Paddy Pimblett makes a big jump in lightweight rankings

          Paddy Pimblett earned his fourth UFC submission victory with a first-submission win over Benoît Saint Denis at UFC 329. Ian Maule/Getty Images
          • Brett OkamotoJul 14, 2026, 09:00 AM ET
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              Brett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010. He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: "Chuck and Tito," which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare time.
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          Although UFC 329 ended on a sour note when Conor McGregor lost to Max Holloway via first-round TKO due to injury, there were plenty of ESPN-ranked fighters who delivered in their undercard opportunities.

          Paddy Pimblett shined in the co-main event, making quick work of fellow lightweight contender Benoît Saint Denis in a 52-second submission win. He leaps from No. 10 to claim Saint Denis' No. 7 spot in the 155-pound division. Saint Denis falls one spot to No. 8

          There was also a bout between ESPN's No. 5- and 6-ranked men's bantamweights, Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista. With a unanimous decision win for Bautista, he and Sandhagen swap spots in the rankings. And Brandon Royval defended his place in the men's flyweight top five, overcoming adversity to earn a third-round submission win over No. 7-ranked Lone'er Kavanagh.

          Also at men's flyweight, former title challenger Kai Kara-France falls out of the rankings due to inactivity. Asu Almabayev enters the rankings at No. 10.

          Here are the ESPN pound-for-pound MMA rankings and a list of current UFC champions in all weight classes.

          Results are current; rankings as of June 23. To be eligible for the rankings, a fighter must have competed over the past 12 months or must have an upcoming fight booked. Fighters who have been dropped for inactivity can be reinstated only after they compete.

          HEAVYWEIGHT (up to 265 pounds)

          LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT (up to 205 pounds)

          MIDDLEWEIGHT (up to 185 pounds)

          WELTERWEIGHT (up to 170 pounds)

          LIGHTWEIGHT (up to 155 pounds)

          FEATHERWEIGHT (up to 145 pounds)

          MEN'S BANTAMWEIGHT (up to 135 pounds)

          MEN'S FLYWEIGHT (up to 125 pounds)

          WOMEN'S BANTAMWEIGHT (up to 135 pounds)

          WOMEN'S FLYWEIGHT (up to 125 pounds)

          STRAWWEIGHT (up to 115 pounds)