UFC Pound-for-Pound Update: Pereira's Dominant Return Ignites Championship Landscape

After a period marked by whispers questioning his longevity at 38 years old, Alex Pereira delivered a definitive statement last Saturday, reclaiming his light heavyweight championship at UFC 320 in Las Vegas. The Brazilian striking phenom, known as "Poatan," secured a rapid TKO victory over Magomed Ankalaev, emphatically silencing doubts and reinforcing his position as one of the sport’s most formidable figures.

The championship rematch, coming just seven months after a decision loss to Ankalaev at UFC 313, showcased a revitalized Pereira. Reports indicated that his previous encounter with Ankalaev was hampered by a broken hand and a battle with norovirus, factors that undoubtedly impacted his performance. For UFC 320, a fully healthy Pereira presented a stark contrast, displaying the dominant and dangerous form that has characterized his meteoric rise. His strategy involved overwhelming Ankalaev with relentless pressure and the constant threat of his renowned one-punch knockout power, culminating in an 80-second technical knockout.

This redemptive victory not only solidified Pereira’s standing as a major draw in the UFC but also significantly bolstered his critical ranking among the sport’s pound-for-pound elite. The previous loss to Ankalaev, now viewed as an anomaly influenced by unaddressed health issues, has been thoroughly overshadowed by his latest performance. Leading up to UFC 320, Pereira reportedly eschewed his typical post-fight role as a global ambassador, opting instead to intensively train at his Connecticut gym under the tutelage of former UFC champion and long-time mentor, Glover Teixeira. This renewed focus on preparation was immediately evident, as Pereira surged across the cage from the opening bell, forcing Ankalaev onto the defensive. The decisive moment arrived with a singular mistake from Ankalaev, which Pereira capitalized on with a rocket-like right cross, dropping his opponent. The bout was promptly halted following a barrage of elbows and hammer strikes from top position on the ground.

In less than four years as a UFC fighter, Alex Pereira has amassed a record of achievement typically reserved for Hall of Fame careers. "Poatan" boasts a 10-2 record within the UFC, including seven victories against current or former champions, and has competed in eight title bouts across only 12 total fights. Remarkably, he holds the distinction of having defeated every fighter he has faced inside the Octagon. His decorated kickboxing background, which saw him capture two divisional titles with GLORY and earn induction into its Hall of Fame, provides a unique foundation for his striking prowess in mixed martial arts.

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Despite approaching 40 years of age, a factor that might typically signal the twilight of a combat sports career, Pereira’s recent performance suggests his pursuit of greatness is far from over. He has openly expressed ambitions for a move to the heavyweight division, signaling a desire for new challenges. While recovering from what appeared to be a broken foot suffered during the Ankalaev rematch, Pereira has articulated a desire for a "super fight" against Jon Jones, potentially at a UFC event reportedly planned for the White House next June. An even more significant opportunity looms with a potential shot at the winner of the October heavyweight title bout between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, a move that could see Pereira become the first fighter in UFC history to claim championships in three distinct weight classes. Pereira’s uncanny ability to mask his perceived ground game weaknesses, combined with his devastating striking, has been instrumental in his historical success. Should he replicate this success in a third weight class, "Poatan" stands on the precipice of solidifying a legacy as potentially the most accomplished fighter in the sport’s history.

Men’s Pound-for-Pound Rankings

1. Ilia Topuria (Lightweight Champion)
Record: 18-0 | Previous Ranking: No. 1
Ilia Topuria has firmly established himself as a dominant force and a potential future face of the UFC. His impressive knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June secured the vacant lightweight title, adding to his featherweight championship and making him the first unbeaten two-division champion in UFC history. Topuria’s fighting style is characterized by exceptional technical boxing and explosive power, which have drawn comparisons to some of the Octagon’s most skilled strikers. With a burgeoning fan base, he is widely considered a successor to the era of global MMA superstars like Conor McGregor. Speculation suggests a potential clash with Justin Gaethje in early 2026, a bout that would further test his mettle in the lightweight division.

