The 15 Best UFC Fighters in 2025 – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

March 8, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The UFC continues to showcase some of the most dominant and skilled fighters in the world, with athletes pushing the limits of mixed martial arts across multiple weight divisions. The competition at the highest level has never been fiercer, with champions and top contenders proving their worth inside the Octagon.

In this article, we take a closer look at the top 15 UFC fighters in 2025, ranking them based on their accomplishments, skill sets, and recent performances. From undefeated rising stars to legendary champions, these fighters have earned their spots among the best in the sport today.

15. Charles Oliveira – 35-10

Charles Oliveira remains one of the most dangerous submission specialists in UFC history. The former lightweight champion continues to be a top contender with his aggressive striking and elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His resilience and ability to finish fights keep him among the division’s elite.

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14. Sean O’Malley – 18-2

Sean O’Malley has proven himself as one of the most exciting bantamweights in the UFC. With his creative striking and knockout power, he has risen through the ranks, capturing the bantamweight title and defending it impressively. His flashy fighting style and growing legacy earn him a place on this list.

13. Max Holloway – 26-8

A former featherweight champion, Max Holloway remains a fan favorite and one of the most skilled strikers in UFC history. Known for his relentless pace and volume striking, he continues to challenge the division’s best. His durability and fight IQ ensure he stays among the sport’s elite.

12. Alexander Volkanovski – 26-4

The former featherweight king, Volkanovski, has been one of the most dominant champions in recent years. His well-rounded skill set, exceptional cardio, and ability to adapt in fights make him a top pound-for-pound fighter. Despite recent setbacks, his legacy and skill level keep him in the top 15.

11. Leon Edwards – 22-4

Leon Edwards solidified his place among the UFC’s elite after capturing and defending the welterweight title. His crisp striking, elite defensive skills, and well-rounded game make him a nightmare for any opponent. His consistency and tactical approach have earned him a spot among the best.

10. Khamzat Chimaev – 14-0

Undefeated and one of the most feared fighters in the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev has proven himself across multiple divisions. His dominant wrestling and brutal finishing ability make him a serious title threat. As he continues his rise, many believe he could soon become a UFC champion.

9. Belal Muhammad – 24-3

Belal Muhammad has established himself as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the welterweight division. With an impressive win streak, his high fight IQ and ability to neutralize opponents have made him a legitimate title contender. His consistency and discipline place him in the top 10.

8. Alexandre Pantoja – 29-5

The reigning flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja, has dominated his division with exceptional grappling and relentless pressure. His victories over top contenders solidify his place among the best. With his well-rounded skill set, he continues to prove he is the top flyweight in the world.

7. Tom Aspinall – 15-3

Tom Aspinall is considered the future of the heavyweight division, thanks to his speed, technical striking, and underrated grappling. As the interim heavyweight champion, he has demonstrated his ability to finish elite opponents. His potential to unify the division keeps him among the best fighters in the UFC.

6. Merab Dvalishvili – 19-4

Merab Dvalishvili has made a name for himself with his relentless pace and suffocating wrestling. His incredible cardio and durability allow him to break opponents over five rounds. As the reigning bantamweight champion, he continues to dominate his competition.

5. Dricus du Plessis – 23-2

Dricus du Plessis shocked the world by becoming the middleweight champion, proving doubters wrong with his unorthodox but highly effective fighting style. His incredible toughness and ability to push forward make him one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC. With back-to-back wins over elite competition, he has cementet his place in the top five.

4. Jon Jones – 28-1

Arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time, Jon Jones returned to heavyweight and claimed the title with ease. His high-level fight IQ, unmatched versatility, and dominance across multiple weight classes solidify his legendary status. Even with fewer fights in recent years, his talent and legacy make him a top contender.

3. Ilia Topuria – 16-0

Ilia Topuria remains undefeated and is now the reigning featherweight champion. His striking power, combined with elite grappling, makes him one of the most dangerous young fighters in the sport. As he continues to dominate, he is quickly becoming one of the faces of the UFC.

2. Alex Pereira – 12-2

Alex Pereira has captured titles in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, making him one of the most feared strikers in the UFC. His devastating knockout power and elite kickboxing background have made him a must-watch fighter. As a two-division champion, his success and dominance put him among the absolute best.

1. Islam Makhachev – 27-1

Islam Makhachev is the reigning lightweight champion and widely regarded as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. His elite wrestling, suffocating grappling, and improved striking have made him nearly unstoppable. With multiple title defenses and victories over top contenders, he stands as the most dominant force in the UFC today.