re-evaluation of his standing among the sport’s elite.
Seven months prior, at UFC 313, Pereira had suffered a decision loss to Ankalaev, a performance later attributed to battling a broken hand and a case of norovirus, as well as accepting the fight on short notice. The immediate rematch at UFC 320 offered a stark contrast. A fully healthy Pereira displayed a renewed intensity and precision, overwhelming Ankalaev with relentless pressure and the constant threat of his renowned one-punch knockout power. The bout concluded in a decisive 80-second technical knockout, cementing Pereira’s redemption and solidifying his position as one of the UFC’s most compelling figures.
This victory not only restored Pereira’s status as a top draw in the UFC but also significantly elevated his position within the coveted pound-for-pound rankings. His focused preparation for UFC 320 differed markedly from previous camps; he forewent his usual international ambassadorial duties, choosing instead to intensely train at his Connecticut gym under the guidance of his long-time mentor and former UFC champion, Glover Teixeira. This concentrated effort was evident from the opening bell, as Pereira immediately closed the distance, pressuring Ankalaev into a defensive posture. The decisive moment arrived with a singular mistake from Ankalaev, which Pereira capitalized on with a rocket right cross, dropping his opponent. The fight was swiftly halted following a barrage of elbows and hammer strikes from top position.
In less than four years as a UFC fighter, Pereira, known as "Poatan," has amassed a decorated career that rivals many Hall of Famers. His UFC record stands at 10-2, featuring seven victories against current or former champions and eight title bout appearances across just 12 fights. Notably, he holds the distinction of having defeated every fighter he has faced inside the Octagon. Despite approaching 40 and having a lengthy kickboxing career that saw him win two GLORY titles and earn induction into its Hall of Fame, Pereira’s age appears to be no immediate impediment to his ambitious pursuit of further greatness. His recent victory was achieved despite suffering a broken foot during the bout, a testament to his resilience. He has openly expressed intentions to move up to the heavyweight division, signaling a potential for unprecedented achievements.
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Pereira has voiced a desire for a super fight against Jon Jones next June, reportedly at a UFC event planned for the White House in Washington, D.C. An even more significant opportunity could arise from a shot at the winner of the October heavyweight title bout between Tom Aspinall and Cyril Gane. Such a contest would offer Pereira the historic chance to become the UFC’s first three-division champion. A cornerstone of Pereira’s remarkable success has been his strategic ability to mitigate his perceived weaknesses in grappling and ground control, an aspect he will need to maintain should he venture into a third weight class. Should he achieve similar results at heavyweight, "Poatan" could conceivably conclude his career as the most accomplished fighter in mixed martial arts history. His unique fighting style and pay-per-view drawing power underscore the importance of appreciating his current trajectory.
Men’s Pound-for-Pound Rankings Update
1. Ilia Topuria — Lightweight Champion
Record: 18-0 | Previous ranking: No. 1
Ilia Topuria has solidified his position as a potential new face for the promotion, securing the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 in June by knocking out Charles Oliveira. As the first unbeaten two-division champion in UFC history, Topuria’s technical and explosive boxing skills are being lauded as among the most formidable ever seen in the Octagon. He is widely regarded as a burgeoning superstar, with comparisons drawn to the early career impact of Conor McGregor. A potential matchup against Justin Gaethje is anticipated in early 2026.
2. Merab Dvalishvili — Bantamweight Champion
Record: 21-4 | Previous ranking: No. 3
"The Machine," Merab Dvalishvili, continues to demonstrate remarkable improvement at 34 years old, extending his dominant reign as the 135-pound champion. His recent performances include outpointing the previously unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov despite a reported back injury, submitting former champion Sean O’Malley in their June rematch at UFC 316, and securing a third title defense of 2025 by outpointing Cory Sandhagen in October. Dvalishvili’s exceptional cardio is often cited as a unique and defining attribute within UFC history.
3. Islam Makhachev — Welterweight
Record: 27-1 | Previous ranking: No. 2
Islam Makhachev has elected to vacate his 155-pound title, a decision made despite the presence of former featherweight king Ilia Topuria moving into the division. At 33, Makhachev aims to further enhance his growing legacy by competing for a title in a second weight class. He is scheduled to challenge the new welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, this fall. This contest offers Makhachev an opportunity to equal Anderson Silva’s UFC record of 16 consecutive wins, slated for the UFC 322 card in November in New York.
4. Alex Pereira — Light Heavyweight
Record: 12-3 | Previous ranking: No. 8
Alex Pereira’s recent comeback victory at UFC 320 has significantly boosted his standing. The 37-year-old Brazilian, who appeared sluggish in a decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev in March, returned to full health for their October rematch. Pereira swiftly finished Ankalaev to regain the light heavyweight title, immediately announcing his intention to pursue a move to heavyweight in pursuit of a third divisional championship.
5. Khamzat Chimaev — Middleweight Champion
Record: 15-0 | Previous ranking: No. 4
Despite a history of inactivity due to injuries, illness, and various setbacks, Khamzat Chimaev definitively showcased his formidable capabilities when fully healthy at UFC 319 in August. He convincingly dominated Dricus du Plessis on the ground, securing a shutout decision and dispelling doubts about his five-round cardio. While some observers described Chimaev’s game plan against Du Plessis as pragmatic rather than exciting, the performance delivered a clear message to the 185-pound division that he is poised to inaugurate a new era.
