Rankings Shakeup: Alexander Volkanovski reigns again, Jean Silva bursts into top 10

Ilia Topuria’s exit left the door open for a well-known face to climb again to the highest of the featherweight charts.

In the principle occasion of UFC 314, former champion Alexander Volkanovski grew to become two-time champion Alexander Volkanovski with a vintage five-round performance towards a scrappy Diego Lopes. Unsurprisingly, Volkanovski regains the highest spot within the MMA Preventing World Rankings, whereas Topuria has been eliminated utterly, having made it clear he solely intends to compete at 155 kilos going ahead.

It’s a well-known sight for battle followers as Volkanovski held that No. 1 spot for over 4 years earlier than being dethroned by Topuria at UFC 314. He now finds himself with loads of alternative so as to add to his legacy with a litany of recent challengers ready within the wings, together with the undefeated Movsar Evloev and a pair of contenders who scored main wins this April.

Jean Silva additionally made a splash at UFC 314, enhancing his UFC document to 5-0 with a stunning win over Bryce Mitchell. The energetic Struggle Nerds consultant dominated Mitchell on the ft earlier than finishing him with a slick ninja choke within the second spherical. It’s debatable that no fighter left Miami with extra buzz than Silva after that gorgeous efficiency.

After which there’s Lerone Murphy, who quietly defeated Josh Emmett within the UFC Vegas 105 headliner to safe a spot in our high 10 for the primary time. Murphy may not ship bonus-winning performances each outing, however he’s undefeated in his professional profession and has gained eight straight UFC fights since going to a attract his debut. Ought to different challengers turn out to be obtainable, it’s not out of the realm of risk that Murphy will get a championship name sooner quite than later.

No matter who’s subsequent, Volkanovski is again within the driver’s seat, which appeared unlikely after his loss to Topuria 14 months in the past. His re-ascendance is without doubt one of the feel-good tales of 2025 and you’ll make sure he’s desirous to get again within the cage and show the doubters unsuitable once more.

Take a look at MMA Preventing’s up to date 145-pound rankings beneath.

Current outcomes for ranked fighters (earlier rating proven): No. 2 Alexander Volkanovski def. No. 5 Diego Lopes, No. 8 Yair Rodriguez def. No. 9 Patricio Pitbull, No. 13 Lerone Murphy def. No. 10 Josh Emmett

Upcoming bouts that includes ranked fighters: No. 14 Giga Chikadze vs. David Onama (UFC Kansas City, April 26)

Fighters additionally receiving votes (variety of poll appearances proven): Dan Ige (3), Kleber Koike (2), Calvin Kattar (1)