The UFC featherweight rankings have become unsettled following the recent moves of Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway to the lightweight division. This shakeup has drawn strong reactions from fans who are questioning the updated ranks and the positioning of fighters. The Ilia Topuria lightweight UFC move, marked by his quick rise, has particularly contributed to the controversy.
Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway, former featherweight champions, have both announced their shifts to the 155-pound category. Topuria has already secured the lightweight title by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Meanwhile, Holloway is preparing to defend his BMF title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 on July 19. These changes have forced a new look at the featherweight rankings, stirring considerable debate among the UFC community.
Fan Responses Highlight Division Confusion and Dissatisfaction
The newly released featherweight rankings were shared by Championship Rounds on X, attracting widespread attention and sparking numerous fan comments. Supporters voiced concerns about several fighters who remain in the rankings despite recent moves or inactivity in the division. Some fans questioned the legitimacy of certain placements, expressing frustration over perceived inconsistencies.
Among the remarks, one fan said, “Gotta get Ortega outta there.” Another added, “Really mid division.” Additional reactions included,
“Josh Emmett in the top ten in 2025 lol,”
and,
“This division is dead, only Jean Silva and [Volkanovski] survive this division.”
Others criticized the presence of Bryce and Kattar in the rankings, noting the strong performances of Melky Costa and Nathaniel Wood instead.
According to the updated list, Movsar Evloev now holds the top contender spot at featherweight, followed closely by Diego Lopes, Yair Rodrigues, Arnold Allen, and Brian Ortega in descending order.
Max Holloway Voices Frustration Over Ranking Decisions
Max Holloway formally declared his permanent move to the lightweight division after losing to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 last year. Despite this, UFC featherweight rankings continued to list him as the number one contender, a situation Holloway has publicly criticized. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, he expressed his dissatisfaction, emphasizing the disconnect between his career plans and the organization’s rankings.
“I don’t know what you guys are thinking and keeping me number one contender [at featherweight]. That’s kind of ridiculous. I’m not going back to 145. I’m over it… It’s ridiculous. I don’t understand. I mean, the ranking spirit, bro, I don’t get it. The rankings is just all over the place, man.”
— Max Holloway, UFC Fighter
Implications for the Featherweight Division and Future UFC Dynamics
The reshuffling of top fighters and disputed rankings have created uncertainty within the featherweight division, affecting both contenders and fans. The exit of prominent fighters like Topuria and Holloway leaves a gap that current contenders are eager to fill, yet the rankings have not fully adjusted to reflect these changes. This ongoing tension may lead to further revisions as UFC continues to clarify fighter placements.
With upcoming title defenses and continued movement between divisions, the landscape of the UFC featherweight class remains in flux. Fans and fighters alike will be watching closely to see how promotions handle the evolving competitive order in this weight category.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is both a Georgian and Spanish fighter in mixed martial arts. He competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He currently holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.