With Ilia Topuria no longer competing in the featherweight division, the door swung open for a familiar face to ascend back to the top of the weight class rankings.
In the headline bout of UFC 314, former champion Alexander Volkanovski delivered a classic five-round performance against a tough Diego Lopes, earning him the title of two-time champion. Unsurprisingly, Volkanovski has reclaimed the number one spot in the rankings. Ilia Topuria has been removed from the list entirely, having clearly stated his intention to move up and compete at 155 pounds from now on.
This return to the top is a familiar sight for dedicated fight fans, as Volkanovski held the No. 1 position for over four years before being defeated by Topuria. Now back in control, he has ample opportunity to build upon his already impressive legacy with a host of potential new challengers waiting, including the undefeated Movsar Evloev and two other contenders who secured significant wins recently.
Jean Silva also made a significant impact at UFC 314, improving his UFC record to a perfect 5-0 with a spectacular victory over Bryce Mitchell. The dynamic fighter dominated Mitchell with strikes before securing a skillful ninja choke submission in the second round. It’s fair to say that Silva`s stunning performance generated immense buzz after the Miami event.
Adding to the divisional shifts, Lerone Murphy quietly secured his place in the top 10 for the first time by defeating Josh Emmett in the main event of UFC Vegas 105. While Murphy may not always deliver highlight-reel finishes, he boasts an undefeated professional record and has won eight consecutive UFC fights since his debut draw. Should opportunities arise, it is entirely possible that Murphy could receive a championship title shot in the near future.
Regardless of who steps up next, Volkanovski is back in the dominant position, a scenario that seemed improbable after his loss to Topuria over a year ago. His climb back to the top is undoubtedly one of the compelling comeback stories of 2025, and he is clearly motivated to return to the cage and silence any remaining doubts.
Here are some notable ranking updates:
Recent Results for Ranked Fighters:
Alexander Volkanovski (formerly #2) defeated Diego Lopes (#5)
Yair Rodriguez (#8) defeated Patricio Pitbull (#9)
Lerone Murphy (#13) defeated Josh Emmett (#10)
Upcoming Bouts Featuring Ranked Fighters:
Giga Chikadze (#14) vs. David Onama
Fighters Also Receiving Votes:
Dan Ige, Kleber Koike, Calvin Kattar.
Murray Blackwood