Paddy Pimblett’s Unexpected Ascent in UFC Lightweight Rankings Amidst Hiatus
The latest update to the UFC rankings has brought notable changes to the lightweight division. The past weekend featured a significant bout in the 155-pound division, which, as expected, influenced the top-15 rankings.
Charles Oliveira secured a submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot, extending his impressive undefeated streak when fighting at home in Brazil. Following this stunning comeback win at UFC Rio, Oliveira has made it clear that the lightweight title is not his top priority right now.
However, this is not the case for another prominent fighter in the division who has steadily climbed the rankings without stepping into the octagon.
Paddy Pimblett Swaps Places with Dan Hooker in the Latest Lightweight Rankings Update
Paddy Pimblett`s victory over Michael Chandler in April earned him a spot in the division`s top 10 for the first time, debuting at #8. Despite the numerous contenders ahead of him, his popularity gave the impression that `The Paddy` would be positioned for at least a title fight or an eliminator bout.
After a brief drop by one spot, Pimblett surprisingly climbed to #7 earlier this year, which some fans interpreted as confirmation that he was being prepared for the next title shot.
A bout between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett is one of the most anticipated fights the UFC could organize right now, although if it happens, we will have to wait until 2026.
Despite a six-month hiatus from fighting, the Brit`s victory over Chandler at UFC 314 continues to pay off: in the latest ranking update, he moved up yet another spot. He has overtaken Dan Hooker, moving into the #6 position, while Charles Oliveira`s victory pushed him up one spot to #3.
| Latest UFC lightweight rankings | Fighter | Movement in latest update |
| Champion | Ilia Topuria | – |
| #1 | Islam Makhachev | – |
| #2 | Arman Tsarukyan | – |
| #3 | Charles Oliveira | Up 1 |
| #4 | Max Holloway | Down 1 |
| #5 | Justin Gaethje | – |
| #6 | Paddy Pimblett | Up 1 |
| #7 | Dan Hooker | Down 1 |
| #8 | Mateusz Gamrot | – |
| #9 | Beneil Dariush | – |
| #10 | Rafael Fiziev | – |
| #11 | Renato Moicano | – |
| #12 | Michael Chandler | – |
| #13 | Benoit Saint Denis | – |
| #14 | Grant Dawson | – |
| #15 | Mauricio Ruffy | – |
Other Updates to the Rankings After UFC Rio
The lightweight division was not the only one where fighters received new rankings after UFC Rio last Saturday. In fact, Charles Oliveira received not one, but two ranking boosts: the former lightweight champion has now reclaimed a spot on the pound-for-pound list.
- Pound-for-pound: Charles Oliveira entered the top 15 at #15, Shavkat Rakhmonov left the list.
- Bantamweight: Deiveson Figueiredo remained at #6, Montel Jackson made way for Marcus McGhee at #15.
- Women`s Bantamweight: Luana Santos entered the top 15 at #15, Daria Zhelezniakova departed.
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