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Flyweight
1. Alexandre Pantoja (28-5) | UFC [1]
Pantoja’s second successful title defense wasn’t sealed until the fifth round at UFC 301, when he assumed top position late in the frame against Steve Erceg to clinch a hard-fought unanimous decision triumph in Rio de Janeiro on May 4. Pantoja’s ability to mix up his attacks proved crucial against Erceg, who often got the better of exchanges with crisp boxing and elbows to the head. In less than a year, “The Cannibal” has captured flyweight gold and defended it twice — all in five-round battles — so some time off could be in store for the 34-year-old Brazilian.2. Brandon Royval (16-7) | UFC [2]
Competing in the high altitude of Mexico City, Royval simply had more in the tank than former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, as he pulled away down the stretch for a split-decision triumph in the UFC Fight Night 237 headliner. Not only did “Raw Dawg” avenge a 2020 defeat at the hands of Moreno, but he potentially put himself in the driver’s seat for the next title shot at 125 pounds.3. Brandon Moreno (21-8-2) | UFC [3]
While it was a sometimes bizarre performance from Moreno in the UFC Fight Night 237 headliner, he was still quite competitive in a split-decision loss to Brandon Royval in Mexico City. However, it was concerning that Moreno appeared to have less stamina than his opponent, and the loss all but eliminates the possibility of an immediate rematch with Alexandre Pantoja in the near future. Though he is only 30 years old, “Assassin Baby” already has numerous five-round battles under his belt — which could affect him in the later stages of his MMA career.4. Deiveson Figueiredo (23-3-1) | UFC [4]
Figueiredo continued to entrench himself at 135 pounds at UFC 300, as he dominated ex-champ Cody Garbrandt on the ground en route to a rear-naked choke submission in the second round. With victories over Rob Font and Garbrandt in tow, the Brazilian is already making his case as a serious contender in his new weight class. As it currently stands, Figueiredo’s rankings eligibility at flyweight will expire on July 21, 2024.5. Amir Albazi (17-1) | UFC [5]
In his first fight on the big stage, Albazi captured a contentious split-decision triumph over former interim title challenger Kai Kara-France in the UFC on ESPN 46 headliner. Though many observers felt Albazi didn’t deserve the win, he nonetheless came the closest of the two combatants to finishing the fight when he nearly locked in a rear-naked choke in the third round. The Iraqi flyweight has now won six straight outings — including five in UFC competition. Albazi was supposed to meet Brandon Moreno in a five-round, co-main event at UFC Mexico, but a neck injury forced him to withdraw from the bout.6. Kai Kara-France (24-11, 1 NC) | UFC [6]
Kara-France hoped that a victory over rising contender Amir Albazi in the UFC on ESPN 46 main event would keep him near the top of the contender’s queue, but instead the City Kickboxing standout suffered a controversial split-decision defeat at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. While the bout was extremely competitive for the much of the 25 minutes, Kara-France still outlanded his opponent by more than 50 significant strikes by fight’s end, which led many to believe that “Don’t Blink” deserved the nod. He was supposed to return against Manel Kape at UFC 293 in Sydney, but a concussion forced him to withdraw from the event.7. Askar Askarov (15-1-1) | ACA [7]
After being granted his UFC release in 2022, Askarov sat out for the majority of 2023 before making his return at Absolute Championship Akhmat 166, where he outpointed Alan Gomes on Nov. 24. The 31-year-old Fighting Eagle representative has won four of five outings since 2020, a run that includes noteworthy triumphs against Alexandre Pantoja, Joseph Benavidez and Tim Elliott.8. Steve Erceg (12-2) | UFC [8]
Erceg didn’t walk away with flyweight gold at UFC 301, but he certainly didn’t hurt his stock, either. The Aussie gave Alexandre Pantoja all he could handle over five rounds, bloodying his foe with elbows and holding his own in striking exchanges. However, Pantoja’s advantage in grappling advantages proved to be the difference in a competitive bout. Still, Erceg has accomplished plenty in his first year of UFC competition, and he figures to be a contender in the division for many years going forward.9. Manel Kape (19-6) | UFC [9]
Kape withstood a game effort from replacement foe Felipe dos Santos at UFC 293, as the former Rizin Fighting Federation champion relied on superior striking power and accuracy to capture a unanimous decision triumph in Sydney. “Starboy” has won four straight outings within the Las Vegas-based promotion. Kape was supposed to face Matheus Nicolau at UFC Fight Night 234, but the bout was canceled when he missed weight by 3.5 pounds. The bout was rebooked as a five-round headliner at UFC on ESPN 55, but a rib injury forced Kape to withdraw from the event. Instead, Kape will lock horns with Muhamad Mokaev at UFC 304 in Manchester.10. Muhammad Mokaev (12-0, 1 NC) | UFC [10]
Mokaev kept his undefeated record intact at UFC Fight Night 238, as he authored a grinding three-round verdict against former title challenger Alex Perez on March 2. The 23-year-old is one of the brightest rising talents at 125 pounds, but his campaign to earn a title shot on the basis of his latest performance went unheard by the UFC. “The Punisher” could need another signature victory to receive an opportunity at championship gold. He’ll get that chance when he faces Manel Kape at UFC 304.Other Contenders: Tatsuro Taira, Alex Perez, Matheus Nicolau, Jarred Brooks, Azamat Kerefov.
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