MMA Pound-for-Pound Rankings (Oct. 2026): Volkanovski & Yan Duel After UFC 333

The latest MMA pound-for-pound list highlights a fierce contest at the top, with Alexander Volkanovski and Petr Yan showcasing dominance after UFC 333. Both fighters delivered memorable performances, stirring debate over who holds the superior spot.

1. Islam Makhachev — UFC welterweight champion. Holding steady at No. 1, Makhachev missed a chance to fight before Ramadan, but now with an interim title bout set between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, his path has shifted.
2. Alexander Volkanovski — UFC featherweight champion. Rising two spots after dismantling Movsar Evloev by second-round TKO in Abu Dhabi, Volkanovski is proving his longevity at 38. He even pushed for Evloev’s title shot, a strategy that paid off handsomely.
3. Petr Yan — UFC bantamweight champion. Overcoming surgery doubts, Yan triumphed in his trilogy fight against Merab Dvalishvili to solidify his undisputed status.
4. Joshua Van — UFC flyweight champion. The young star recently defended his title twice and is set to face Manel Kape at UFC 336 in January.
5. Justin Gaethje — UFC lightweight champion. Gaethje enjoys being champion with contenders lining up, though his recent scuffle with Dillon Danis might impact future matchups.
6. Ilia Topuria — Former two-division UFC champ. After witnessing Dvalishvili’s loss, questions arise about Topuria’s next opponent, possibly Paddy Pimblett.
7. Sean Strickland — UFC middleweight champion. Calmer after contract negotiations, Strickland is likely headed to face Nassourdine Imavov.
8. Arman Tsarukyan — UFC lightweight contender. Known for his fiery attitude, especially after a clash with Dillon Danis, Tsarukyan awaits a title shot.
9. Merab Dvalishvili — Former UFC bantamweight champion. Once preparing for multiple title defenses, Dvalishvili faces uncertainty following a close defeat to Yan.
10. Carlos Ulberg — UFC light heavyweight champion. Making the top 10 after winning 10 straight fights including a title win over Jiri Prochazka, Ulberg is recovering from injury and expected back mid-2027.

Others receiving votes include Alexandre Pantoja, Ciryl Gane, Alex Pereira, Max Holloway, and Khamzat Chimaev.

Women's Pound-for-Pound Rankings

Despite not holding belts currently, Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili remain atop the women's rankings.

1. Valentina Shevchenko — Former UFC flyweight champion. With the division evolving quickly around her, including Natalia Silva’s rise and Jasmine Jasudavicius’s strong performances, Shevchenko’s standing is intriguing.
2. Zhang Weili — Former UFC strawweight champion. Enjoying life outside the UFC for now, her potential return could see a bout with Mackenzie Dern.
3. Kayla Harrison — UFC bantamweight champion. Set to fight Amanda Nunes at UFC 334 in November, Harrison remains a major figure.
4. Cris Cyborg — PFL women’s featherweight champion. With new promotions emerging, Cyborg looks far from finished despite challenges in finding opponents.
5. Natalia Silva — UFC flyweight champion. Adjusting to championship life, Silva might soon face former champ Shevchenko or fresh challengers like Alexa Grasso or Jasudavicius.
6. Dakota Ditcheva — PFL flyweight contender. Her rematch with Jena Bishop looms as a notable upcoming fight.
7. Mackenzie Dern — UFC strawweight champion. After celebrating Silva’s success, Dern prepares to defend her belt against tough competition.
8. Amanda Nunes — UFC bantamweight contender. Returning with more than a one-off fight, Nunes could be embarking on a farewell tour.
9. Alexa Grasso — UFC flyweight contender. Rising sharply this year after impressive wins, a title shot seems possible.
10. Seika Izawa — Former RIZIN super atomweight champion. Currently on a break for pregnancy, Izawa’s submission skills have made her a sensation.

Other contenders receiving votes: Tatiana Suarez, Erin Blanchfield, Fatima Kline, Virna Jandiroba, and Liz Carmouche.

Panel Votes Breakdown

The rankings are determined by a panel including Ben Fowlkes, Chuck Mindenhall, Shaheen Al-Shatti, Petesy Carroll, Drake Riggs, Eric Jackman, and Conner Burks. They rank the top 10 men and women fighters using a weighted points system where the No. 1 vote counts as 10 points and No. 10 as 1 point. Fighters must have competed or been booked within a year to qualify, across all major promotions.

Shaheen Al-Shatti Men: Makhachev, Yan, Volkanovski, Gaethje, Strickland, Van, Topuria, Pereira, Tsarukyan, Dvalishvili.
Shaheen Al-Shatti Women: Shevchenko, Harrison, Zhang, Nunes, Cyborg, Izawa, Silva, Dern, Grasso, Jasudavicius.
Conner Burks Men: Makhachev, Yan, Volkanovski, Van, Ulberg, Gaethje, Topuria, Strickland, Chimaev, Tsarukyan.
Conner Burks Women: Shevchenko, Harrison, Cyborg, Zhang, Ditcheva, Silva, Dern, Fiorot, Izawa, Kline.
Petesy Carroll Men: Makhachev, Volkanovski, Yan, Strickland, Van, Gaethje, Gane, Topuria, Tsarukyan, Dvalishvili.
Petesy Carroll Women: Shevchenko, Zhang, Harrison, Nunes, Ditcheva, Cyborg, Dern, Silva, Grasso, Jasudavicius.
Ben Fowlkes Men: Makhachev, Volkanovski, Yan, Van, Gaethje, Topuria, Tsarukyan, Holloway, Strickland, Pantoja.
Ben Fowlkes Women: Shevchenko, Zhang, Harrison, Cyborg, Silva, Ditcheva, Grasso, Nunes, Jasudavicius, Kline.
Eric Jackman Men: Makhachev, Van, Yan, Volkanovski, Tsarukyan, Strickland, Dvalishvili, Topuria, Gane, Chimaev.
Eric Jackman Women: Shevchenko, Harrison, Zhang, Cyborg, Silva, Dern, Grasso, Jasudavicius, Suarez, Ditcheva.
Chuck Mindenhall Men: Makhachev, Volkanovski, Van, Yan, Gaethje, Topuria, Tsarukyan, Strickland, Dvalishvili, Pantoja.
Chuck Mindenhall Women: Shevchenko, Harrison, Zhang, Cyborg, Grasso, Ditcheva, Silva, Nunes, Kline, Jasudavicius.
Drake Riggs Men: Makhachev, Volkanovski, Gaethje, Van, Yan, Topuria, Pantoja, Ulberg, Dvalishvili, Strickland.
Drake Riggs Women: Shevchenko, Izawa, Cyborg, Zhang, Silva, Dern, Harrison, Jandiroba, Ditcheva, Grasso.