125 Pounds of Speed and Technical Skill
The UFC Flyweight rankings feature a dynamic array of skilled fighters who embody speed, precision, and technical skill. The top 15 contenders in this division showcase athletes like Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja, each with their own unique style and strategy in the octagon.
Expect lightning-fast strikes and exceptional grappling when you watch the fighters of the 125-pound division.
Top 15 Flyweights
Flyweight Champion - Alexandre Pantoja
Alexandre "The Cannibal" Pantoja, is the current Flyweight champion. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Pantoja's skill, agility, and calculated aggression in the Octagon have cemented his status as a world class fighter.
Pantoja's journey in martial arts began with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning a black belt and developing an excellent groundwork foundation that proved invaluable in his transition to MMA. His subsequent move to the UFC only showcased his unyielding spirit and impressive skills on a larger stage.
Within the fast-paced, high-stakes 125-division, Pantoja has consistently displayed a well-rounded game built on keen striking, superior grappling, and relentless cardio. At UFC 301 in May 2024, Pantoja defeated Steve Erceg by unanimous decision after their 5 round bout went the distance.
Then, in December, 2024 at UFC 310, Pantoja submitted Kai Asakura with a rear-naked choke during the second half of Round 2. Pantoja has faced the best of the best and consistently succeeds in turning challenges into victories. As Alexandre Pantoja continues to dominate this division, we look forward to his next fight.
Stay up-to-date with Alexandre Pantoja's journey as champion on Instagram @pantoja_oficial.
#1 Flyweight - Brandon Royval
Born in Denver, Colorado, Royval's dedication to the sport and his never-back-down attitude have resulted in an exciting UFC career. Royval launched his professional MMA journey in 2012 and quickly established a reputation for high-paced fights and his ability to finish opponents.
His skill set includes a powerful combination of striking, wrestling, and an excellent ground game, making him one of the most versatile fighters in the division. Most recently, Brandon Royval secured his spot in the rankings after defeating Tatsuro Taira by split decision at UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira in October, 2024.
#2 Flyweight - Brandon Moreno
Mexican fighter, Brandon "The Assassin Baby" Moreno, is a long-standing fan favorite in the UFC. Moreno's journey into the world of MMA started with his interest in BJJ. After earning his black belt, Moreno's understanding of BJJ became a valuable skill in the professional MMA arena.
Moreno has earned respect for his continuous pursuit of excellence. Even after losing to Brandon Royval in February 2024, Brandon Moreno's story continues, reflecting a strong passion and the will to fight despite the odds, marking him one of the most memorable fighters in the 125-pound division.
In November, 2024, Moreno fought (and defeated) Amir Albazi by unanimous decision, marking Moreno's 22nd professional MMA victory.
#3 Flyweight - Amir Albazi
Amir Albazi, known by his nickname "The Prince", is a mixed martial artist who represents both Sweden and Iraq. Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Albazi moved to Sweden at an early age.
This is where his journey in martial arts began. Albazi's MMA career is built on a strong foundation of grappling, stemming from his expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where he holds a black belt.
His groundwork is worth highlighting, since he currently holds 9 wins by submission. In addition to his ground game, Albazi has sharpened his striking skills, consistently displaying good range management and shot selection.
After losing to Brandon Moreno in November, 2024, Albazi has a professional record of 17 wins and 2 losses.
#4 Flyweight - Kai Kara-France
Fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand, Kai Kara-France is the number 4-ranked fighter in the 125-pound division. Kara-France began his MMA career in 2010, gaining experience and victories in multiple promotions before joining the UFC in 2018 where he beat Elias Garcia by unanimous decision.
Now known for his dynamic striking and aggressive fighting pace, Kara-France likes to bring the fight to his opponents, resulting in action-packed fights. His ability to balance his striking and grappling techniques has helped him to effectively stay in the Top 10 of the extremely competitive UFC ranks.
