Flyweight (125)
[#11] Matheus Nicolau (19-3-1, -183) vs. [#60] Alex Perez (24-8-0, +152)
Matheus Nicolau is the All-Time #35 ranked Flyweight fighter.
Alex Perez is the All-Time #36 ranked Flyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Matheus Nicolau (2-1-0)
2023-04-15: L vs. [#2FLY/#6DD] Brandon Royval (16-7-0) via KO (Knee and Elbows) in 2:09 of round 1
2022-12-03: W vs. [#58FLY] Matt Schnell (16-9-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:44 of round 2
2022-03-26: W vs. [#53FLY] David Dvorak (20-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Alex Perez (0-3-0)
2024-03-02: L vs. [#8FLY] Muhammad Mokaev (12-0-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2022-07-30: L vs. [#1FLY/#3DD/#3P4P] Alexandre Pantoja (27-5-0) via Submission (Neck Crank) in 1:31 of round 1
2020-11-21: L vs. [#8BW/#10P4P] Deiveson Figueiredo (23-3-1) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 1:57 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Matheus Nicolau 378, Alex Perez 56
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#18] Ryan Spann (21-9-0, -193) vs. [#64] Bogdan Guskov (15-3-0, +158)

Last 3 Fights: Ryan Spann (1-2-0)
2023-08-26: L vs. [#17LHW] Anthony Smith (37-19-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2023-03-11: L vs. [#9LHW] Nikita Krylov (30-9-0) via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 3:38 of round 1
2022-11-12: W vs. [*] Dominick Reyes (12-4-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:20 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Bogdan Guskov (2-1-0)
2024-02-10: W vs. [#120LHW] Zac Pauga (6-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 3:38 of round 1
2023-09-02: L vs. [#15LHW] Volkan Oezdemir (19-7-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 3:46 of round 1
2023-03-18: W vs. [#190HW+] Carlos Eduardo (20-11-0) via TKO in 0:25 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Ryan Spann 245, Bogdan Guskov 77
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Women Flyweight (125)
[#15] Karine Silva (17-4-0, -147) vs. [#17] Ariane Lipski (17-8-0, +121)

Last 3 Fights: Karine Silva (3-0-0)
2023-08-19: W vs. [#34FLY] Maryna Moroz (11-6-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 4:59 of round 1
2023-06-03: W vs. [#57FLY] Ketlen Souza (13-4-0) via Submission (Kneebar) in 1:45 of round 1
2022-06-04: W vs. [*] Poliana Botelho (9-5-0) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 4:55 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Ariane Lipski (3-0-0)
2023-12-16: W vs. [#28FLY] Casey ONeill (9-2-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 1:18 of round 2
2023-07-01: W vs. [#33FLY] Melissa Gatto (8-2-2) via SD (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
2023-03-11: W vs. [#25FLY] J.J. Aldrich (13-6-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Karine Silva 252, Ariane Lipski 133
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 2 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Light Heavyweight Championship (205)
[#1/#8P4P] Alex Pereira (9-2-0, -142) vs. [#4] Jamahal Hill (13-1-0, +116)
Alex Pereira is the All-Time #25 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.
Jamahal Hill is the All-Time #30 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Alex Pereira (2-1-0)
2023-11-11: W vs. [#5LHW] Jiri Prochazka (29-4-1) via TKO (Elbows) in 4:08 of round 2
2023-07-29: W vs. [#2LHW] Jan Blachowicz (29-10-1) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2023-04-08: L vs. [#1MW] Israel Adesanya (24-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:21 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Jamahal Hill (3-0-0)
2023-01-21: W vs. [*] Glover Teixeira (33-9-0) via UD (50-44, 50-44, 50-44)
2022-08-06: W vs. [#13LHW] Thiago Santos (22-12-0) via TKO (Punches and Elbows) in 2:31 of round 4
2022-02-19: W vs. [#11LHW] Johnny Walker (21-8-0) via KO (Punch) in 2:55 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alex Pereira 154, Jamahal Hill 448
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Women Strawweight Championship (115)
[#1/#1DD/#1P4P] Weili Zhang (24-3-0, -413) vs. [#2/#7DD/#9P4P] Xiaonan Yan (18-3-0, +307)
Weili Zhang is the All-Time #5 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Weili Zhang (3-0-0)
2023-08-19: W vs. [#4SW/#10DD] Amanda Lemos (14-3-1) via UD (50-43, 50-44, 49-45)
2022-11-12: W vs. [*] Carla Esparza (19-7-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 1:05 of round 2
2022-06-11: W vs. [*] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (16-5-0) via KO (Spinning Backfist) in 2:28 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Xiaonan Yan (2-1-0)
2023-05-06: W vs. [#5SW] Jessica Andrade (25-12-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:20 of round 1
2022-10-01: W vs. [#8SW] Mackenzie Dern (13-5-0) via MD (48-47, 48-47, 47-47)
2022-03-05: L vs. [#7SW] Marina Rodriguez (17-3-2) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Weili Zhang 238, Xiaonan Yan 343
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Weili Zhang leads 2-1
.

