MMA pound-for-pound rankings (Oct. 2026): Alexander Volkanovski, Petr Yan leave voters with an impossible choice

If anybody has proven that age is just a number, it’s 38-year-old Alexander Volkanovski, who flattened Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. How impressive was his second-round TKO victory against the undefeated Russian? So impressive that he makes a leap in this month’s Uncrowned MMA pound-for-pound rankings.“Volk” now sits in the penultimate spot at No. 2, just behind the reigning king of the men’s ledger, Islam Makhachev. On the women’s side, Jasmine Jasudivicius’ impressive work against the previously ranked Erin Blanchfield at UFC Edmonton wasn’t quite enough to crack her into the top 10, though she received votes from four of the seven voters. This is a tough room, but the rankings appear imminent in Jasudivicius’ future!    The panel of Ben Fowlkes, Chuck Mindenhall, Shaheen Al-Shatti, Petesy Carroll, Drake Riggs, Eric Jackman and Conner Burks have ranked both the men’s and women’s pound-for-pound best, one through 10, using a weighted points system to determine the final rankings (being voted No. 1 equals 10 points, No. 2 equals nine points, down to No. 10 equaling one point). Our only criterion for these monthly rankings is that a fighter has competed within at least a calendar year of the publication date or has at least had a fight booked within that window. If a fighter hasn’t competed in a year and books a fight after that time, he or she is once again eligible to be voted back in. Fighters who retire are no longer eligible for the rankings. Though most of the best fighters are currently in the UFC, these rankings are not UFC exclusive. We take into consideration all the major promotions, from PFL/MVP and RIZIN to ONE Championship and Ki MMA (when that becomes a thing). Without further ado, here are Uncrowned’s MMA pound-for-pound rankings for late October 2026!  MEN’S POUND-FOR-POUNDWhat year is it?! Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski are once again back on top of the pound-for-pound rankings.Chris Unger via Getty Images1. Islam Makhachev — UFC welterweight champion (Prev: 1)He said he wanted to squeeze a fight in before Ramadan, but apparently that couldn’t be worked out. Now that the UFC announced that Carlos Prates and Michael Morales are going to fight for the interim title, Makhachev’s “to do” list gets a little less daunting, though. One of those monstrous prospects will emerge with a placeholder belt, while the other slips down to safe distance. 2. Alexander Volkanovski — UFC featherweight champion (Prev: 3)Listen man, Volkanovski might’ve seemed like he was playing with fire by advocating for Evloev to get a shot at his featherweight title, but he knew what he was doing. That was vintage “Volk” out there bewitching a true hungry contender. How long can he keep this up? How much greater can he get? And will the UFC consider putting him against the lightweight champ, Justin Gaethje? 3. Petr Yan — UFC bantamweight champion (Prev: 2)There were some modest concerns as to the extent of Yan’s back after surgery, whether or not he’d be in top condition for his big trilogy with Dvalishvili. He looked solid to us! And now he is the true, undisputed, no-doubt bantamweight champion. Which is wild. We can remember saying his downfall was that he happened to exist while Merab was on the scene. The best way out is always through! 4. Joshua Van – UFC flyweight champion (Prev: 4)You know who’s busy? The 25-year-old wunderkind, Joshua Van. We’re barely a month removed from his impressive double-down title defense over Alexandre Pantoja and the phenom already has his next assignment lined up. He’ll face Manel Kape in Toronto at UFC 336 in January, where he can add to his already mind-boggling striking numbers. 5. Justin Gaethje – UFC lightweight champion (Prev: 5)Gaethje’s name is being thrown around more than any on the roster, as everyone wants a piece of the champ. You know what, though? Gaethje is enjoying his time with the belt. He’s in no hurry. “Volk” wants a piece, and it looks like Arman Tsarukyan is next, but you wonder if his little pre-match dust-up with Dillon Danis at RAF 14 will factor into the UFC’s decision. 