MMA pound-for-pound rankings (Oct. 2026): Alex Volkanovski, Petr Yan battle for supremacy after UFC 333
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Alexander Volkanovski’s second‑round TKO of undefeated Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi has catapulted the 38‑year‑old featherweight champion to the No. 2 spot in Uncrowned’s latest pound‑for‑pound rankings. Volkanovski, who had previously ranked third, now trails only Islam Makhachev, who remains at the top of the list. Makhachev’s recent schedule has been eased by the announcement that Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will contest an interim title, giving the reigning champion a clearer path forward.
The bantamweight division sees Petr Yan climb to No. 3 after a solid performance that silenced doubts about his back surgery. Yan’s status as the undisputed champion is reinforced by his recent victory over Merab Dvalishvili, who now sits at No. 9 after a close decision loss. Joshua Van retains his flyweight crown at No. 4, having defended it twice in quick succession and already lined up a fight with Manel Kape at UFC 336.
In the lightweight ranks, Justin Gaethje holds the belt at No. 5, while former two‑division champion Ilia Topuria falls to No. 6. Sean Strickland, who has calmed after a social‑media flare, is positioned at No. 7, and Arman Tsarukyan, still eyeing a title shot, sits at No. 8. Merab Dvalishvili’s recent setback and Carlos Ulberg’s return to the top ten after a year’s inactivity close the men’s list.
On the women’s side, Valentina Shevchenko remains No. 1 despite vacating her flyweight title, while Zhang Weili holds the former strawweight champion spot at No. 2. Kayla Harrison and Cris Cyborg occupy the next two positions, with Harrison slated to fight Amanda Nunes at UFC 334. The rankings reflect a diverse field, drawing from UFC, PFL, ONE Championship, and other major promotions.
