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The UFC flyweight division at 125 pounds is one of the sport’s most underrated weight classes, producing technically rich fights and a series of compelling championship reigns that have rewarded attentive fans with some of the UFC’s best competitive action. Here is the full UFC Flyweight Rankings breakdown for April 2026.

UFC Flyweight Champion

Alexandre Pantoja (Champion)

Alexandre Pantoja is the reigning UFC flyweight champion and one of the most technically complete fighters in the division’s history. The Brazilian BJJ specialist won the title by defeating Brandon Moreno in their rematch and has since defended against multiple top contenders with a combination of elite grappling, improved striking, and championship-level composure. His submission game — particularly his leg locks and rear-naked choke — creates genuine danger from any position on the ground, and his continued improvement has made him a more complete fighter with each camp.

Top 5 UFC Flyweight Contenders

#1 Brandon Moreno

Brandon “The Assassin Baby” Moreno is the most beloved figure in the flyweight division’s history. The Mexican fighter became the first Mexican-born UFC champion when he submitted Deiveson Figueirêdo at UFC 256, and his rivalry with Figueiredo produced four fights over two years that remain among the most competitive championship series in UFC history. Moreno’s combination of submission grappling, boxing, and extraordinary fight IQ keeps him at the top of the division despite his losses to Pantoja. His popularity in Mexico gives him a cultural significance beyond his competitive record.

#2 Brandon Royval

Brandon Royval is one of the most exciting submission specialists in the flyweight division. His unorthodox grappling style — constantly attempting heel hooks, triangles, and various leg locks from unusual positions — makes him genuinely difficult to prepare for and extremely dangerous once a fight reaches the ground. He has finished multiple top-ranked opponents and his continuing development as a striker keeps him in title contention.

#3 Kai Kara-France

New Zealand striker Kai Kara-France brings elite kickboxing to the flyweight division, combining head movement, timing, and one-punch KO power unusual for 125 pounds. His combination of athletic ability and striking diversity makes him dangerous to any of the division’s grapplers on the feet, and his continued development of his ground game has made him a more complete contender. He challenged for the interim title against Moreno and remains firmly in the top five.

#4 Manel Kape

Angolan-Portuguese fighter Manel Kape is one of the most dangerous strikers in the flyweight division. His combination of speed, power, and technical striking has produced some of the division’s most spectacular knockouts, and his aggressive finishing style makes him compelling for fans and dangerous for opponents. Recent strong performances have pushed him firmly into the top-five conversation.

#5 Steve Erceg

Australian submission specialist Steve Erceg has emerged as one of the division’s most exciting prospects turned genuine contenders. His grappling is elite and his path through the flyweight rankings has been marked by impressive performances against quality opposition. Erceg represents the new generation of 125-pound contenders who could challenge for the title over the next several years.

The Moreno-Pantoja Rivalry

The flyweight division’s narrative is currently structured around the Pantoja-Moreno rivalry and whether the two fighters will meet for a third time. Their second fight, which gave Pantoja the title, was closer than the scorecards suggested, and Moreno’s continued presence in the rankings means the fight is always a possibility. As the division’s most commercially compelling matchup, a third Pantoja-Moreno fight would generate significant interest regardless of how the contender ranking picture develops around them.

UFC Flyweight Rankings Summary (April 2026)

Champion: Alexandre Pantoja | #1: Brandon Moreno | #2: Brandon Royval | #3: Kai Kara-France | #4: Manel Kape | #5: Steve Erceg

The UFC flyweight division is one of the sport’s technical showcases — a weight class where athleticism, submission grappling, and striking precision combine in fights that reward close attention from fans who appreciate MMA at its most refined. The current championship picture and contender depth make 125 pounds must-watch for dedicated combat sports fans.