Lightweight (155)
[#3/#10P4P] Justin Gaethje (25-4-0, -190) vs. [#3FW] Max Holloway (25-7-0, +155)
Justin Gaethje is the All-Time #12 ranked Lightweight fighter.
Max Holloway is the All-Time #8 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Justin Gaethje (2-1-0)
2023-07-29: W vs. [#4LW] Dustin Poirier (30-8-0) via KO (Head Kick) in 1:00 of round 2
2023-03-18: W vs. [#9LW] Rafael Fiziev (12-3-0) via MD (29-28, 28-28, 29-28)
2022-05-07: L vs. [#2LW/#6DD/#9P4P] Charles Oliveira (34-9-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 3:22 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Max Holloway (2-1-0)
2023-08-26: W vs. [*] Chan Sung Jung (17-8-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:23 of round 3
2023-04-15: W vs. [#8FW] Arnold Allen (19-3-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
2022-07-02: L vs. [#2FW/#8DD] Alexander Volkanovski (26-4-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Justin Gaethje 259, Max Holloway 231
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Middleweight (185)
[#9] Brendan Allen (23-5-0, -208) vs. [#21] Chris Curtis (31-10-0, +168)

Last 3 Fights: Brendan Allen (3-0-0)
2023-11-18: W vs. [#18MW] Paul Craig (17-7-1) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 0:38 of round 3
2023-06-24: W vs. [#42MW] Bruno Silva (23-11-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 4:39 of round 1
2023-02-25: W vs. [#20MW] Andre Muniz (24-6-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 4:25 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Chris Curtis (1-1-0, 1 NC)
2024-01-20: W vs. [#38MW] Marc-Andre Barriault (17-7-0) via SD (28-29, 30-27, 30-27)
2023-06-10: NC vs. [#13MW] Nassourdine Imavov (13-4-0)
2023-04-08: L vs. [#26WW] Kelvin Gastelum (18-9-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Brendan Allen 140, Chris Curtis 77
Previous Match-up Record: Chris Curtis leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Featherweight (145)
[#41] Damon Jackson (22-6-1, +156) vs. [#82] Alexander Hernandez (14-7-0, -192)

Last 3 Fights: Damon Jackson (1-2-0)
2023-08-05: L vs. [#38FW] Billy Quarantillo (18-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2023-01-14: L vs. [#16FW] Dan Ige (18-7-0) via KO (Punch) in 4:13 of round 2
2022-09-17: W vs. [#76FW] Pat Sabatini (18-5-0) via TKO (Submission to Punches) in 1:09 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Alexander Hernandez (1-2-0)
2023-10-07: L vs. [#35FW] Bill Algeo (18-8-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2023-02-18: W vs. [#54LW] Jim Miller (37-17-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
2022-12-10: L vs. [#38FW] Billy Quarantillo (18-6-0) via TKO (Knees and Punches) in 4:30 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Damon Jackson 245, Alexander Hernandez 182
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Featherweight (145)
[#46] Jose Mariscal (15-6-0, +135) vs. [#110] Morgan Charriere (19-9-1, -166)

