Jon Jones has officially retired from the UFC, resulting in his removal from the men’s pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings this past weekend. This development has created new opportunities in the rankings, particularly benefiting rising fighters such as heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev. The shift marks a significant change in the UFC landscape, with top contenders moving up to fill the void left by Jones.
Tom Aspinall and Khamzat Chimaev climb the pound-for-pound ladder
Tom Aspinall’s recent rise in the UFC rankings has earned him a notable position among the top pound-for-pound fighters, now sitting at No. 8. Aspinall made history as the third undisputed UFC heavyweight champion from England, joining the ranks of Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards. Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev, who is currently the No. 3 ranked middleweight, entered the P4P list for the first time in his career as one of the sport’s most promising talents.
Chimaev’s rapid ascent has been propelled by impressive wins and the opportunity to defend his place against top opponents. His upcoming bout against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August will be his third title defense, an important matchup that could further affect his ranking and reputation.
Key title fights and contenders shaping the rankings
Ilia Topuria, ranked among the lightweight title contenders, will headline UFC 317 this Saturday against Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound championship. Both fighters have gained momentum on the pound-for-pound list as they prepare for this decisive battle. Oliveria’s climb in rankings continues, reflecting his status as a top competitor in the lightweight division.
Islam Makhachev, who recently vacated the lightweight title to move up to welterweight, remains at the top spot in the rankings. He is expected to challenge reigning welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, the No. 7 ranked fighter who claimed the title from Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 last month. This high-profile clash promises to impact both fighters’ debuts in their divisions.
Other champions also advanced in the rankings, with Dricus Du Plessis, Magomed Ankalaev, and Alexander Volkanovski moving up to fourth, fifth, and sixth positions respectively. This reshuffling reflects the dynamic nature of the UFC divisions as fighters continue to prove themselves at the highest level.
Supporting contenders and upcoming high-stakes bouts
The co-main event at UFC 317 features Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight title against Kai Kara-France. Pantoja, currently ranked ninth, aims to reinforce his standing in the rankings. Fellow Brazilian Alex Pereira, also in the ninth spot, is preparing for a rematch against light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev, illustrating the competitive depth within the UFC.
Max Holloway, Muhammad, Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and Chimaev round out the rest of the top 15 pound-for-pound list. Holloway’s upcoming bout against Dustin Poirier in July will be the latter’s retirement fight, while Tsarukyan is designated as the official backup for the Oliveira versus Topuria matchup at UFC 317, ready to step in if necessary.
Jon Jones shifts focus to new ventures after retirement
After 30 UFC fights and extensive speculation about a title bout with Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones stepped away from active competition. He expressed enthusiasm for future opportunities beyond the octagon in his retirement announcement. Shortly after retiring, the 37-year-old announced on Instagram that he had become co-owner and Chief Performance Officer of Ketone, a supplements company.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to announce my new position at Ketone as their Chief Performance Officer,”
—Jon Jones, former UFC champion
Jones explained that his legacy will be defined by his business conduct and the positive example he sets in his new role. He highlighted how the product improved his daily focus and mental clarity:
“I believe in it so much that I became a co-owner of the company. Try it, this stuff slaps.”
—Jon Jones, former UFC champion
Future challengers and contenders eyeing the heavyweight title
Following Aspinall’s rise, a shortlist of four potential challengers has emerged for the heavyweight championship. Ciryl Gane, Jailton Almeida, Alexander Volkov, and Alex Pereira are all regarded as leading candidates to face Aspinall next. Almeida, ranked sixth, has expressed confidence that he deserves the next title shot, although Gane remains the most likely opponent given his prior title bout experience against Jones in March 2023.
The evolving UFC landscape and what lies ahead
The reshuffling of the UFC pound-for-pound rankings following Jon Jones’s retirement highlights a transition period within the sport. Fighters like Tom Aspinall and Khamzat Chimaev are capitalizing on this moment to establish themselves among the elite, while established stars like Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili continue to defend their positions as champions in their respective divisions.
As marquee matchups like UFC 317 approach, fans can expect intense competition and significant shifts in the rankings. The next few months will be crucial in determining which contenders solidify their legacies and which new champions rise with the sport’s evolving hierarchy.