Rankings Shakeup: Alexander Volkanovski reigns again, Jean Silva bursts into top 10

Ilia Topuria’s exit left the door open for a well-recognized face to climb again to the highest of the featherweight charts.

In the primary occasion of UFC 314, former champion Alexander Volkanovski turned two-time champion Alexander Volkanovski with a classic five-round efficiency towards a scrappy Diego Lopes. Unsurprisingly, Volkanovski regains the highest spot within the MMA Preventing International Rankings, whereas Topuria has been eliminated utterly, having made it clear he solely intends to compete at 155 kilos going ahead.

It’s a well-recognized sight for struggle followers as Volkanovski held that No. 1 spot for over 4 years earlier than being dethroned by Topuria at UFC 314. He now finds himself with loads of alternative so as to add to his legacy with a litany of contemporary challengers ready within the wings, together with the undefeated Movsar Evloev and a pair of contenders who scored main wins this April.

Jean Silva additionally made a splash at UFC 314, bettering his UFC file to 5-0 with a blinding win over Bryce Mitchell. The energetic Combat Nerds consultant dominated Mitchell on the toes earlier than ending him with a slick ninja choke within the second spherical. It’s controversial that no fighter left Miami with extra buzz than Silva after that gorgeous efficiency.

After which there’s Lerone Murphy, who quietly defeated Josh Emmett within the UFC Vegas 105 headliner to safe a spot in our high 10 for the primary time. Murphy may not ship bonus-winning performances each outing, however he’s undefeated in his professional profession and has received eight straight UFC fights since going to a attract his debut. Ought to different challengers develop into out there, it’s not out of the realm of chance that Murphy will get a championship name sooner moderately than later.

No matter who’s subsequent, Volkanovski is again within the driver’s seat, which appeared unlikely after his loss to Topuria 14 months in the past. His re-ascendance is without doubt one of the feel-good tales of 2025 and you’ll make certain he’s wanting to get again within the cage and show the doubters incorrect once more.

Try MMA Preventing’s up to date 145-pound rankings beneath.

Current outcomes for ranked fighters (earlier rating proven): No. 2 Alexander Volkanovski def. No. 5 Diego Lopes, No. 8 Yair Rodriguez def. No. 9 Patricio Pitbull, No. 13 Lerone Murphy def. No. 10 Josh Emmett

Upcoming bouts that includes ranked fighters: No. 14 Giga Chikadze vs. David Onama (UFC Kansas Metropolis, April 26)

Fighters additionally receiving votes (variety of poll appearances proven): Dan Ige (3), Kleber Koike (2), Calvin Kattar (1)