UFC Rankings Shifts as Cannonier, Teixeira, Kattar Experience Ups and Downs

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 18, 2025 – The UFC released its latest rankings update this weekend, showcasing significant changes among fighters in various weight classes following recent bouts. Notably, Jared Cannonier will retain his spot above Gregory Rodrigues in the middleweight division, while featherweight veteran Calvin Kattar has fallen out of the top ten.

Kattar, a longtime contender, has been replaced in the rankings by the 28-year-old ‘Moroccan Devil’ who debuted at No. 12. This shift occurred after Kattar faced off in UFC Vegas 102. Following these changes, Edson Barboza is also out of the top ten.

In the heavyweight ranks, Valter Walker’s submission victory over Don’Tale Mayes resulted in Mayes being dropped from the standings. This allowed undefeated heavyweight sensation Tallison Teixeira to claim the No. 15 position, following his successful fight earlier this month in Sydney, Australia.

The rankings are curated by a voting panel of media members who evaluate fighters based on their performance. Fighters gain eligibility only if they maintain an active status in the UFC and may be ranked in multiple weight classes simultaneously.

A key aspect of the rankings is that champions and interim champions are not voted into their divisions but can be recognized in the pound-for-pound categories. The updated rankings indicate some notable movements, which are crucial for many fighters’ paths towards title shots.

As of the latest update, here is a summary of the heavyweight rankings:

• 1. Islam Makhachev
• 2. Jon Jones
• 3. Alex Pereira
• 4. Ilia Topuria
• 5. Merab Dvalishvili
• 6. Dricus Du Plessis
• 7. Belal Muhammad
• 8. Tom Aspinall
• 9. Alexandre Pantoja
• 10. Leon Edwards
• 11. Alexander Volkanovski
• 12. Max Holloway
• 13. Sean O’Malley
• 14. Charles Oliveira
• 15. Sean Strickland

Among contenders, Dricus Du Plessis claims the middleweight champion title while Belal Muhammad leads the welterweight category. Notably, Islam Makhachev continues to dominate the lightweight champions.

As UFC fans anticipate more action, the bantamweight division is expected to see further changes following the upcoming event on Feb. 22, 2025, in Seattle. The Climate Pledge Arena will host “Cejudo vs. Song,” a highly anticipated mixed martial arts card that could reshape several divisions.