6.Ilia Topuria — Former UFC two-division champion (Prev: 7)One person who was stunned by Merab Dvalishvili’s loss on Saturday was Topuria, who was caught on video expressing his disappointment. The question is what happens next for the former two-division champion, who appears to be losing ground in his hopes for a redo with Gaethje? Or will it be Paddy Pimblett? He is said to be circling a February return.7. Sean Strickland — UFC middleweight champion (Prev: 8)He seems to have calmed down a little bit after his social media tantrum about his pay, especially now that it’s clear he’s locked in for five more fights on his current contract. That doesn’t mean he’ll make life easy on the UFC. Here’s guessing that Nassourdine Imavov is next, and the lead-up to that should be … interesting. 8. Arman Tsurukyan — UFC lightweight contender (Prev: 10)You just knew Tsarukyan wasn’t going to behave as he waits for his number to be called by UFC matchmakers for a fight with Gaethje. The little brawl against Dillon Danis was prompted by a t-shirt that Danis was wearing, so what happens when a better troll comes along to provoke him? (We’d like to find out … don’t drop the ball on this UFC! Give the man his title shot!)9. Merab Dvalishvili – Former UFC bantamweight champion (Prev: 6)The difference between the past two years has been wild for Merab, who last year at this time was gearing up for an unprecedented fourth title defense. This year has been harsh. He finally got back into the Octagon at UFC 333 to settle things with Yan, the man Merab saw as masquerading with his belt. But after losing a close decision, the question is …what’s left for “The Machine”?10. Carlos Ulberg — UFC light heavyweight champion (Prev: NR)Perhaps he sneaks into the top 10 due to Tom Aspinall’s ouster (it’s now been a full year since he’s competed, which means Aspinall’s not eligible). Still, Ulberg deserves this spot, having won 10 fights in a row, including his title-clinching bout against Jiri Prochazka in April. He should return from his ACL injury in mid-2027, and it’ll be good to have him back on the scene!  (Others receiving votes: Alexandre Pantoja, Ciryl Gane, Alex Pereira, Max Holloway, Khamzat Chimaev)(Hassan Ahmad, Yahoo Sports)WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUNDNeither Valentina Shevchenko nor Zhang Weili holds a belt, but they're still holding down the top spots in the pound-for-pound rankings.Jeff Bottari via Getty Images1. Valentina Shevchenko — Former UFC flyweight champion (Prev: 1)The mysteries surrounding Shevchenko are as profound as they are glaring, and it has to be a little unnerving to watch the division move on from her so quickly. Not only did Natalia Silva win the belt Shevchenko vacated, but Jasmine Jasudivicius made a case to face Silva next by beating Erin Blanchfield. Where does all this leave Shevchenko? (Seriously, we’re asking … does anyone know?)2. Zhang Weili — Former UFC strawweight champion (Prev: 3)Zhang seems to be enjoying life outside the UFC. If/when she does come back, a fight with Mackenzie Dern in a return to the division she once ruled would make the most sense. But, if we’re being honest, it doesn’t seem like Zhang’s too eager. It’s wait and see with the ex-champ.3. Kayla Harrison — UFC bantamweight champion (Prev: 2)Harrison has a date and location on the books, which is Nov. 14 at UFC 334, at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza (Madison Square Garden), which is coming up fast. How will she look in her fight with the returning GOAT, Amanda Nunes? That remains to be seen, but Harrison firing strays at Ronda Rousey in the meantime has been plenty entertaining. 4. Cris Cyborg —PFL women’s featherweight champion (Prev: 4)The one thing we can say with relative certainty: It looks like Cyborg isn’t quite done with fighting. Not with Scott Coker’s new Ki MMA about to launch and MVP MMA hovering around with plans of its own. There’s money to be made, yet finding Cyborg relevant opponents has always proven to be a chore. Whatever happens, Cyborg’s legacy is already solidified.5. Natalia Silva — UFC flyweight champion (Prev: 5)Silva is still getting used to wearing that outsized belt around, and it’s a burden she gladly bears after all those years working her way up. A fight with Shevchenko would be fascinating, and now that Silva has some experience with five rounds here’s guessing she’ll be ready for it. But there’s a good chance that a new contender — Alexa Grasso rematch? Jasudivicius? — crashes the party first.6. Dakota Ditcheva — PFL