The new MMA season commenced with UFC 324 on Paramount+ on Saturday, marking the start of 2026’s first Uncrowned MMA pound-for-pound rankings. The highly anticipated match between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes has been postponed, but Natalia Silva has solidified her position in the top 10.
A panel consisting of Ben Fowlkes, Chuck Mindenhall, Shaheen Al-Shatti, Petesy Carroll, Drake Riggs, Eric Jackman, and Conner Burks ranked the top ten fighters in both men’s and women’s divisions using a weighted system where first place equates to 10 points and so on.
The criteria for these monthly rankings require fighters to have competed within a year prior to publication or have a scheduled fight within that timeframe. Fighters who retire are ineligible for consideration, while those returning after a year can be voted back in.
While the majority of top fighters belong to the UFC, these rankings include fighters from all major promotions like PFL, RIZIN, and ONE Championship.
Now, let’s dive into Uncrowned’s first MMA pound-for-pound rankings for 2026!
MEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND
1. Islam Makhachev — UFC welterweight champion (Prev: 1)
Makhachev remains unimpressed by Justin Gaethje’s recent performance against Paddy Pimblett, showcasing a higher standard based on his recent fight control against Jack Della Maddalena.
2. Ilia Topuria — UFC lightweight champion (Prev: 2)
Despite personal issues impacting his availability, Topuria retains the lightweight title and is scheduled to face Gaethje, perhaps at an event in June.
3. Khamzat Chimaev — UFC middleweight champion (Prev: 3)
Chimaev remains sidelined with a foot injury, but potential matches against Nassourdine Imavov or other contenders await upon his return.
4. Alexandre Pantoja — UFC flyweight contender (Prev: 4)
Pantoja is on the mend from an injury and targeting a mid-2026 comeback, likely eyeing the current titleholder Joshua Van.
5. Tom Aspinall — UFC heavyweight champion (Prev: 5)
Aspinall’s injury has left the heavyweight division in need, and while a rematch with Ciryl Gane is anticipated, his recovery timeline is uncertain.
WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND
1. Valentina Shevchenko — UFC flyweight champion (Prev: 1)
Shevchenko’s next title defense may be against Natalia Silva after Rose Namajunas failed to secure a victory to challenge her.
2. Kayla Harrison — UFC bantamweight champion (Prev: 2)
The postponement of her superfight with Nunes presents an opportunity for the UFC to promote it as a standalone main event.
3. Zhang Weili — Former UFC strawweight champion/UFC flyweight contender (Prev: 3)
Zhang’s return from a previous defeat against Shevchenko looms, which could impact her next match against rising fighters.
4. Cris Cyborg — PFL featherweight champion (Prev: 4)
Cyborg is pushing for a matchup with Dakota Ditcheva, despite potential weight issues, as she navigates the latter part of her career.
5. Dakota Ditcheva — PFL flyweight contender (Prev: 5)
Ditcheva’s future remains uncertain following a less active year, and she may need to secure more fights to maintain visibility in 2026.
