Following the recent UFC 319 event in Chicago, notable updates have emerged in several divisions, including the lightweight category. Paddy Pimblett received a significant boost in the UFC rankings, climbing two positions to number seven, ahead of established contenders Mateusz Gamrot and Beneil Dariush. This advancement occurred despite the British fighter not competing since his April victory over Michael Chandler earlier this year.
The move has sparked widespread fan speculation about Pimblett’s prospects, with many questioning if this leap signals a forthcoming title shot against Ilia Topuria. While both Gamrot and Dariush possess more recent victories, Pimblett remains optimistic about his opportunity to challenge for the lightweight belt, despite competition from other deserving contenders.
Fan reactions have been mixed, with some expressing disbelief at Pimblett’s rise in the rankings without recent activity or wins against top competition. The debate centers on whether the UFC voters are positioning Pimblett for a title shot based largely on his marketability and previous performances rather than current form.
“They are giving the title shot to Paddy.”
“So he’s getting a title shot off beating Chandler… lol.”
“There is no way Paddy beats Gamrot, so it’s a bs biased ranking.”
“Paddy is such a fraud.”
“How is it possible to move up without a fight.”
“Rankings voters doing their work to further justify the Paddy Pimblett title shot?? Haha.”
—Various fans on social media
Some shifts in the lightweight rankings following #UFC319, as @PaddyTheBaddy Pimblett moves up two spots to No. 7, sliding past Mateusz Gamrot and Beneil Dariush.Additionally, Joel Alvarez slides off the list and is replaced by Mauricio @Ruffymma at No. 15. pic.twitter.com/tJkywh3mcd
—John Morgan, MMA Journalist
Comprehensive Changes Across Multiple Divisions After UFC 319
The UFC 319 event also triggered broader adjustments across several weight classes beyond lightweight. The featherweight division saw Lerone Murphy rise to number four, positioning him as a top contender likely to face champion Alexander Volkanovski next. This update aligns with expectations following the Chicago card but was highlighted alongside more surprising movements at lightweight.
Other notable ranking changes include Khamzat Chimaev climbing to number four in the pound-for-pound standings, reflecting his recent championship win. Meanwhile, Dricus du Plessis, previously middleweight’s top contender, has dropped to number eleven with Chimaev’s ascent to champion status.
In the welterweight division, Carlos Prates advanced to ninth, while Geoff Neal fell to twelfth. The flyweight category saw Tim Elliott enter the top ten at number ten, with Kai Asakura departing the rankings. Women’s flyweight contender Karine Silva also moved up to number ten.
These changes illustrate how UFC 319 influenced the landscape across various classes, reshaping contenders‘ positioning and setting the stage for future matchups.
- Pound-for-pound: Khamzat Chimaev up to #4, Dricus du Plessis down to #11
- Middleweight: Khamzat Chimaev crowned champion, Michael ‘Venom’ Page enters at #10, Jared Cannonier drops to #11
- Welterweight: Carlos Prates rises to #9, Geoff Neal drops to #12
- Featherweight: Lerone Murphy climbs to #4
- Flyweight: Tim Elliott up to #10, Kai Asakura falls out of rankings
- Women’s Flyweight: Karine Silva rises to #10
What Paddy Pimblett’s Ranking Leap Could Mean for His Career
The recent surge in the Paddy Pimblett UFC ranking update demonstrates the fluid nature of divisional standings following major UFC events, where fighters’ marketability, past performances, and promotional momentum often weigh alongside recent wins. Pimblett’s jump past key veterans such as Gamrot and Dariush, despite limited activity this year, signals the UFC’s potential plans to position him as a future title challenger.
This development has the power to shape the lightweight division’s dynamics in the near term, potentially setting up a high-profile showdown with champion Ilia Topuria. Fans and analysts will closely monitor both fighters’ next moves to see if this anticipated matchup comes to fruition or if other contenders disrupt the trajectory.
Meanwhile, the reshuffling across divisions highlights the ongoing competition for top spots following UFC’s return to Chicago, keeping fans engaged with fresh potential clashes across multiple weight classes.