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The UFC Featherweight division at 145 pounds has been one of the most consistently deep and competitive in the promotion. From Jose Aldo’s legendary nine-year, 26-fight unbeaten run to the Conor McGregor era to Alexander Volkanovski’s dominant reign, featherweight has produced some of the sport’s greatest champions and most thrilling fights. Here are the current Featherweight Rankings for April 2026.

Champion

Ilia Topuria — El Matador. The Georgian-Spanish phenom delivered one of the most stunning performances in featherweight history by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in round 2. Topuria’s power, combination punching, and extraordinary finishing instinct make him one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. A generational talent at the peak of his powers.

Official Rankings (April 2026)

#1 — Alexander Volkanovski

The greatest featherweight champion in UFC history until losing the title to Topuria. Volkanovski’s three-year reign saw him defeat Max Holloway twice, Brian Ortega, and other elite contenders with a complete, evolving game that improved with every fight. His technical boxing, wrestling, and championship composure remain world-class even after the Topuria loss.

#2 — Max Holloway

Blessed is arguably the most beloved fighter in the UFC. His volume striking, cardio that never diminishes in championship rounds, and willingness to engage in wars have made him a fan favorite and a perennial top contender. His BMF performance against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 was one of the great displays in the sport’s history. Two-time featherweight champion and still elite at 145 lbs.

#3 — Brian Ortega

T-City is one of the most dangerous submission artists in the history of the featherweight division. His ability to finish fights from seemingly nowhere — the Frankie Edgar guillotine, the Cub Swanson rear-naked choke — makes him a legitimate threat in any fight. His grappling is elite and continues to develop.

#4 — Josh Emmett

One of the hardest hitters in the featherweight division. Emmett’s knockout power is genuine — he has finished quality opponents throughout his career with a single punch. His combination of power and experience makes him a dangerous matchup for anyone in the division.

#5 — Yair Rodriguez

El Pantera is one of the most creative and exciting strikers in the UFC. His spinning attacks, unconventional angles, and highlight-reel finishing ability have produced some of the most memorable moments in featherweight history, including the late-fight elbow against Edgar that is one of the most replayed finishes in UFC history.

#6 — Calvin Kattar

The Boston Finisher is a durable, well-rounded featherweight whose boxing and toughness have kept him relevant at the top of the division. His performance against Max Holloway — a loss, but one of the most courageous showings in the division’s recent history — demonstrated the quality he brings to every fight.

#7 — Arnold Allen

The British featherweight built one of the UFC’s longest winning streaks before facing Giga Chikadze. Allen’s complete game, patient approach, and ability to make adjustments between rounds make him a difficult opponent. His resume includes impressive wins over quality competition.

#8 — Giga Chikadze

The Georgian kickboxer is one of the most technical strikers in the featherweight division. His kicking game is exceptional — body kicks, head kicks, spinning kicks — and his ability to control distance makes him a frustrating opponent to engage. His striking IQ is among the highest at 145 lbs.

#9 — Movsar Evloev

A rapidly rising Dagestani featherweight whose wrestling and grappling pressure have produced an undefeated UFC record. Evloev is methodical, hard to finish, and improving with every fight. A sleeper contender whose game is built for championship levels.

#10 — Sodiq Yusuff

The Nigerian-American featherweight brings power and athleticism to the division. Yusuff’s knockout ability and improving all-around game have made him a consistent presence in the top ten.

Division Outlook

The featherweight division’s conversation begins and ends with Ilia Topuria. His finishing power and the completeness of his performance against Volkanovski have made him the new face of the division. Whether Volkanovski gets a rematch, or whether Max Holloway’s continued excellence earns him another title shot — these are the questions that will define featherweight for the next year.