The UFC flyweight rankings highlight the top competitors in the 125-pound division, a category often overlooked but known for its fast-paced and versatile fighters. Here is the official Sportsnaut top 10 list for UFC’s flyweight contenders.
Lone’er Kavanagh (10-2)
Hailing from England, Lone’er Kavanagh stands out as a promising talent in the flyweight roster. Despite a short tenure in the UFC, he secured a notable win against veteran Brandon Moreno earlier this year. At UFC 329, though, Kavanagh was bested by Brandon Royval, who showcased superior grappling skills, but the young fighter still showed flashes of potential, justifying his top-10 ranking.Asu Almabayev (13-2)
Asu Almabayev came into the UFC riding a 13-fight winning streak, picking up wins over established foes like Matheus Nicolau and Ode Osbourne. However, his unbeaten run ended against Manel Kape, though he rebounded with two victories, including a highlight submission over Alex Perez, maintaining his position among the division’s elite.Ramazan Temirov (20-2)
Uzbekistan’s Ramazan Temirov earned his UFC spot after two first-round knockouts in RIZIN and has continued his dominance with a perfect 3-0 UFC record, including two first-round knockouts. His recent dismantling of ex-title challenger Steve Erceg marked him as a serious contender in the division.Kyoji Horiguchi (36-6)
After nearly a decade away from the UFC, Kyoji Horiguchi returned with impressive wins over Tagir Ulanbekov and Amir Albazi. Although a loss to Manel Kape set him back, his technical skills and experience keep him among the top competitors at flyweight.Brandon Moreno (24-10-2)
A two-time flyweight champion, Brandon Moreno is one of the most decorated fighters in the division’s history. Despite recent struggles with four losses in his last six fights, he managed to get an important win against Joseph Morales, keeping his relevance in the championship conversation.Brandon Royval (18-9)
Brandon Royval has consistently been a formidable presence at 125 pounds, with victories including one over Brandon Moreno. Though recent losses to rising star Joshua Van and a knockout defeat to Manel Kape have set him back, he remains one of the division’s top athletes after bouncing back with a win over Lone’er Kavanagh.Tatsuro Taira (18-2)
Japan’s Tatsuro Taira has made a significant impact, winning eight of his first nine UFC fights. He earned a title shot at UFC 328 but ultimately was stopped by Joshua Van in a closely contested fight, marking the first knockout loss of his career.Manel Kape (23-7)
Known as “Starboy,” Manel Kape is one of the division’s most exciting fighters, boasting an 8-1 record in his last nine fights with six stoppages. His recent victories over Brandon Royval and Kyoji Horiguchi have positioned him as a leading contender, likely eyeing a title shot if Alexandre Pantoja isn’t ready to return.Alexandre Pantoja (30-6)
Brazilian Alexandre Pantoja has battled persistently before finally capturing the UFC flyweight title at UFC 290, including multiple wins over Brandon Moreno. Though his reign was prematurely halted by an unfortunate elbow injury, he has defended his belt four times and is expected to reclaim the title once healthy.Joshua Van (16-2) – Champion
Joshua Van has quietly built a strong resume, with a career-defining win over Brandon Royval at UFC 317 that led to a championship opportunity at UFC 323. In a bittersweet victory, he claimed the flyweight belt after Pantoja suffered a sudden injury. While the win crowned him champion, Van is still looking to solidify his claim to the top spot through forthcoming contests.
Fan Take:
This updated flyweight hierarchy matters greatly for MMA fans as it spotlights a division packed with dynamic, fast-paced fighters bringing excitement and skill to the Octagon. With veterans like Pantoja and Moreno, alongside hungry contenders like Van and Kape, the flyweight class is poised for thrilling matchups that could redefine the future of the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