2. Merab Dvalishvili (Bantamweight Champion)
Record: 21-4 | Previous Ranking: No. 3
At 34 years old, "The Machine" Merab Dvalishvili continues to demonstrate remarkable improvement, solidifying his reign as the bantamweight champion. Five months after a gritty decision win against the previously unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov, a fight he reportedly entered with an injured back, Dvalishvili delivered a submission victory over former champion Sean O’Malley in their June rematch at UFC 316. His third title defense of 2025 came in October, where he outpointed Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and unparalleled cardio are often cited as unique attributes within UFC history, allowing him to consistently outwork and overwhelm opponents over five rounds.

3. Islam Makhachev (Welterweight)
Record: 27-1 | Previous Ranking: No. 2
Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight champion, has made the strategic decision to vacate his 155-pound title, despite the recent ascent of Ilia Topuria in that division. At 33, Makhachev is pursuing a new chapter in his already legendary career by seeking a title in a second weight class. He is slated to challenge the new welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, this fall. This pivotal fight offers Makhachev an opportunity to equal Anderson Silva’s UFC record of 16 consecutive wins, with the potential record-setting bout scheduled for November’s UFC 322 card in New York. His transition represents a significant challenge to the welterweight landscape.

4. Alex Pereira (Light Heavyweight)
Record: 12-3 | Previous Ranking: No. 8
Alex Pereira’s triumphant return to the top of the light heavyweight division at UFC 320 has significantly boosted his pound-for-pound standing. Following a decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev in March, where he was reportedly compromised, the 37-year-old Brazilian slugger vowed to return at full health. His subsequent performance in the October rematch was a testament to that commitment, as he finished Ankalaev within 80 seconds to regain the title. Pereira has since publicly expressed his ambition to move up to heavyweight, eyeing a third title in as many divisions, an unprecedented feat in the UFC.

5. Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight Champion)
Record: 15-0 | Previous Ranking: No. 4
Despite a career marked by periods of inactivity due to injuries, illness, and various setbacks, Khamzat Chimaev proved his formidable capabilities at UFC 319 in August. In a dominant performance, he utterly controlled Dricus du Plessis on the ground, securing a shutout decision victory and silencing critics regarding his five-round cardio. While some observers found Chimaev’s ground-heavy game plan against du Plessis less aesthetically thrilling, the decisive nature of his performance sent a clear message to the 185-pound division: Chimaev is poised to usher in a new era of middleweight dominance.

6. Alexandre Pantoja (Flyweight Champion)
Record: 31-5 | Previous Ranking: No. 5
The 35-year-old Brazilian, Alexandre Pantoja, continues to refine his craft, demonstrating a late-career renaissance. He successfully recorded his fourth title defense with a submission victory over Kai Kara-France at UFC 317 in June. This win propelled Pantoja to the top of the flyweight division’s historical records for most victories, finishes, and submissions. His next challenge is anticipated to be against the rapidly rising contender Joshua Van, as Pantoja continues to expand his legacy within the division.

7. Alexander Volkanovski (Featherweight Champion)
Record: 27-4 | Previous Ranking: No. 6
Following a 14-month layoff, Alexander Volkanovski, 36, staged a significant comeback from two prior knockout losses to two of the world’s top fighters. At UFC 314 in April, he brilliantly outpointed Diego Lopes to capture the vacant 145-pound title, becoming a two-time featherweight champion. Volkanovski’s performance underscored that, even in the later stages of a career, elite skills, tactical intelligence, and precise timing can prevail against youth and raw power. A title defense against the unbeaten Lerone Murphy is expected in December.

8. Jack Della Maddalena (Welterweight Champion)
Record: 24-4, 1 NC | Previous Ranking: No. 9
After a 14-month layoff and a series of close decisions in his preceding three fights, Australian slugger Jack Della Maddalena ascended to the pinnacle of the 170-pound division. His hard-fought decision win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May demonstrated elite boxing and sophisticated footwork. Crucially, his robust takedown defense played a pivotal role in conquering a division known for its depth. Della Maddalena’s first title defense is scheduled against Islam Makhachev in November at UFC 322, promising a high-stakes encounter.

