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The UFC Bantamweight division at 135 pounds is home to some of the most technically gifted and explosive fighters in the sport. Small men who can punch, kick, wrestle, and submit at an extraordinary level have made the 135-pound division one of the most exciting in the UFC. Here are the current Bantamweight Rankings for April 2026.

Champion

Merab Dvalishvili — The Machine. The Georgian wrestler finally captured the title after years as the best fighter in the division without the belt. Dvalishvili’s wrestling volume, cardio, and relentless pressure make him one of the most exhausting opponents in MMA. He takes more takedowns than almost any other fighter in the sport and never stops moving forward.

Official Rankings (April 2026)

#1 — Sean O’Malley

Suga’s flashy striking, creative footwork, and knockout power made him one of the most entertaining bantamweights in UFC history. He captured the title with a dominant performance and defended it multiple times before losing to Dvalishvili. His star power and technical striking make him an immediate contender for any rematch.

#2 — Aljamain Sterling

Funk Master is a former champion who transformed himself from a one-dimensional grappler into a complete mixed martial artist. Sterling’s championship reign was controversial at first but became legitimate through multiple successful defenses against elite competition. His submission game is world-class and his overall evolution as a fighter is among the most impressive in recent UFC history.

#3 — Henry Cejudo

Triple C — Olympic gold medalist, UFC Flyweight Champion, UFC Bantamweight Champion. Cejudo’s wrestling credentials are unmatched in MMA history, and his ability to fight at an elite level against the division’s best has kept him relevant even through extended absences. When he competes, he remains one of the most dangerous fighters at 135 lbs.

#4 — Cory Sandhagen

The Sandman is one of the most dynamic strikers in the bantamweight division. His spinning attacks, creative footwork, and finishing ability have produced highlight-reel moments against multiple top-five opponents. His power and technical striking are genuine championship-level tools.

#5 — Marlon Vera

Chito is one of the most durable and relentlessly improving fighters in the division. He has absorbed enormous punishment and come back to finish elite fighters with a combination of striking, grappling, and sheer toughness. His victory over Dominick Cruz was one of the division’s signature performances.

#6 — Petr Yan

No Mercy is one of the best technical fighters in bantamweight history. A former interim champion whose crisp boxing, striking combinations, and well-rounded game produced dominant victories over elite competition. Controversial losses have complicated his trajectory but his quality is undeniable.

#7 — Umar Nurmagomedov

Khabib’s cousin has brought the Dagestani wrestling machine to the bantamweight division, and the results have been dominant. Umar’s undefeated record and the manner of his wins suggest he is on a championship trajectory. His grappling and striking combination is a serious problem for anyone at 135 lbs.

#8 — Song Yadong

The Chinese bantamweight is one of the most athletic and explosively powerful fighters in the division. His combination striking and finishing ability have produced impressive wins over quality competition, and his improvement with every fight suggests his best is still ahead.

#9 — Dominick Cruz

The Dominator is the originator of a movement-based fighting style that influenced an entire generation of bantamweights. Two championship reigns interrupted by serious injuries have defined a career that is among the most remarkable in division history. His footwork and level-changing remain elite even in the later stages of his career.

#10 — Rob Font

A durable, hard-hitting bantamweight whose boxing has produced impressive wins over quality competition. Font’s presence in the top ten reflects years of consistent performance at the highest level of the 135-pound division.

Division Outlook

The bantamweight division enters 2026 with Dvalishvili as champion — a fighter who spent years as the best unbeltedchampion in the division while supporting teammate O’Malley. The dynamic between former allies turned rivals creates one of the more narratively interesting title pictures in the UFC. Umar Nurmagomedov’s rise adds a generational grappling threat to an already deep division.