Last 3 Fights: Jose Mariscal (3-0-0)
2023-09-09: W vs. [#144FW] Jack Jenkins (12-3-0) via TKO (Arm Injury) in 3:19 of round 2
2023-06-24: W vs. [#159LW] Trevor Peek (9-1-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2023-02-17: W vs. [#118FW] Guilherme Faria de Souza (19-10-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:02 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Morgan Charriere (3-0-0)
2023-09-02: W vs. [#534FW] Manolo Zecchini (11-4-0) via KO (Body Kick and Punches) in 3:51 of round 1
2023-07-21: W vs. [#332LW] Diego Silva (16-9-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:13 of round 3
2023-04-29: W vs. [#924FW] Pedro Souza (18-5-0) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jose Mariscal 210, Morgan Charriere 217
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Women Flyweight (125)
[#3/#8DD/#8P4P] Manon Fiorot (11-1-0, +116) vs. [#4/#7P4P] Erin Blanchfield (12-1-0, -141)
Manon Fiorot is the All-Time #44 ranked Women’s fighter.
Erin Blanchfield is the All-Time #48 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Manon Fiorot (3-0-0)
2023-09-02: W vs. [#5FLY/#3P4P] Rose Namajunas (12-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2022-10-22: W vs. [#10FLY] Katlyn Cerminara (18-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2022-03-26: W vs. [#12FLY] Jennifer Maia (21-10-1) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Erin Blanchfield (3-0-0)
2023-08-26: W vs. [#9FLY] Taila Santos (19-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2023-02-18: W vs. [#5SW] Jessica Andrade (25-12-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 1:37 of round 2
2022-11-12: W vs. [#34SW] Molly McCann (14-6-0) via Submission (Kimura) in 3:37 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Manon Fiorot 210, Erin Blanchfield 217
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Welterweight (170)
[#11] Vicente Luque (22-9-1, -148) vs. [#25] Joaquin Buckley (17-6-0, +121)
Vicente Luque is the All-Time #41 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Vicente Luque (1-2-0)
2023-08-12: W vs. [#11LW] Rafael dos Anjos (32-16-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
2022-08-06: L vs. [#15WW] Geoff Neal (15-6-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:01 of round 3
2022-04-16: L vs. [#3WW] Belal Muhammad (23-3-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)

Last 3 Fights: Joaquin Buckley (2-1-0)
2023-10-07: W vs. [#35WW] Alex Morono (23-9-0) via UD (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)
2023-05-20: W vs. [#81WW] Andre Fialho (16-8-0) via TKO (Head Kick) in 4:15 of round 2
2022-12-10: L vs. [#21MW] Chris Curtis (31-10-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:49 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Vicente Luque 231, Joaquin Buckley 175
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Middleweight (185)
[#32] Bruno Silva (23-10-0, -277) vs. [#66] Chris Weidman (15-7-0, +217)
Chris Weidman is the All-Time #3 ranked Middleweight and #22 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Bruno Silva (1-2-0)
2023-10-21: L vs. [#23MW] Sharabutdin Magomedov (13-0-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2023-06-24: L vs. [#9MW] Brendan Allen (23-5-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 4:39 of round 1
2023-04-22: W vs. [#33MW] Brad Tavares (20-9-0) via TKO (Knee and Punch) in 3:35 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Chris Weidman (1-2-0)
2023-08-19: L vs. [#33MW] Brad Tavares (20-9-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2021-04-24: L vs. [*] Uriah Hall (17-11-0) via TKO (Leg Injury) in 0:17 of round 1
2020-08-08: W vs. [*] Omari Akhmedov (24-8-1) via UD (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Bruno Silva 161, Chris Weidman 224
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Bruno Silva leads 1-0
.