Since winning his latest fight against Steve Erceg, Kara-France now has a professional record of 25 wins and 11 losses.
#5 Flyweight - Tatsuro Taira
Tatsuro Taira is a Japanese mixed martial artist with professional record of 16 wins and 1 loss. In June 2024, Taira won his recent bout against Kai Kara-France by TKO.
Then, in October, 2024, Taira lost to Brandon Royval by way of split decision. Since making his UFC debut back in May 2022, Taira has been awarded three Performance of the Night bonuses.
As a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Taira has secured 7 victories by submission over the course of his career.
#6 Flyweight - Manel Kape
Manel Kape was born in Luanda, Angola on November 14, 1993. Kape — also known as "Starboy" — has been fighting professionally since 2012. Kape's MMA beginnings began in Portugal, where he honed his striking skills and gained a reputation for his powerful punches and quick finish potential.
His impressive performances caught the attention of the UFC, and he made his debut against Alexandre Pantoja in 2021.
In the highly competitive 125-pound division, Kape fights with measured aggression, quick reflexes, and technical proficiency. Manel Kape won his most recent fight against Bruno Gustavo da Silva (by body kick KO) at UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckley in December, 2024.
Kape currently has a professional record of 20 wins and 7 losses.
#7 Flyweight - Alex Perez
Alex Perez was born in Hanford, California. Perez has made a lasting impact in this division. Perez's journey into the world of mixed martial arts started with his passion for wrestling, which helped form a solid foundation for his grappling skills.
He began his professional MMA career in 2011 and joined the UFC in 2017. Within the 125-pound division, Perez has shown remarkable adaptability in the Octagon.
After defeating Matheus Nicolau at UFC on ESPN: Nicolau vs. Perez, Perez lost to Tatsuro Taira by TKO due to a knee injury in June 2024. Perez has a current professional record of 25 wins 9 losses.
#8 Flyweight - Asu Almabayev
Since joining the UFC in 2023, Asu Almabayev has been on a 4-fight win streak. After defeating Matheus Nicolau in October, 2024, Almabayev has proven he's here to stay.
Born in Janatalap, Kazakhstan, Almabayev began training wrestling at the young age of 5. Asu has won 9 of his professional MMA fights by submission and 3 by way of Knockout.
As a relative newcomer to the UFC's Flyweight division, we are excited to see Almabayev continue to compete.
#9 Flyweight - Steve Erceg
Steve "Astro Boy" Erceg made his UFC debut in June 2023 against David Dvořák, winning by unanimous decision. Fighting out of Perth, Australia, Erceg competed in Muay Thai and BJJ competitions before joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
About one year after his UFC debut, Erceg fought for the Flyweight Championship title against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301 in May 2024. Erceg was unsuccessful and lost to Kai Kara-France a few months later at UFC 305.
Erceg has a current professional record of 12 wins and 3 losses.
#10 Flyweight - Tim Elliott
Tim Elliott is a seasoned mixed martial artist, with an unorthodox and unpredictable fighting style. The American fighter from Kansas City, Missouri began his journey into the world of mixed martial arts with NCAA Division II wrestling, then he made his UFC debut in 2012.
Elliott's unpredictable style relies on angular movements, sudden takedowns, and creative submissions to keep his opponents guessing. Elliott won his most recent fight in December 2023 after submitting Su Mudaerji with an arm-triangle choke.
Tim Elliott has a professional record of 20 wins and 13 losses.
Fighting Through Victory and Defeat
Each of the top 15 fighters in the division bring a distinct set of skills and attributes to the octagon. From the technical brilliance of Brandon Moreno to the championship status of Alexandre Pantoja, the UFC Flyweight rankings also represent the hard work and dedication that starts before the fighters step into the Octagon.
The 125-pound weight class is unpredictable, exciting, and extremely fast-paced. Whether it's the established champions defending their titles or rising contenders hoping to make their mark, this division is filled with unforgettable moments.