6. Alexandre Pantoja — Flyweight Champion
Record: 31-5 | Previous ranking: No. 5
Alexandre Pantoja, 35, continues to exhibit a refined skill set, securing his fourth title defense with a submission victory over Kai Kara-France at UFC 317 in June. This win propelled Pantoja into sole possession of the record for most victories, finishes, and submissions in flyweight history. His next challenge is expected to be against the surging contender Joshua Van, as Pantoja builds upon his legacy during a late-career resurgence.
7. Alexander Volkanovski — Featherweight Champion
Record: 27-4 | Previous ranking: No. 6
Following a 14-month layoff, the 36-year-old Alexander Volkanovski demonstrated a remarkable rebound from a pair of knockout losses to two of the sport’s top fighters. He brilliantly outpointed Diego Lopes to recapture the vacant 145-pound title at UFC 314 in April. Now a two-time champion, Volkanovski proved that, even at this stage of his career, superior skills, fight IQ, and timing can overcome youth and power. A title defense against the unbeaten Lerone Murphy is anticipated in December.
8. Jack Della Maddalena — Welterweight Champion
Record: 24-4, 1 NC | Previous ranking: No. 9
Despite a 14-month layoff and a series of close victories in his three preceding bouts, Australian slugger Jack Della Maddalena emerged as the undisputed leader of the 170-pound division with a hard-fought decision win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May. Della Maddalena showcased elite boxing and intricate footwork, with his takedown defense proving instrumental in his conquest of a deeply competitive division. His first title defense is scheduled against Islam Makhachev in November at UFC 322.
9. Dricus du Plessis — Middleweight
Record: 22-3 | Previous ranking: No. 10
Dricus du Plessis, despite an impressive nine-fight run in the Octagon, found himself without answers in his August UFC 319 middleweight title defense against unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev. Du Plessis was effectively nullified on the ground, appearing outmatched despite demonstrating toughness and a consistent will to fight. A late rally, aided by two referee stand-ups, was insufficient to alter the outcome of what was largely a one-sided dismantling.
10. Tom Aspinall — Heavyweight Champion
Record: 15-3 | Previous ranking: NR
The 32-year-old British slugger, Tom Aspinall, characterized by some of the fastest hands in the heavyweight division, finally secured undisputed champion status when Jon Jones vacated his title and briefly retired earlier this year. Aspinall, who previously defended his interim title last summer, is set to return in October to defend the undisputed belt against Cyril Gane at UFC 321. The prior stalling and injury breaks associated with Jones’s tenure are seen to have only delayed Aspinall’s career trajectory, and he is now poised to capitalize on his momentum.
Dropped out: Magomed Ankalaev
Just missed: Ankalaev, Umar Nurmagomedov, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Lerone Murphy, Reinier de Ridder
Women’s Pound-for-Pound Rankings Update
1. Valentina Shevchenko — Flyweight Champion
Record: 24-4-1 | Previous ranking: No. 1
Valentina Shevchenko, a future Hall of Famer, further cemented her legacy at UFC 315 in May by outpointing the formidable Manon Fiorot over five rounds. The 37-year-old Shevchenko improved her UFC record for female title wins to 10 and achieved her eighth title defense by making crucial championship adjustments. A highly anticipated superfight against strawweight queen Zhang Weili is scheduled for UFC 322 in New York.
2. Zhang Weili — Strawweight Champion
Record: 25-3 | Previous ranking: No. 2
Zhang Weili extended her UFC record to 10-0 against opponents not named Rose Namajunas by dominating the previously unbeaten Tatiana Suarez over five rounds at UFC 312 in February. At 35, Zhang continues to refine her overall game. She plans to move up to 125 pounds in an attempt to become a two-division champion, challenging Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 322 in November.
3. Kayla Harrison — Bantamweight Champion
Record: 19-1 | Previous ranking: No. 3
Despite an intense weight cut to meet the 135-pound championship limit, Kayla Harrison delivered a dominant performance against two-time champion Julianna Pena at UFC 316 in June, capturing the women’s bantamweight title. A showdown against former champion and teammate Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as MMA’s female G.O.A.T., appears to be the next logical step, as Nunes returns to the sport at 37. Harrison’s inspirational narrative of perseverance resonated widely.
4. Manon Fiorot — Flyweight
Record: 12-2 | Previous ranking: No. 4
Manon Fiorot, 35, from France, saw her impressive 7-0 start to her UFC career interrupted by a close decision loss to champion Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 315 in June. Fiorot demonstrated resilience by recovering from a challenging first round, during which her nose was significantly battered, to rely on her size and clinch work in a closely contested strategic bout. She is scheduled to rebound in October against Jasmine Jasudavicius in Vancouver.
5. Natalia Silva — Flyweight
Record: 19-5-1 | Previous ranking: No. 5
Unbeaten in seven UFC appearances, Natalia Silva secured a decision victory in May at UFC 315 against former champion Alexa Grasso, positioning the 28-year-old Brazilian for a potential title shot. The dynamic striker has compiled 13 consecutive wins overall since a 2017 loss on the regional circuit to Marina Rodriguez. Her speed, feints, and accurate striking continue to present a formidable challenge for any opponent in the flyweight division.
Dropped out: None
Just missed: Virna Jandiroba, Erin Blanchfield, Julianna Pena, Alexa Grasso, Tatiana Suarez
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