9. Dricus du Plessis (Middleweight)
Record: 22-3 | Previous Ranking: No. 10
Despite an impressive run of nine victories in the Octagon, Dricus du Plessis proved to be outmatched in his middleweight title defense against the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August. Du Plessis found himself without answers on the ground against Chimaev, appearing uncharacteristically vulnerable despite demonstrating resilience and a continued willingness to fight. A late surge in the final seconds, aided by two referee stand-ups, was insufficient to alter the outcome of a one-sided dismantling.

10. Tom Aspinall (Heavyweight Champion)
Record: 15-3 | Previous Ranking: NR
The 32-year-old British slugger, Tom Aspinall, celebrated for some of the fastest hands in the heavyweight division, finally achieved undisputed champion status after Jon Jones vacated his title and briefly retired earlier this year. Aspinall, who had previously defended his interim title last summer, is set to return in October to defend the undisputed belt against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. The prolonged stalling and injury-related breaks from Jones had undeniably hindered Aspinall’s career progression; now, the opportunity for him to make up for lost time has arrived.

Dropped out: Magomed Ankalaev
Just missed: Ankalaev, Umar Nurmagomedov, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Lerone Murphy, Reinier de Ridder

Women’s Pound-for-Pound Rankings

1. Valentina Shevchenko (Flyweight Champion)
Record: 24-4-1 | Previous Ranking: No. 1
Future Hall of Famer Valentina Shevchenko further cemented her legacy at UFC 315 in May, securing a five-round decision victory over the formidable Manon Fiorot. The 37-year-old Shevchenko improved her UFC record for female title wins to 10 and achieved her eighth title defense, showcasing her ability to make crucial championship adjustments when under pressure. A highly anticipated superfight against strawweight queen Zhang Weili is slated for UFC 322 in New York, pitting two of the sport’s most dominant female athletes against each other.

2. Zhang Weili (Strawweight Champion)
Record: 25-3 | Previous Ranking: No. 2
Zhang Weili extended her impressive UFC record to 10-0 against all opponents not named Rose Namajunas, dominating the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez over five rounds at UFC 312 in February. At 35, Zhang continues to evolve her all-around game and plans to test her expanded skill set by moving up to 125 pounds with the aim of becoming a two-division champion. Zhang is scheduled to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 322 in November, in what is expected to be a monumental clash.

3. Kayla Harrison (Bantamweight Champion)
Record: 19-1 | Previous Ranking: No. 3
Despite an exceptionally challenging 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 highly anticipated showdown against former champion and former teammate Amanda Nunes appears to be next, as MMA’s female G.O.A.T. potentially returns to the sport at 37. Harrison’s inspirational journey of perseverance through significant obstacles provided a notable and uplifting moment for the sport.

4. Manon Fiorot (Flyweight)
Record: 12-2 | Previous Ranking: No. 4
The 35-year-old French native, Manon Fiorot, saw her impressive 7-0 start to her UFC career halted by a close decision loss to champion Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 315 in June. Fiorot, who rebounded from a challenging first round where her nose was battered, relied on her size and clinch work to engage Shevchenko in a tight chess match. She is scheduled to bounce back in October when she faces the streaking Jasmine Jasudavicius in Vancouver.

5. Natalia Silva (Flyweight)
Record: 19-5-1 | Previous Ranking: No. 5
Unbeaten in her seven trips to the Octagon, Natalia Silva secured a decision victory in May at UFC 315 against former champion Alexa Grasso. This win positions the 28-year-old Brazilian for a potential title shot in the flyweight division. The dynamic striker boasts an impressive 13-fight winning streak overall since a 2017 loss on the regional circuit to Marina Rodriguez, making her a formidable test for any flyweight due to her exceptional speed, deceptive feints, and precise striking.

Dropped out: None
Just missed: Virna Jandiroba, Erin Blanchfield, Julianna Pena, Alexa Grasso, Tatiana Suarez