In the ever-shifting MMA landscape, ranking the world’s greatest fighters might seem like a fool’s errand, but that’s exactly what we’ve set out to do with the MMA Fighting Global Rankings. Here, our esteemed panel sorts out the movers and shakers from every division to provide you with the most definitive list of the best fighters on the planet.
UFC White House has come and gone and days later, Justin Gaethje’s dream remains a reality: He is the undisputed lightweight champion.
Gaethje was MMA Fighting’s No. 5-ranked fighter at 155 pounds heading into his duel with the undefeated Ilia Topuria, with Charles Oliveira (who previously finished Gaethje), Max Holloway (ditto), and Arman Tsarukyan ahead of him. Twice, Gaethje has held the interim ***** le, a dubious honor that seemed to label him as destined to always be a runner-up. A competitive win over Paddy Pimblett did little to inspire confidence that the undisputed crown was in his future.
And yet, here we are. Look at that lightweight graphic below. No. 1. Justin Gaethje. Still doesn’t seem real.
The other big fight at the White House saw Ciryl Gane fend off Alex Pereira to join Gaethje as the only UFC fighters to win an interim ***** le twice. Fortunately for “Poatan,” his ranking remains unchanged as he was moving up from his home at light heavyweight to chase unprecedented three-division glory. The immediate future of 205 is cloudy right now with Pereira insisting he’s staying at heavyweight and current light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg on the mend after injuring his knee the same night he won the ***** le at UFC 327. For now, everyone holds on to their spots.