Here’s how the lightweight rankings look after UFC 318: Holloway rises, Poirier says goodbye, Topuria rules

After UFC 318 – where Max Holloway defeated Dustin Poirier to claim the BMF title – the UFC has announced updates to its rankings across various divisions. Although no traditional belts were on the line, Poirier’s subsequent retirement has triggered significant changes in the lightweight rankings, with Holloway emerging as one of the main beneficiaries.

Who is the top ranked UFC lightweight?

Holloway’s unanimous decision win allowed him to move up one place in the 155-pound division, overtaking Justin Gaethje to claim the No. 4 spot. Poirier’s departure has led to every fighter in the lightweight rankings being bumped up a position – a shift that has had implications for Spanish fighter Joel Álvarez. Despite having expressed his desire to compete at welterweight – the division above – Álvarez has now returned to the lightweight Top 15.

The reshuffle has drawn some criticism. Several fans argue that the No. 15 slot should have gone to Ignacio Bahamondes, the Chilean fighter who, despite a recent loss to Rafael Fiziev, had previously notched up three straight wins.

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