MMA Divisional Rankings: Du Plessis Proves His Dominance
In the thrilling world of mixed martial arts, where every punch, kick, and submission can change the course of a fighter’s career, the recent events at UFC 312 have given fans plenty to talk about. The spotlight was firmly on Dricus Du Plessis, who has been on a mission to prove his worth as the UFC middleweight champion. A year ago, Du Plessis clinched the title in a controversial split decision victory over Sean Strickland. The decision left many fans and analysts divided, with some believing that Strickland deserved the belt.
Fast forward seven months, and Du Plessis silenced some of his critics by submitting former champion Israel Adesanya in his first title defense. Yet, the shadow of doubt lingered, with many still questioning whether he was truly superior to Strickland. This past weekend, Du Plessis had the chance to put those doubts to rest at UFC 312, and he did so in spectacular fashion with a dominant victory over Strickland.
With this win, Du Plessis has solidified his position at the top of the middleweight division, as reflected in the latest ESPN divisional rankings. Strickland, on the other hand, has dropped a spot to No. 3. This shift in rankings is a testament to Du Plessis’ growing reputation as a formidable force in the octagon.
But the middleweight division wasn’t the only one to see changes. The strawweight division also experienced a shake-up, thanks to Zhang Weili’s successful title defense at UFC 312. Zhang, who was already sitting comfortably at No. 1, faced off against Tatiana Suarez. Despite Suarez’s unanimous decision loss, she made a significant impact by entering the rankings at No. 5. This was Suarez’s first defeat, and her entry into the rankings is notable, considering her previous inactivity had kept her unranked.
For those who love to keep track of the rankings, here are the latest ESPN pound-for-pound MMA rankings and a list of current UFC champions in all weight classes. These rankings are current as of February 12, 2025. To be eligible for the rankings, a fighter must have competed over the past 12 months or have an upcoming fight booked. Fighters who have been dropped for inactivity can only be reinstated after they compete.
- Heavyweight
- Light heavyweight
- Middleweight
- Welterweight
- Lightweight
- Men’s featherweight
- Men’s bantamweight
- Men’s flyweight
- Women’s bantamweight
- Women’s flyweight
- Strawweight
As we delve into the rankings, let’s take a closer look at the heavyweight division. Tom Aspinall currently holds the top spot as the UFC interim champion with a record of 15-3. His last victory was a TKO in the first round against Curtis Blaydes on July 27, 2024. Aspinall’s next opponent is yet to be determined, but fans are eagerly awaiting his next move.
Following Aspinall is Francis Ngannou, the PFL Super Fights champion, with a record of 18-3. Ngannou’s last fight was a knockout victory against Renan Ferreira on October 19, 2024. Like Aspinall, Ngannou’s next fight is still to be announced.
In third place is Jon Jones, the UFC champion, boasting an impressive record of 28-1, 1 NC. Jones secured a TKO victory in the third round against Stipe Miocic on November 16, 2024. His next opponent remains a mystery, but the anticipation is palpable.
Ciryl Gane, with a record of 13-2, holds the fourth spot. Gane’s last fight was a split decision win against Alexander Volkov on December 7, 2024. As with the others, Gane’s next fight is yet to be scheduled.
Rounding out the top five is Curtis Blaydes, who has a record of 18-5, 1 NC. Blaydes’ last fight was a loss to Tom Aspinall, but he is set to face Rizvan Kuniev on February 22.
As the MMA world continues to evolve, these rankings provide a snapshot of the current landscape. With fighters constantly pushing the limits and striving for greatness, the excitement never wanes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the drama and intensity of MMA are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Originally Written by: Brett Okamoto
