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The UFC Bantamweight division at 135 pounds is one of the most competitive weight classes in the organization, featuring an extraordinary depth of talent at the top. With Merab Dvalishvili holding the championship and a deep contender pool that includes former champions and high-level strikers, the division offers some of the sport’s most compelling matchups. Here are the current bantamweight rankings for April 2026.

Champion: Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili is the UFC Bantamweight Champion and one of MMA’s most unique fighters. The Georgian wrestler known as “The Machine” built a reputation on an almost unbelievable gas tank, relentless wrestling pressure, and a high pace that simply grinds opponents down over three and five rounds. His takedown volume — regularly landing double-digit takedowns per fight — is unlike anything the division has seen. He won the title and has defended it as the division’s most physically dominant fighter even if his striking offense isn’t his primary weapon.

No. 1: Cory Sandhagen

Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen is one of the most technically gifted strikers in the division. His combination of exceptional footwork, spinning kicks, and precise punching has produced some of bantamweight’s most exciting fights. He’s defeated Frankie Edgar, Marlon Vera, and Song Yadong to establish himself as the primary title contender. His ability to win fights in spectacular fashion makes him one of the division’s most fan-friendly fighters.

No. 2: Petr Yan

Petr “No Mercy” Yan is a former bantamweight champion and one of the most technically skilled fighters in the weight class. The Russian striker won the title in dominant fashion against Jose Aldo before losing it controversially to Aljamain Sterling (by disqualification for an illegal knee) and then by split decision in the rematch. His wins over Urijah Faber, Jose Aldo, and Song Yadong demonstrate consistent elite-level performance. He remains one of the division’s most credible title threats.

No. 3: Henry Cejudo

Henry “Triple C” Cejudo is a former two-division UFC champion (flyweight and bantamweight) and Olympic gold medalist wrestler who returned from retirement in 2023 for a title shot. His blend of elite wrestling and technical striking makes him one of the sport’s most complete fighters. At 135, he holds a knockout win over Dominick Cruz and a TKO over Marlon Moraes from his previous bantamweight championship run. His wrestling credentials — Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling — make him a nightmare matchup for strikers.

No. 4: Marlon Vera

Marlon “Chito” Vera is one of the most exciting and technically diverse bantamweights on the roster. The Ecuadorian fighter has outstanding kicks — head kicks, body kicks, and calf kicks — combined with sharp boxing and solid wrestling defense. His performances against Urijah Faber (head kick KO), Sean O’Malley (body kick finish), and Dominick Cruz (dominant decision) demonstrate his ability to beat elite competition. He’s also a fan favorite for his consistent willingness to engage in action fights.

No. 5: Song Yadong

Chinese bantamweight Song Yadong has developed into one of the division’s top contenders through patient development and impressive finishing ability. His combination punching is excellent and his chin has proven durable in close fights. He’s beaten Ricky Simon, Julio Arce, and Marlon Vera in impressive performances that established him as a genuine top-five talent. His potential ceiling is high and he represents the UFC’s growing Chinese market.

No. 6: Dominick Cruz

Dominick Cruz is a former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion whose lateral movement and unorthodox footwork system made him nearly impossible to fight effectively during his championship years. Though age and injuries have slowed him from his peak, Cruz remains competitive at the elite level through pure ring IQ and technical mastery. His wins over TJ Dillashaw and Urijah Faber remain benchmarks of technical bantamweight performance.

No. 7: Rob Font

Rob Font is a technically sound bantamweight with excellent boxing and solid overall skills. The Massachusetts native has beaten Marlon Moraes, Cody Garbrandt, and Jose Aldo — a resume of former champions that validates his top contender status. His jab-heavy boxing style and durability make him a consistent threat in the division even against elite competition.

No. 8: Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov — cousin of Khabib — has emerged as one of the most promising bantamweights in the sport with an undefeated record and impressive performances against top competition. His combination of the family’s elite grappling base with developing striking skills mirrors his famous cousin’s trajectory. He stopped Cory McKenna and Nate Maness before stepping up to decisive wins against top-15 competition, and his ceiling appears extremely high.

No. 9: Ricky Simon

Ricky Simon is a durable, well-rounded bantamweight whose wrestling and pace make him a difficult matchup. He’s beaten Bruno Silva, Jack Shore, and Raphael Assuncao in solid performances and consistently brings competitive fights against quality opposition. His ceiling may be just below the elite level, but he remains a credible top-10 presence in a deep division.

No. 10: Deiveson Figueiredo

Former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo moved up to bantamweight to compete against larger competition and immediately showed he belonged, submitting former flyweight contender Cody Garbrandt. “Deus da Guerra” brings power and a finishing instinct that makes him dangerous at any weight. His four-fight series with Brandon Moreno at flyweight was one of UFC’s most compelling rivalries, and he brings that competitive fire to the bantamweight division.

Division Outlook

The bantamweight division’s depth — multiple former champions, several Olympic or elite wrestling credentials, world-class strikers — makes it among the UFC’s most competitive weight classes. Dvalishvili’s grinding style creates a different challenge than Sean O’Malley’s striking-based reign, and the contenders below him offer a diverse array of stylistic threats that should produce compelling championship fights for years to come.