Women Flyweight (125)
[#9/#4P4P] Rose Namajunas (11-6-0, -177) vs. [#6SW] Amanda Ribas (12-4-0, +146)
Rose Namajunas is the All-Time #10 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Rose Namajunas (1-2-0)
2023-09-02: L vs. [#3FLY/#7DD/#8P4P] Manon Fiorot (11-1-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2022-05-07: L vs. [*] Carla Esparza (19-7-0) via SD ()
2021-11-06: W vs. [#1SW/#1DD/#1P4P] Weili Zhang (24-3-0) via SD (47-48, 49-46, 48-47)

Last 3 Fights: Amanda Ribas (2-1-0)
2023-11-18: W vs. [#29SW] Luana Pinheiro (11-2-0) via TKO (Spinning Wheel Kick and Punches) in 3:53 of round 3
2023-06-24: L vs. [#5FLY] Maycee Barber (14-2-0) via TKO (Punches and Elbows) in 3:42 of round 2
2023-03-04: W vs. [#11FLY] Viviane Araujo (12-6-0) via UD (29-27, 30-26, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Rose Namajunas 203, Amanda Ribas 126
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Heavyweight (265)
[#60] Justin Tafa (7-3-0, +209) vs. [#68] Karl Williams (9-1-0, -267)

Last 3 Fights: Justin Tafa (2-0-0, 1 NC)
2023-09-09: W vs. [#125HW+] Austen Lane (12-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:22 of round 1
2023-06-24: NC vs. [#125HW+] Austen Lane (12-4-0)
2023-02-11: W vs. [#120HW+] Parker Porter (13-9-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:06 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Karl Williams (3-0-0)
2023-05-13: W vs. [#69HW+] Chase Sherman (18-12-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2023-03-11: W vs. [#169HW+] Lukasz Brzeski (8-4-1) via UD (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
2022-09-06: W vs. [*] Jimmy Lawson (4-2-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Justin Tafa 196, Karl Williams 315
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Middleweight (185)
[#63] Edmen Shahbazyan (12-4-0, -192) vs. [#156] A.J. Dobson (7-2-0, +156)

Last 3 Fights: Edmen Shahbazyan (1-2-0)
2023-05-20: L vs. [#25MW] Anthony Hernandez (12-2-0) via TKO (Elbows and Punches) in 1:01 of round 3
2022-12-10: W vs. [*] Dalcha Lungiambula (11-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:41 of round 2
2021-11-06: L vs. [#13MW] Nassourdine Imavov (13-4-0) via TKO (Elbows) in 4:42 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: A.J. Dobson (1-2-0)
2023-08-12: W vs. [#175MW] Tafon Nchukwi (6-4-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2022-10-22: L vs. [#80MW] Armen Petrosyan (9-3-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2022-02-12: L vs. [#107MW] Jacob Malkoun (7-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Edmen Shahbazyan 308, A.J. Dobson 224
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Heavyweight (265)
[#10] Tai Tuivasa (14-6-0, -128) vs. [#16] Marcin Tybura (24-8-0, +104)
Tai Tuivasa is the All-Time #49 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Tai Tuivasa (0-3-0)
2023-09-09: L vs. [#6HW+] Alexander Volkov (37-10-0) via Submission (Ezekiel Choke) in 4:37 of round 2
2022-12-03: L vs. [#4HW+] Sergei Pavlovich (18-2-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:54 of round 1
2022-09-03: L vs. [#2HW+] Ciryl Gane (12-2-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:23 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Marcin Tybura (2-1-0)
2023-07-22: L vs. [#3HW+] Tom Aspinall (14-3-0) via TKO (Elbow and Punches) in 1:13 of round 1
2023-02-04: W vs. [#25HW+] Blagoy Ivanov (19-6-0) via UD ()
2022-08-20: W vs. [#20HW+] Alexander Romanov (17-2-0) via MD (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Tai Tuivasa 189, Marcin Tybura 238
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 5 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#31] Kennedy Nzechukwu (12-4-0, -493) vs. [#45] Ovince St. Preux (26-17-0, +350)

