As we close the chapter on 2024, it’s time to reflect on the biggest shifts in MMA rankings across all divisions. From dramatic knockouts to unexpected upsets, this year brought excitement, heartbreak, and plenty of surprises. Here’s a look at how the divisional mma rankings evolved and which fighters took center stage.
Heavyweight MMA rankings
2023 No. 1: Tom Aspinall
2024 No. 1: Tom Aspinall
Aspinall maintained his position at the top after an emphatic victory over Sergei Pavlovich for the interim title. Meanwhile, Jon Jones returned but dropped to No. 3, and Francis Ngannou re-entered the mix with a dominant performance in the PFL. Could 2025 finally bring a clash between Jones and Aspinall?
Recent Notables:
- Ciryl Gane defeated Alexander Volkov.
- Reug Reug upset Anatoly Malykhin.
- Phil De Fries continued his dominant run outside the UFC.
Upcoming Fights:
- Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev (Feb. 22)
- Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (Feb. 1)
- Jailton Almeida vs. Serghei Spivac (Jan. 18)
Light Heavyweight MMA rankings
2023 No. 1: Alex Pereira
2024 No. 1: Alex Pereira
Pereira had a historic year, defending his light heavyweight title three times with jaw-dropping knockouts. His rise from kickboxing champion to UFC superstar continues to defy expectations.
Upcoming Bouts to Watch:
- Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill (Jan. 18)
- Jan Blachowicz vs. Carlos Ulberg (March 22)
Middleweight MMA rankings
2023 No. 1: Sean Strickland
2024 No. 1: Dricus du Plessis
Du Plessis emerged as the middleweight king after dethroning Strickland early in 2024. The South African’s grit and relentless fighting style were on full display, including a submission win over Israel Adesanya. With a rematch against Strickland looming in February, the division remains unpredictable.
Upcoming Fights:
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland (Feb. 8)
- Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov (Feb. 1)
Welterweight MMA rankings
2023 No. 1: Leon Edwards
2024 No. 1: Belal Muhammad
Muhammad finally climbed to the top after defeating Leon Edwards in a decisive fashion. However, an untimely foot infection delayed his clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov, who solidified his spot as the division’s No. 2 by defeating Ian Machado Garry.
Upcoming Fights:
- Michael Page vs. Shara Magomedov (Feb. 1)
Lightweight MMA rankings
2023 No. 1: Islam Makhachev
2024 No. 1: Islam Makhachev
Makhachev retained his position as the lightweight king after a memorable showdown with Dustin Poirier. With Arman Tsarukyan earning his shot at the title in early 2025, Makhachev’s dominance will face its next big challenge.
Upcoming Fights:
- Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan (Jan. 18)
- Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano (Jan. 18)
Featherweight MMA rankings
2023 No. 1: Alexander Volkanovski
2024 No. 1: Ilia Topuria
Topuria’s meteoric rise culminated in his shocking knockout of Volkanovski, followed by a historic finish of Max Holloway. With Movsar Evloev waiting in the wings, Topuria’s 2025 campaign could be even bigger.
Bantamweight MMA rankings
2023 No. 1: Sean O’Malley
2024 No. 1: Merab Dvalishvili
Dvalishvili finally claimed the bantamweight title in 2024 but now faces an undefeated threat in Umar Nurmagomedov. Their clash at UFC 311 could define the division for years to come.
Upcoming Fights:
- Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (Jan. 18)
Flyweight MMA rankings
2023 No. 1: Alexandre Pantoja
2024 No. 1: Alexandre Pantoja
Pantoja continues to dominate the flyweight division, securing another title defense. With challengers like Manel Kape and Kai Kara-France looming, 2025 promises fresh challenges for the champ.
Recent Notables:
- Brandon Moreno defeated Amir Albazi.
- Adriano Moraes beat Danny Kingad.
Women’s Bantamweight MMA rankings
2023 No. 1: Mayra Bueno Silva
2024 No. 1: Kayla Harrison
Harrison’s arrival in the UFC reshaped the division, while Julianna Peña reclaimed the title. The division, once in limbo, is now brimming with potential contenders.
Women’s Flyweight MMA rankings
2023 No. 1: Alexa Grasso
2024 No. 1: Valentina Shevchenko
After a controversial rematch in 2023, Shevchenko definitively reclaimed her position atop the flyweight division with a dominant performance in their trilogy bout.
Strawweight MMA rankings
2023 No. 1: Zhang Weili
2024 No. 1: Zhang Weili
Zhang’s lone defense in 2024 kept her at the top, but challengers like Tatiana Suarez and Mackenzie Dern could create a more competitive landscape in 2025.
Conclusion
From Tom Aspinall’s sustained dominance to Ilia Topuria’s career-defining wins, 2024 was a year of excitement and transformation across all MMA divisions. As 2025 kicks off, fans eagerly await the next chapter of historic rivalries, breakout performances, and potential upsets.
The 2024 MMA rankings showcased an incredible year of talent and surprises across all divisions. From Tom Aspinall solidifying his place as the top heavyweight to Dricus du Plessis stunning the middleweight division, fighters proved why they deserve their spots. Fans can explore the UFC Official Rankings for real-time updates, or dive deeper into divisional stories through MMA Fighting. Want to keep up with upcoming fight schedules? Head over to ESPN+ MMA Schedule for the latest event details.
Which fighters will rise, and who will fall? The only certainty in MMA is change.
More from MMA Best Knockouts:
Staying up-to-date with the latest MMA events is crucial for fans who want to follow their favorite fighters and divisions closely. The MMA landscape is constantly shifting with high-stakes bouts, emerging contenders, and rankings on the line. To ensure you never miss an upcoming fight, check out the MMA event schedule, where you can find detailed listings of upcoming matches, fight nights, and major pay-per-view events. This comprehensive resource is perfect for planning your viewing schedule, tracking key matchups, and staying ahead of the action in the dynamic world of mixed martial arts. From title fights to grudge matches, knowing when and where the next battle takes place will keep you immersed in the sport’s nonstop excitement.