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The UFC Flyweight division at 125 pounds has quietly become one of the most action-packed weight classes in the promotion. Led by champion Alexandre Pantoja — one of the most dangerous finishers at the weight — the division features a deep pool of elite grapplers, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts, and ferocious strikers who make every fight appointment viewing. Here is the complete UFC Flyweight rankings breakdown for 2025.

UFC Flyweight Champion: Alexandre Pantoja

Alexandre Pantoja is the UFC Flyweight Champion and one of the most respected pound-for-pound fighters on the roster. The Brazilian submission specialist captured the title at UFC 290 in July 2023 by finishing Brandon Moreno in the fourth round and has defended the belt multiple times since, cementing his status as the true king of 125 pounds. Pantoja is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under André Pederneiras at Nova União — the same gym that produced José Aldo — and his grappling is elite even by flyweight standards. His striking has evolved substantially throughout his UFC career, and he now presents a complete, well-rounded game that makes him dangerous in any phase of a fight.

Pantoja’s record of resilience is as impressive as his finishes. He lost to Brandon Moreno in their first meeting but came back to defeat him twice, including a dominant finish. His ability to learn, adjust, and execute against the same opponent is a hallmark of championship-level mental fortitude.

Top Flyweight Contenders

#1 Brandon Moreno

Brandon Moreno is the former UFC Flyweight Champion and one of the most beloved fighters on the roster. The Mexican star known as “The Assassin Baby” won the title in a rematch with Deiveson Figueiredo in June 2021 in one of the most dramatic rematch sequences in UFC history. Moreno and Figueiredo fought four times total — a trilogy that produced a draw and three finishes across the series. Moreno’s submission game is world-class, but it is his heart and competitive fire that have made him a fan favorite. After losing the title to Pantoja, Moreno remains a legitimate title threat at the top of the contender rankings.

#2 Amir Albazi

Amir Albazi is one of the most technically gifted grapplers in the flyweight division. The Iraqi-Swedish fighter known as “The Prince” holds black belts in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission wrestling, and his ground game is among the most advanced at 125 pounds. Albazi has strung together an impressive winning streak inside the UFC and is widely regarded as the most dangerous submission threat in the division outside of Pantoja himself. His striking has improved to the point where opponents can no longer simply stay standing to avoid his takedowns.

#3 Manel Kape

Manel Kape is one of the most explosive strikers in the flyweight division. The Angolan-Portuguese knockout artist has tremendous power for the weight class and has produced highlight-reel finishes throughout his UFC career. His striking output is high, his combinations are diverse, and he is comfortable mixing in takedowns when necessary. Kape represents the kind of offensive threat that can end a fight in any round, making him a nightmare matchup for technical wrestlers who want to keep the fight standing.

#4 Matheus Nicolau

Matheus Nicolau is a technically refined flyweight with a well-rounded skill set developed under the Alliance MMA banner. The Brazilian fighter has shown the ability to win in multiple ways — decision victories built on volume striking, as well as finishes through both strikes and submissions. His footwork and movement patterns are among the most sophisticated in the division, allowing him to control range and create angles that neutralize the grappling-heavy game plans of his opponents.

#5 Steve Erceg

Steve Erceg is an Australian flyweight who earned a title shot against Pantoja and acquitted himself well against the champion despite losing. His aggressive wrestling and high-pressure style make him a difficult fight for anyone in the division. Erceg’s willingness to push the pace and impose his will for 25 minutes makes him a credible contender who could realistically be in another title fight if he strings together wins at the top of the division.

Other Notable Flyweights to Watch

David Dvorak — Czech submission specialist with multiple UFC finishes and one of the most active grapplers in the division. Tatsuro Taira — undefeated Japanese prodigy who has torn through the division with a perfect professional record, widely regarded as the next big star at 125 pounds. Kai Kara-France — New Zealand knockout artist and former interim title challenger known for his vicious power and entertaining fighting style. Muhammad Mokaev — British flyweight with undefeated UFC record built on dominant wrestling and ground control, though his promotional future has been complicated by contractual disputes.

The Flyweight Division in Context

The flyweight division has historically been undervalued by American audiences unfamiliar with the smaller weight classes common in Asian and Latin American combat sports traditions. The UFC has worked steadily to build the division’s profile, and the Pantoja-Moreno-Figueiredo saga has done more to elevate flyweight’s status than anything else in the division’s history. With talents like Tatsuro Taira ascending the rankings and Albazi threatening from the grappling side, the 2025 flyweight landscape is as competitive as it has ever been.

Pantoja faces the challenge of a deep contender pool hungry for their shot at 125-pound gold. Any of the top five contenders presents a genuine challenge, and the division’s depth ensures the champion will be tested repeatedly before his reign concludes. For fans who appreciate technical mastery, submission artistry, and fighters who compete with everything they have every time out, the flyweight division is essential viewing.