STWF Sports| Nov. 18, 2025 – The fallout from UFC 322 has sent shockwaves through multiple divisions, dramatically reshaping the latest UFC rankings update. The biggest storyline: Islam Makhachev is once again the pound-for-pound king, while former welterweight champion Leon Edwards has fallen five spots after a devastating knockout loss. Rising names like Paddy Pimblett, Michael Morales, and Benoit Saint Denis also saw meaningful shifts as the promotion recalibrates post–New York City card.

Makhachev Back on Top

Just days after dismantling Jack Della Maddalena to capture the UFC welterweight title, Islam Makhachev has reclaimed his position as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The Dagestani superstar dominated the main event of UFC 322, becoming only the 11th fighter in UFC history to win championships in two different weight classes.

By defeating Della Maddalena — previously ranked No. 8 on the P4P list — Makhachev not only earned UFC gold at 170lbs but forced the rankings panel to elevate him above Ilia Topuria, who had held the top spot since June after knocking out Charles Oliveira.

Makhachev and Topuria have been linked to a potential superfight for months, especially after Topuria vacated his featherweight title to campaign at lightweight. With Makhachev’s monumental win, the hype surrounding that future matchup has only intensified.

Edwards Suffers Major Ranking Drop

While UFC 322 crowned a new superstar at welterweight, it also marked a crushing blow for one of the division’s former kings. Leon Edwards, who entered the weekend as the No. 4 welterweight contender, suffered a brutal knockout at the hands of surging Brazilian finisher Carlos Prates.

The loss marked Edwards’ third consecutive defeat, and the rankings reflect the severity of his skid — he drops to No. 9, the lowest placement of his UFC career since earning his first title shot.

Prates, meanwhile, continues his remarkable ascent. With six wins in seven UFC bouts, his knockout of Edwards launches him to No. 5, placing him squarely in the title picture behind Della Maddalena and new champion Makhachev.

Welterweight Division Shakes Up

The 170-pound weight class underwent the biggest transformation in the new update:

• Islam Makhachev — New UFC welterweight champion

• Jack Della Maddalena — Now the official No. 1 contender

• Michael Morales — Up to No. 3 after flattening Sean Brady

• Carlos Prates — Surges to No. 5

• Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov — Each drop one spot

• Ian Machado Garry — Holds steady at No. 6

Morales’ rise is especially notable. The 25-year-old Ecuadorian scored a highlight-reel knockout over Brady, who was previously chasing a title shot after his win over Edwards in London. Brady now slides to No. 7.

This weekend’s co-main event at UFC Qatar sees Garry and Muhammad collide in a matchup that could determine the next welterweight title challenger. Garry hopes an emphatic win will leapfrog him into contention. Muhammad, a former champion at 170, is determined to halt Garry’s rise.

Paddy Pimblett Climbs as Lightweight Dominoes Fall

The lightweight division also saw considerable movement after Benoit Saint Denis delivered one of the most violent finishes of the year — a 16-second knockout of Beneil Dariush. Saint Denis jumps five spots to No. 8, while Dariush falls to No. 12.

With Makhachev vacating the lightweight belt, the rankings shifted upward for nearly every contender:

• Arman Tsarukyan is now officially the No. 1 contender at 155lbs.

• Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway each climb one spot.

• Ignacio Bahamondes enters the top 15 for the first time.

A Division Reshaped — And New Storylines Brewing

UFC 322 didn’t just produce highlight finishes — it produced clarity. Makhachev is back atop the sport as P4P No. 1. Edwards faces a long road back after another crushing loss. And surging names like Morales, Prates, Pimblett, and Saint Denis are pushing their way toward title contention.

The landscape at both welterweight and lightweight has changed — and the next few months promise chaos, contenders, and potentially one historic Makhachev vs. Topuria superfight.