Last 3 Fights: Kennedy Nzechukwu (2-1-0)
2023-08-05: L vs. [#22LHW] Dustin Jacoby (19-8-1) via TKO (Punches) in 1:22 of round 1
2023-05-06: W vs. [#44LHW] Devin Clark (14-9-0) via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 2:28 of round 2
2022-11-19: W vs. [#29LHW] Ion Cutelaba (17-10-1) via TKO (Flying Knee and Punches) in 1:02 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Ovince St. Preux (1-2-0)
2023-02-18: L vs. [#18LHW] Philipe Lins (18-5-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:49 of round 1
2022-05-07: W vs. [*] Mauricio Rua (27-14-1) via SD (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
2021-06-26: L vs. [#64LHW] Tanner Boser (21-10-1) via KO (Punches) in 2:31 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Kennedy Nzechukwu 224, Ovince St. Preux 392
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Lightweight (155)
[*] Mike Davis (10-2-0, -260) vs. [*] Natan Levy (8-1-0, +207)

Last 3 Fights: Mike Davis (3-0-0)
2022-10-01: W vs. [#176LW] Viacheslav Borshchev (7-3-1) via UD (30-26, 30-26, 29-28)
2021-01-20: W vs. [#86LW] Mason Jones (14-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2019-10-12: W vs. [*] Thomas Gifford (17-10-0) via KO (Punch) in 4:45 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Natan Levy (2-1-0)
2022-12-03: W vs. [#715LW] Genaro Valdez (10-3-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
2022-04-30: W vs. [#209LW] Mike Breeden (11-6-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
2021-11-20: L vs. [#41LW] Rafa Garcia (16-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Mike Davis 532, Natan Levy 469
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Part 1 – Who’s the GOAT?

Part 2 – Heavy Hitters

Part 3 – Middle of the Pack

We’ve now gotten through the top two thirds of the men’s weight divisions, and established that the UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev stands the best chance of dethroning the all-time divisional #1, who just happens to be his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov.  Let us now take a look at the lightest men’s weight classes, and see if my assertion holds true.

Men’s Bantamweight

[#1]: Dominick Cruz (8198)

Next active fighter:  [#7] Henry Cejudo (3693)

Point differential: 2.21x

Other contenders: [#10] Petr Yan, [#11] Cody Garbrandt, [#12] Sean OMalley

Similar to men’s lightweight, there is not as much separation between #1 and the rest at bantamweight.  Dominic Cruz’s reign at the top was brief, and though he is not officially retired, these days he fights very infrequently and isn’t likely to rise any further. Fortunately for Cruz, there just currently isn’t a serious contender to knock him out of the top spot. Aljamain Sterling was oh-so-close but moved up in weight. [#4] Renan Barao, who once so long ago looked like an unstoppable champion, recently made his return to MMA action, to atrocious results and is presently on a six-fight skid. Former champion Henry Cejudo would have likely been ranked much higher on these lists, had he not taken a three year layoff in the prime of his career.  Now, he stands with back-to-back losses and not a very clear path forward.

Another former champion, Petr Yan, was once lauded as the future of the division, but faltered badly in his last few outings and is now fighting for his UFC career. Yet another brief title holder Cody Garbrandt is a glass cannon who is not likely to catch lightning in a bottle like he did on the night he took the belt from Cruz. Finally, amongst all these past champs, we have the current top dog Sean O’Malley. In a less competitive division we could imagine Sean with a long reign at the top; however he is already talking about moving up to featherweight for a chance at the ‘champ champ’ status. He also has contenders like Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov breathing down his neck.

Bantamweight Championship (135)
[#1/#9DD/#10P4P] Sean OMalley (17-1-0, -279) vs. [#5] Marlon Vera (24-8-1, +222)
Sean OMalley is the All-Time #12 ranked Bantamweight fighter.
Marlon Vera is the All-Time #34 ranked Bantamweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Sean OMalley (2-0-0, 1 NC)
2023-08-19: W vs. [#3BW] Aljamain Sterling (23-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:51 of round 2
2022-10-22: W vs. [#8BW] Petr Yan (16-5-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2022-07-02: NC vs. [#12BW] Pedro Munhoz (20-8-0)

