Major Shifts in the P4P Landscape

The latest pound-for-pound rankings for May 2026 bring a significant shake-up, primarily driven by the results of UFC 328 in Newark. In a stunning performance, Sean Strickland managed to overcome the odds, narrowly outpointing Khamzat Chimaev to secure the middleweight title. This victory effectively pushes Chimaev out of the top 10, while allowing Strickland to debut at the No. 9 spot.

Another notable newcomer to the rankings is 24-year-old Joshua Van. Following his impressive stoppage victory over Tatsuro Taira during Saturday’s co-main event, the rising talent has earned his place among the elite. His performance solidified his status as a serious contender, and he is now positioned for a high-stakes rematch with Alexandre Pantoja.


Methodology and Ranking Criteria

These rankings are compiled by an expert panel, including Ben Fowlkes, Chuck Mindenhall, Shaheen Al-Shatti, Petesy Carroll, Drake Riggs, Eric Jackman, and Conner Burks. The panel utilizes a weighted points system where a first-place vote grants 10 points, scaling down to one point for a tenth-place vote.

To remain eligible for these monthly rankings, fighters must meet specific activity requirements:

  • Fighters must have competed within the last calendar year or have a bout officially scheduled within that timeframe.
  • Retired fighters are removed from consideration.
  • The rankings are not exclusive to the UFC, incorporating top athletes from major global organizations like the PFL/Bellator conglomerate and ONE Championship.

Men’s Pound-for-Pound Top 10

  1. Islam Makhachev (UFC Welterweight Champion): As he rules the 170-pound division, attention turns to his potential next opponent, Ian Machado Garry.
  2. Ilia Topuria (UFC Lightweight Champion): Following recent high-profile appearances, the champion remains unfazed by upcoming challenges, including a potential bout with Justin Gaethje.
  3. Alexandre Pantoja (Former UFC Flyweight Champion): After scouting his future competition at UFC 328, Pantoja is set for a clash with the surging Joshua Van.
  4. Petr Yan (UFC Bantamweight Champion): Currently recovering from surgery, Yan is expected to finalize his trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili later this year.
  5. Alexander Volkanovski (UFC Featherweight Champion): The veteran champion continues to weigh his options for his next legendary matchup.
  6. Alex Pereira (Former UFC Two-Division Champion): Despite external distractions, the former champ remains focused on his pursuit of a historic third title.
  7. Tom Aspinall (UFC Heavyweight Champion): The heavyweight landscape remains active, with the upcoming interim title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane helping clarify the path for Aspinall.
  8. Merab Dvalishvili (Former UFC Bantamweight Champion): After an incredibly busy 2025, Dvalishvili is currently using his recovery period to prepare for his return.
  9. Sean Strickland (UFC Middleweight Champion): By defeating Chimaev, the new champion has cemented his status as a persistent threat, with a rematch against Nassourdine Imavov likely next.
  10. Joshua Van (UFC Flyweight Champion): Recognized for his clinical boxing display at UFC 328, Van has quickly established himself as one of the sport's most exciting young stars.

Women’s Pound-for-Pound Top 10

  1. Valentina Shevchenko (UFC Flyweight Champion): Holding the top spot, the veteran champion remains the benchmark for the division despite a lack of recent fight bookings.
  2. Kayla Harrison (UFC Bantamweight Champion): As she recovers from neck surgery, Harrison remains focused on potential matchups, including responding to external critics.
  3. Zhang Weili (Former UFC Strawweight Champion): Speculation persists regarding a return to her original division and a possible showdown with current champion Mackenzie Dern.
  4. Cris Cyborg (PFL Women’s Featherweight Champion): A stalwart of the sport, Cyborg continues to monitor the evolving landscape of women’s combat sports.
  5. Dakota Ditcheva (PFL Flyweight Contender): Despite injury setbacks, Ditcheva remains a high-potential athlete eyeing a return to the cage this summer.
  6. Natalia Silva (UFC Flyweight Contender): With a resume featuring wins over former champions, Silva continues to push for a definitive title opportunity.
  7. Manon Fiorot (UFC Flyweight Contender): Following a dominant knockout, the contender is actively seeking a high-profile bout to climb the rankings further.
  8. Seika Izawa (RIZIN Super Atomweight Champion): Maintaining an undefeated 18-0 record, Izawa continues to prove why she is considered a phenom in the international circuit.
  9. Mackenzie Dern (UFC Strawweight Champion): Balancing outside media projects with her fighting career, Dern awaits her next title defense.
  10. Erin Blanchfield (UFC Flyweight Contender): Frustrated by recent inactivity, the young contender is eager to break the current deadlock in the flyweight rankings.