"It's been 18 months since ESPN last ranked the 11 UFC divisions from most to least star-studded and competitive, and a lot has changed. Back in May 2024, Islam Makhachev was the lightweight champion readying himself for his third defense, and now he's preparing to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship at UFC 322 on Nov. 15. If we include Makhachev among the welterweights and another former champion going for a second title, Zhang Weili, to women's flyweight, those classes become two of four with more than one athlete on ESPN's pound-for-pound list."
"Though the welterweight division did make a jump up from No. 4 to No. 2, it was beaten to the top spot by a division that boasts a champion on a relentless win streak and deep bench behind him. Below welterweight, a majority of the remaining weight classes have new rankings and new opportunities to move up. Biggest upcoming fight: Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov"
Eighteen months of roster and title movement have reshaped UFC divisional rankings. Islam Makhachev moved from lightweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322. Including Makhachev among welterweights and Zhang Weili among women's flyweights creates multiple divisions with more than one pound-for-pound athlete. Welterweight climbed from No. 4 to No. 2 but was denied the top spot by a division featuring a champion on a relentless win streak and a deep bench. Most other weight classes have new rankings and chances to rise. Men's bantamweight holds the No. 1 position, with Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov as the biggest upcoming fight.
Read at ESPN.com
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