Pursuing the Bantamweight Championship Belt
In the dynamic realm of the men's UFC Bantamweight rankings, the action never rests, and the rankings continually evolve. This is an exclusive dive into the latest updates of the 135 pound weight class, where we present a detailed guide to the Top 15 fighters of the division.
These are the professional fighters vying to get their shot at the coveted championship title (and the fighter who holds the belt). The men's Bantamweight division is home to lightning-fast paced fighters with technical brilliance and a world class display of skill.
In 2024, the competition is stiff, showcasing the evolution of fighters and the emergence of new talents. Each athlete brings something unique to the Octagon. In this article, we explore the fan favorites, analyze some their recent performances, and look at the implications for the division's current and future state.
Top 15 UFC Bantamweights
Current Bantamweight Champion - Merab Dvalishvili
Merab Dvalishvili is the Champion of the Men's UFC Bantamweight division and has an impressive fighting resume that has been defined by his relentless wrestling and well-rounded skillset. Appropriately nicknamed "The Machine", Dvalishvili's ungodly gas tank in the octagon and ability to maintain overwhelming pressure on opponents, speaks to his mental toughness.
He has adaptable intelligence, an ability to pick up on opponent vulnerabilities, executes perfectly-timed takedowns, and strikes with strategy. Dvalishvili challenged Sean O'Malley for the Championship title at UFC 306 and won by unanimous decision.
Dvalishvili has proven himself time and time again, winning against fight veterans like Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan, and UFC Hall of Famer José Aldo. Merab put on a wrestling clinic during his bout with O'Malley at UFC 306 and demonstrated a clear victory for all 5 rounds.
Follow Dvalishvili on Instagram @merab.dvalishvili and stay up to date with his journey as the Bantamweight champ.
#1 Bantamweight - Sean O'Malley
Sean O'Malley uses a freewheeling, fancy-footwork-based fight style, paired with knockout power, and has captivated fans across the globe. On March 9, 2024 O'Malley defended his Championship title against Marlon Chito Vera, winning the fight by unanimous decision.
O'Malley worked his way up the ranks using strategic planning, impressive footwork, and striking with great timing and accuracy. O'Malley's mental game and strategic execution have solidified his place at the pinnacle of the division, underlining his evolution from an upcoming talent to a full-fledged former champion.
At UFC 306 in September 2024, Suga Sean failed to defend his Bantamweight Championship title against Merab Dvalishvili.
#2 Bantamweight - Umar Nurmagomedov
With an undefeated professional MMA record of 18 wins and 0 losses, Umar Nurmagomedov is constantly proving that he belongs in the UFC's 135-pound rankings. Nurmagomedov defeated Bekzat Almakhan at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev in March 2024 by unanimous decision.
Then, Nurmagomedov earned another, after fighting Cory Sandhagen in Abu Dhabi at UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov. This win elevated his status in the Bantamweight division even more, moving him up into the Top 5. If his future looks anything like his past, you will want to keep your eye on Umar Nurmagomedov.
#3 Bantamweight - Petr Yan
Petr Yan has trained at Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand and has the striking skills to prove it. Yan is known for fighting with a high-pressure style, using precise striking, and shocking durability to win fights against fellow world-class fighters.
Yan maintains a relentless pace which creates an overwhelming offense for his opponents. His crisp striking is a lot of fun to watch as a fan and very effective in the octagon.
Yan won his most recent bout against Deiveson Figueiredo in November 2024, where Yan was declared the winner after 5 Rounds of MMA action.
#4 Bantamweight - Cory Sandhagen
Cory Sandhagen has a diverse skill set, but is most well-known for his fluid striking techniques and innovative footwork. Sandhagen thrives in the Octagon with what seems like very little effort.
Coupled with an extensive reach and a dynamic, unorthodox arsenal of strikes, Sandhagen's high fight IQ and determination make him a top contender within the division. Cory Sandhagen lost his most recent fight against Umar Nurmagomedov in August 2024 by unanimous decision.
#5 Bantamweight - Deiveson Figueiredo
Deiveson Figueiredo always puts on remarkable performances in the UFC Men's Flyweight division, where he was a two-time Champion. While he has not yet earned a title in the Bantamweight division, the Brazilian fighter's aggressive and powerful style are having an impact on the 135-pound weight class.
At UFC 300 in April 2024, Figueiredo defeated Cody Garbrandt by rear-naked choke submission. Then, Figueiredo won again, against Marlon Vera in August 2024 after 3 rounds. In November 2024, at UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Figueiredo, Figueiredo lost to Petr Yan by unanimous decision.
This loss put Figueiredo's professional record at 24 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw.
#6 Bantamweight - Marlon Vera
After competing in The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America, Marlon "Chito" Vera worked his way up Bantamweight division rankings. His well-rounded fight game has contributed to his success in the octagon.
In March 2024, Vera challenged Sean O'Malley (for the second time) at UFC 299, but lost by unanimous decision. Later in the year, Vera also lost his next bout against Deiveson Figueiredo in August 2024.
#7 Bantamweight - Henry Cejudo
Olympic gold medalist wrestler and former Flyweight champion, Henry Cejudo has been fighting in the UFC since 2014. "Triple C" is most well-known for his world class wrestling and in-fight timing.
Cejudo lost his last fight against Merab Dvalishvili by decision at UFC 298. Cejudo has since stated that he is not planning on retiring anytime soon.
#8 Bantamweight - Song Yadong
Song Yadong aka "The Terminator", has a versatile striking game that implements a combination of seamless transitions between long and short-distance ranges and styles.
His confident approach and successful execution keep his opponents guessing. Although he lost his most recent bout to Petr Yan at UFC 299, Yadong's performances against fellow Top 15 contenders continually reaffirms his status as a contender within the division.
#9 Bantamweight - Rob Font
Despite losing to Cory Sandhagen in August 2023, Rob Font fights with a combination of good boxing and effective grappling. Font's ability to dissect his opponents' game plans and unearth their vulnerabilities speak to his level of experience.
Frequently demonstrating his powerful striking while maintaining range, Font uses precision and composure to confront his opponents. Font won his latest fight against Kyler Phillips in October 2024 by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Pereira.
#10 Bantamweight - Mario Bautista
Fighting out of Glendale, Arizona - Mario Bautista defeated José Aldo by split decision at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah. This victory helped move Bautista up into the Top 10 of the highly competitive 135-pound division.
Bautista now has a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 2 losses.
In Pursuit of the Championship Belt - Who Are You Rooting For?
Out of all of the Bantamweight division's current contenders and champions, who are you rooting for? As we watch fighters continue to write their legacies inside the Octagon, the rankings are a reflection of the setbacks and victories of its competitors.
We hope you enjoyed this rundown. Come back and check for updates after the next UFC PPV as we continue to watch the men's UFC Bantamweight rankings evolve!