Last 3 Fights: Marlon Vera (2-1-0)
2023-08-19: W vs. [#12BW] Pedro Munhoz (20-8-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
2023-03-25: L vs. [#4BW] Cory Sandhagen (17-4-0) via SD (50-45, 49-46, 47-48)
2022-08-13: W vs. [*] Dominick Cruz (24-4-0) via KO (Head Kick) in 2:17 of round 4

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Sean OMalley 203, Marlon Vera 203
Previous Match-up Record: Marlon Vera leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Lightweight (155)
[#4] Dustin Poirier (29-8-0, +175) vs. [#15] Benoit St. Denis (13-1-0, -215)
Dustin Poirier is the All-Time #4 ranked Lightweight and #30 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Dustin Poirier (1-2-0)
2023-07-29: L vs. [#3LW/#8P4P] Justin Gaethje (25-4-0) via KO (Head Kick) in 1:00 of round 2
2022-11-12: W vs. [*] Michael Chandler (23-8-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 2:00 of round 3
2021-12-11: L vs. [#2LW/#5DD/#7P4P] Charles Oliveira (34-9-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 1:02 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Benoit St. Denis (3-0-0)
2023-11-11: W vs. [#38LW] Matt Frevola (11-4-1) via KO (Head Kick) in 1:31 of round 1
2023-09-02: W vs. [#51LW] Thiago Moises (17-7-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:44 of round 2
2023-07-01: W vs. [#83LW] Ismael Bonfim (19-4-0) via SUB in 4:48 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Dustin Poirier 224, Benoit St. Denis 119
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Welterweight (170)
[#14] Kevin Holland (25-10-0, -132) vs. [#18] Michael Page (21-2-0, +110)

Last 3 Fights: Kevin Holland (2-1-0)
2023-09-16: L vs. [#12WW] Jack Della Maddalena (16-2-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2023-07-29: W vs. [#42WW] Michael Chiesa (16-7-0) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 2:39 of round 1
2023-04-08: W vs. [#32WW] Santiago Ponzinibbio (29-7-0) via KO (Punch) in 3:16 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Michael Page (2-1-0)
2023-03-10: W vs. [#56WW] Goiti Yamauchi (28-6-0) via TKO (Leg Kick) in 0:26 of round 1
2022-05-13: L vs. [#24WW] Logan Storley (15-2-0) via SD (48-47, 47-48, 49-46)
2021-10-01: W vs. [#23MW] Douglas Lima (33-11-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Kevin Holland 175, Michael Page 365
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Part 1 – Who’s the GOAT?

Part 2 – Heavy Hitters

In the third installment of this series, I am going to take a look at the men’s welterweight, lightweight, and featherweight all-time rankings. Similar to the heavier weight divisions, these three lists are topped by true all-time greats in Georges St. Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Jose Aldo. Are any of these three likely to be replaced at the top soon?  Let’s check it out.

Men’s Welterweight

[#1]: Georges St. Pierre (33894)

Next active fighter:  [#5] Leon Edwards (6873)

Point differential: 4.93x

Other contenders: [#8] Colby Covington

Currently the top rank on our men’s all-time absolute list (with Jon Jones very close behind), St. Pierre spent better part of a decade thoroughly dominating his contemporaries, with his losses to Matt Hughes and Matt Serra both avenged in an impressive fashion. With the next three on the list retired (or in Kamaru Usman’s case, moved up in weight), the current champion Leon Edwards is the sole threat to Georges’ position. It isn’t much of a threat, considering GSP has nearly 5x the amount of points compared to Edwards.

Leon Edwards is currently on a 12-fight undefeated streak (with 1 No Contest). Now that he is the champion, he will have have the opportunity to stack some title defenses and improve his standing.  Edwards has been moderately active, fighting twice a year in the recent years. At this pace he would have to stay at the top for several years to begin approaching #1. My prediction is that Shavkat Rakhmonov will soon dethrone the champion and halt his ascent up the rankings.  The only other name worth mentioning here is [#8] Colby Covington; everyone ranked above him here is a current or former champion, and I don’t see Colby breaking into that elite championship tier at this point in his career. At best, he might pass Johnny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler if Covington sticks around and wins some fights.