Absolute Fighting Championship updates its promotion ratings on the official UFC site, reflecting the latest shifts in the sport’s competitive landscape. The rankings snapshot captures how fighters across divisions are stacking up, measuring wins, finishes, and overall impact inside the octagon. It’s a quick read for fans who want clarity on who sits atop the ladder and how recent outcomes influence the pecking order.
In the latest rankings, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev now sits in second place overall, a remarkable spot that transcends weight classes. Only Jon Jones currently sits above him in the universal rankings, illustrating how Makhachev’s recent performances have elevated him beyond the traditional single-division focus. This isn’t just about titles; it’s about recognition across the sport for consistency, dominance, and the ability to perform under pressure in the biggest moments. (Source: UFC Stats)
UFC 294 delivered a memorable night on October 21, featuring title defenses, explosive finishes, and strategic bouts that kept fans talking well after the final bell. In the main event, Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight crown by stopping Australia’s Alex Volkanovski in the first round, a victory that also translated into substantial earnings. The champion took home 1.79 million dollars, while Volkanovski earned 1.58 million, underscoring how a single performance can translate into both legacy and financial impact. (Source: UFC Financials)
Another highlight of the event saw Khamzat Chimaev decision a tough bout against Kamaru Usman, earning a solid 865 thousand dollars for the victory. Usman, meanwhile, secured 1.02 million dollars for his performance, reflecting the high-profile nature of the matchup and the marketability of both fighters. This bout demonstrated the depth of talent on the roster and how gatekeeping can transform into headline drama when two established names collide inside the cage. (Source: UFC Financials)
Plans were initially set for Islam Makhachev to face Charles Oliveira in Abu Dhabi, a matchup that would have added another chapter to their ongoing rivalry. However, an injury during training forced Makhachev to withdraw from that planned encounter, reshaping the competitive timeline and leading to the Contender series of events that unfolded at UFC 294. The absence of Oliveira altered the immediate trajectory for Makhachev’s title run, yet the champion’s performance on fight night still reinforced his standing among the sport’s elite. (Source: UFC Event Notes)
In context, the broader discussion around Khabib Nurmagomedov’s involvement in Makhachev’s trajectory remains a topic of interest for fans and analysts alike. While Nurmagomedov did not participate in the fight, his influence and the legacy of the team continue to shape perceptions of Makhachev’s approach, training environment, and strategic decisions in the octagon. The decision not to participate in this particular event did not dampen the momentum built by Makhachev, who continues to elevate the sport with controlled aggression, precise striking, and relentless grappling pressure. (Source: Coaching Rail)