Ilia Topuria Surges Past Islamic Makachev to Claim UFC Pound-for-Pound Crown; Jon Jones Removed from Rankings

Iliatopria is on the cusp of worldwide fame after his first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 last Saturday. In this vacant 155-pound title fight, Topuria achieved more than just becoming the first undefeated two-division champion in UFC history. The 28-year-old fighter, originally from Germany but regarded as a national sports hero in Spain, has now overtaken his new rival, Islamic Makhachev, as the top mixed martial arts fighter on the planet.

Topuria, a breakout star this year, may be UFC’s new face after decisively defeating the former champion and demonstrating that his striking power carries over into the higher weight class. His performance included overcoming early challenges of forearm strikes and a potentially risky grappling exchange near the fence, ultimately showcasing his superior boxing skills. Known for his precise positioning and devastating hooks, Topuria ends fights with a single, well-placed punch.

He disclosed that the UFC instructed him not to rush into a fight with Makhachev after claiming the featherweight title. Fans are now eager to see whom Topuria will face next in the UFC as reigning 155-pound titleholders like Justingeche, Ahmanzarkian, and Paddy Pinblett (who had a heated face-off with Topuria) are waiting. Whether or not he becomes the first UFC fighter to claim a title in three weight classes, Topuria’s meteoric rise is reminiscent of Conor McGregor’s breakthrough.

Topuria is exactly the kind of crossover star UFC fans crave, and currently appears to be the world’s best fighter after impressive wins over elite fighters like Alex Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Oliveira.

Men’s Pound-for-Pound Rankings:

1. Ilia Topuria – Lightweight Champion (Record: 18-0 | Previous: #2)
   After knocking out Oliveira at UFC 317 to win the lightweight belt, Topuria is poised to be UFC’s next superstar, known for his technical, explosive boxing skills and undefeated record in two divisions.

2. Islam Makhachev – Lightweight (27-1 | Previous: #1)
   Makhachev vacated the 155-pound title despite Topuria’s move up. At 33, he aims to bolster his legacy by contending for belts in multiple weight classes and is expected to challenge new welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena.

3. Merab Dvalishvili – Bantamweight Champion (20-4 | Previous: #3)
   At 34, “The Machine” remains dominant at 135 pounds, recently submitting Sean O’Malley in a UFC 316 rematch, and continues to improve even with injuries.

4. Alexandre Pantoja – Flyweight Champion (31-5 | Previous: #5)
   The 35-year-old Brazilian defended his title for the fourth time at UFC 317, setting records for most wins and submissions in flyweight history. Next up is a bout with rising star Joshua Van.

5. Dricus du Plessis – Middleweight Champion (22-2 | Previous: #4)
   Known for his aggressive style, the South African champ has defended his 185-pound title and looks forward to a rematch with Sean Strickland and a looming fight with undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.

6. Alexander Volkanovski – Featherweight Champion (27-4 | Previous: #7)
   After a 14-month break, Volkanovski bounced back from knockout losses to win the 145-pound belt at UFC 314, proving that experience and strategy can beat youth.

7. Magomed Ankalaev – Light Heavyweight Champion (20-1-1, 1 NC | Previous: #8)
   From Dagestan, Russia, Ankalaev won the 205-pound belt in March with a strong technical fight, extending his undefeated streak to 14.

8. Alex Pereira – Light Heavyweight (12-3 | Previous: #9)
   The 37-year-old Brazilian’s reign as 205-pound champ ended in March, but he hopes for an immediate rematch before contemplating a move to heavyweight.

9. Jack Della Maddalena – Welterweight Champion (24-4, 1 NC | Previous: #10)
   After a 14-month break, the Australian star captured the 170-pound crown in May, showing superior boxing, footwork, takedown defense, and ground skills.

10. Khamzat Chimaev – Middleweight (14-0 | New Entry)
    Despite injury setbacks, Chimaev is set for a major showdown in August at UFC 319 in Chicago, aiming to maintain his undefeated UFC run.

Notables: John Jones dropped out, while contenders like Tom Aspinall, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Shavkat Rakhmonov narrowly missed the list.

Women’s Pound-for-Pound Rankings:

1. Valentina Shevchenko – Flyweight Champion (24-4-1 | Previous: #1)
   The future Hall of Famer remains dominant, recently defending her title for the eighth time and is rumored to face Strawweight queen Zhang Weili in a superfight.

2. Zhang Weili – Strawweight Champion (25-3 | Previous: #2)
   Undefeated in the UFC at 10-0, Zhang continues her rise while attempting to become a two-division champ, with a superfight against Shevchenko possibly on the horizon.

3. Kayla Harrison – Bantamweight Champion (19-1 | Previous: #3)
   Harrison claimed the 135-pound title at UFC 316 in a tough battle, marking a major milestone as she approaches 37 years old.

4. Manon Philiot – Flyweight (12-2 | Previous: #4)
   The 35-year-old French fighter remains undefeated in the UFC with a strong showing despite recent losses, demonstrating resilience and size advantage.

5. Natalia Silva – Flyweight (19-5-1 | Previous: #5)
   Silva secured a title shot with a recent win over former champ Alexa Grasso, known for her striking speed, feints, and accuracy.

No dropouts on the women’s list; contenders like Virna Jandiroba, Erin Blanchfield, Pena, Alexa Grasso, and Tatiana Suarez just missed the cut.

Fan Take:
Ilia Topuria’s ascent signals a thrilling new chapter for MMA, blending technical mastery with knockout power that fans crave. His rise not only reshuffles the lightweight division but also promises exhilarating cross-division matchups that can elevate the sport’s global appeal.