Ranking The UFC's Middleweight Division
You're here to discuss the current state of one of the most exciting and competitive weight divisions in the sport of mixed martial arts, the UFC middleweight division.
This division is home to some of the most talented fighters on the planet who put on thrilling and high-level fights that leave fans (like us) on the edge of our seats. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard MMA enthusiast, we've got you covered with the latest updates on the top 15 ranked fighters.
Here are the dynamic and ever-changing UFC Middleweight Rankings.
Current Top 15 Middleweight Fighters
Current UFC Middleweight Champion - Dricus Du Plessis
Dricus Du Plessis is a South African professional mixed martial artist. At UFC 297, Du Plessis defeated former Middleweight champion, Sean Strickland.
Du Plessis' split decision victory over Sean Strickland earned him the Championship belt after just 7 professional fights in the UFC. Du Plessis faced off against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 to defend his Championship title for the first time since becoming Middleweight champ.
Then, after Du Plessis fought (and defeated) Sean Strickland for the second time in their careers, Dricus solidified his status as the reigning Middleweight champ. Watch the Dricus Du Plessis backstage interview after retaining his title at UFC 312 below.
Now, Du Plessis is on an 11-win fight streak. As fans, we wonder - who will take the belt from Dricus?
#1 Middleweight Fighter - Nassourdine Imavov
Nassourdine Imavov fought in the UFC for the first time back in 2020 and has consistently proven that he's here to stay. Imavov fought Jared Cannonier in June 2024 and won by TKO.
Then Imamov defeated Brendan Allen in September 2024, winning by unanimous decision. After fighting Israel Adesanya (and winning by KO) at UFC Fight Night Adesanya vs Imavov in February 2025, "The Sniper" has earned a professional record of 16 wins and 4 losses.
#2 Middleweight Fighter - Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland has been fighting with the UFC since his debut in 2014. His unorthodox style both in and outside of the Octagon has earned him a large following of both fans and critics.
Strickland won his fight against Paulo Costa by a controversial split decision at UFC 302. This was followed up by a loss when Strickland challenged Du Plessis for the Middleweight Championship title at UFC 312, losing by unanimous decision. Strickland's professional record now sits at 29 wins and 7 losses.
#3 Middleweight Fighter - Khamzat Chimaev
At UFC 308, Khamzat Chimaev defeated Robert Whittaker by face crank submission. Chimaev was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus for his victory.
Chimaev has gone toe-to-toe with some of the most recognizable fighters in the division including Kamaru Usman, Gilbert Burns, and Kevin Holland, winning each of his bouts against all three. Khamzat now has a professional MMA record of 14 wins and 0 losses.
#4 Middleweight Fighter - Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya has been considered as one of the best strikers in MMA history by many fight fans around the world. Adesanya's striking style has traditionally combined precision and agility, along with impeccable footwork.
He has achieved great success with multiple title defenses as the former 185-pound champ. Adesanya's dynamic personality and charisma have helped him gain a sizable following in the sport.
At UFC Fight Night Adesanya vs Imavov, he faced off against Nassourdine Imavov, but came up short after being knocked out in Round 2.
#5 Middleweight Fighter - Robert Whittaker
Robert Whittaker is an Australian professional mixed martial artist. Whittaker has competed in the Middleweight division since December 2012, and has established himself as a fairly consistent contender over the years.
Whittaker uses a combination of striking, grappling, and endurance that has earned him numerous victories and a UFC championship title. In October 2024, Whittaker shared a photo of his broken bottom teeth on social media after losing his fight with Khamzat Chimaev.
#6 Middleweight Fighter - Caio Barralho
Caio Barralho fought on Dana White's Contender Series back in 2021, winning both of his fights. In August 2024, Barralho faced off against Jared Cannonier, with Barralho winning by unanimous decision after 5 rounds.
Barralho has a current professional MMA record of 17 wins and 1 loss.
#7 Middleweight Fighter - Jared Cannonier
Jared Cannonier is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently holds the number 7 spot in the UFC Middleweight Rankings, where he has earned victories over several notable opponents.
Cannonier is known for competing in (and winning) fights in 3 different weight divisions including Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, and Middleweight. In August 2024, Cannonier lost to Caio Barralho by unanimous decision after 5 Rounds.
#8 Middleweight Fighter - Martin Vettori
Marvin Vettori, a charismatic Italian mixed martial artist, has made a name for himself since his UFC debut back in August 2016. Known for his relentless pressure, tenacity, and strong grappling skills, Vettori has consistently delivered exciting fights.
Vettori's most recent fight was in 2023 against Jared Cannonier, where Vettori lost by unanimous decision.
#9 Middleweight Fighter - Brendan Allen
The American-born mixed martial artist, Brendan Allen, has made a name for himself in the UFC Middleweight division with his well-rounded skill set and professional record of 24 wins and 6 losses.
Allen's fighting style has earned him a fanbase who appreciates his determination to work to become a future champion. In April 2024, Allen won his 24th victory against Chris Curtis. Then Allen fought a few months later in September 2024, where he lost to Nassdourine Imavov.
#10 Middleweight Fighter - Roman Dolidze
Since his UFC debut in 2020, Roman Dolidze has been awarded 3 Performance of the Night bonuses. After Dolidze moved up a weight class (one time) at Light Heavyweight to fight Anthony Smith, the Georgian fighter proved he has depth.
Since defeating Smith, Dolidze has moved into the Top 10 Middleweight rankings and increased his professional record to 14 wins and 3 losses. Dolidze won his most recent fight against Kevin Holland at UFC 307, with Dolidze winning by TKO at the end of Round 1.
Come Back to Check for Updates
Since the UFC promotes fights on a regular basis, this list will change as rankings continue to shift and update, so come back after the next fight card to stay in the loop!
