MMA Divisional Rankings: Petr Yan and Yan Xiaonan Make Big Moves

MMA Divisional Rankings: Petr Yan and Yan Xiaonan Make Big Moves

When Petr Yan lost his UFC bantamweight championship in 2021, it wasn’t just a title that slipped away—it marked the end of a dominant 10-fight winning streak and the beginning of a career slump that had fans questioning if the Russian star could ever reclaim his former glory.

Yan managed to bounce back briefly by securing an interim title with a victory over Cory Sandhagen, but his rematch with Aljamain Sterling, the man who had dethroned him, ended in another loss. Things didn’t get easier for Yan, as he went on to lose two more fights, this time to future champions Sean O’Malley and current bantamweight king Merab Dvalishvili. While these defeats came against elite competition, they cemented a troubling skid for the former champ.

But don’t count Petr Yan out just yet. In March, he began his resurgence with a win over Song Yadong, and this past weekend, he made it two in a row by defeating former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. With this victory, Yan has climbed back to No. 3 in the latest ESPN divisional rankings, signaling that he’s once again a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division. Meanwhile, Figueiredo holds steady at No. 7.

Yan Xiaonan Shines in Macau

Another fighter making waves is Yan Xiaonan, who delivered a stellar performance in Macau, China, on Saturday. After falling short in her bid to dethrone strawweight champion Zhang Weili earlier this year, Xiaonan rebounded in style with a decisive win over Tabatha Ricci. This victory has propelled her to No. 3 in the 115-pound rankings, while Ricci remains at No. 10.

Xiaonan’s rise is a testament to her resilience and skill, and fans are eager to see what’s next for the Chinese standout. Could another title shot be on the horizon?

Carlos Ulberg Cracks the Top 10

In the light heavyweight division, Carlos Ulberg has officially entered the top 10, landing at No. 8 after defeating Volkan Oezdemir on Saturday. Oezdemir, who previously held the No. 8 spot, drops to No. 9 as a result. Ulberg’s rise adds fresh intrigue to a division that’s already stacked with talent.

Key Takeaways from the Latest Rankings

• Petr Yan: Back in the top 3 of the bantamweight division after two consecutive wins.
• Yan Xiaonan: Climbs to No. 3 in the strawweight rankings with a dominant performance.
• Carlos Ulberg: Breaks into the light heavyweight top 10, now ranked No. 8.

As the year winds down, these fighters are positioning themselves for big opportunities in 2025. Whether it’s a title shot or a marquee matchup, the stakes are only getting higher.

Note: Rankings are current as of Nov. 25. Fighters must have competed in the past 12 months or have an upcoming fight scheduled to remain eligible for the rankings.