flyweight contender (Prev: 6)The first time Ditcheva fought Jena Bishop, nobody paid much attention. In fact, Ditcheva was accused of fighting nobodies and tomato cans during her star-making run in 2024, up until she stopped Taila Santos. Now Bishop has overthrown Liz Carmouche and the rematch with Ditcheva feels not only inevitable, but … dare we say … big?7. Mackenzie Dern — UFC strawweight champion (Prev: 7)Her pal Natalia Silva shined bright in Salt Lake, and Dern was right there to celebrate with her. Now the task will be defending her own 115-pound belt, and it’s a pick your poison proposition. Will it be Zhang, who vacated the belt that Dern now wears? Will it be Tatiana Suarez? Or maybe a wild card, like Fatima Kline? Whoever it is, it’s going to be a tough out. 8. Amanda Nunes — UFC bantamweight contender (Prev: 8)It’s good to see Nunes making the rounds again, as it’s been a little quiet at bantamweight without her. It seems this return is about solidifying GOAT status, yet the revelation is that Nunes isn’t coming back for a one-off. A lot depends on what happens at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 14, but we might be seeing more of a “Lioness Farewell Tour” than just a quick encore.9. Alexa Grasso — UFC flyweight contender (Prev: 9)Nobody’s stock has spiked this year quite like Grasso’s. Just when it seemed like she’d coughed up all her charms after a brief title run and back-to-back losses, she etherized Maycee Barber in March and then outclassed Manon Fiorot from pillar to post. Is a title shot next? We wouldn’t hate it. She lost a decision against Silva in 2025, but that feels like a million years ago. 10. Seika Izawa — Former RIZIN super atomweight champion (Prev: 10)Izawa is on a little break as she tends to her pregnancy, which means it’s a great time to catch up on her prowess as Japan’s greatest sensation. If you haven’t already, go check out her highlight reel of submissions. At just 28 years old, Izawa has 10 of them compiled, including one in her super atomweight title defense against Rena Kubota. Dynamite, it has been said, comes in small packages.(Others receiving votes: Tatiana Suarez, Erin Blanchfield, Fatima Kline, Virna Jandiroba, Liz Carmouche)(Hassan Ahmad, Yahoo Sports)Here’s how we voted:SHAHEEN AL-SHATTIMENIslam Makhachev Petr YanAlexander VolkanovskiJustin GaethjeSean StricklandJoshua VanIlia TopuriaAlex Pereira Arman Tsarukyan Merab DvalishiviliWOMENValentina Shevchenko Kayla Harrison Zhang WeiliAmanda NunesCris Cyborg Seika IzawaNatalia Silva Mackenzie Dern Alexa Grasso Dakota DitchevaCONNER BURKSMENIslam MakhachevPetr YanAlexander VolkanovskiJoshua VanCarlos Ulberg Justin GaethjeIlia TopuriaSean StricklandKhamzat ChimaevArman TsarukyanWOMENValentina ShevchenkoKayla HarrisonCris CyborgZhang WeiliDakota DitchevaNatalia SilvaMackenzie DernManon Fiorot Seika IzawaFatima KlinePETESY CARROLLMENIslam MakhachevAlexander VolkanovskiPetr YanSean StricklandJoshua VanJustin GaethjeCiryl GaneIlia Topuria  Arman TsarukyanMerab DvalishviliWOMENValentina Shevchenko  Zhang WeiliKayla HarrisonAmanda Nunes Dakota DitchevaCris CyborgMackenzie DernNatalia SilvaAlexa GrassoJasmine JasudaviciusBEN FOWLKESMENIslam MakhachevAlexander VolkanovskiPetr YanJoshua VanJustin GaethjeIlia TopuriaArman TsarukyanMax HollowaySean StricklandAlexandre PantojaWOMENValentina ShevchenkoZhang WeiliKayla HarrisonCris CyborgNatalia Silva Dakota DitchevaAlexa GrassoAmanda Nunes  Jasmine JasudaviciusFatima KlineERIC JACKMANMENIslam Makhachev Joshua VanPetr YanAlexander Volkanovski Arman TsarukyanSean StricklandMerab DvalishviliIlia TopuriaCiryl GaneKhamzat ChimaevWOMENValentina Shevchenko Kayla Harrison Zhang WeiliCris CyborgNatalia Silva Mackenzie Dern Alexa GrassoJasmine Jasudivicius Tatiana Suarez Dakota Ditcheva CHUCK MINDENHALLMENIslam MakhachevAlexander VolkanovskiJoshua VanPetr YanJustin GaethjeIlia TopuriaArman TsarukyanSean StricklandMerab DvalishviliAlexandre PantojaWOMENValentina Shevchenko  Kayla HarrisonZhang WeiliCris CyborgAlexa GrassoDakota DitchevaNatalia Silva Amanda NunesFatima Kline Jasmine JasudiviciusDRAKE RIGGS MENIslam MakhachevAlexander Volkanovski Justin GaethheJoshua VanPetr Yan Ilia TopuriaAlexandre PantojaCarlos UlbergMerab DvalishviliSean StricklandWOMENValentina Shevchenko Seika IzawaCris Cyborg Zhang WeiliNatalia Silva Mackenzie Dern Kayla Harrison Virna Jandiroba Dakota DitchevaAlexa Grasso