Welcome back to another edition of UFC Power Rankings! With the highly anticipated MVP Netflix card set for this Saturday, the UFC served up a quieter-than-usual card for UFC Vegas 117. But don't let that fool you—there's been some serious movement in the rankings this week. Two of my top 10 fighters squared off, and the results have shaken things up. Let's dive into this week's lineup. Stay sharp, fight fans, and may the best warriors win.
9. Petr Yan
Petr Yan pulled off the unthinkable, dethroning Merab Dvalishvili to claim the title at UFC 323. That victory rockets him up to ninth overall this week, part of the shake-up I've been anticipating after UFC 324 and 325. But here's the bold take: Yan may have the belt now, but don't be surprised if he hands it back to Dvalishvili in their inevitable rematch. That's the kind of call we make in the Fight Club of Pain.
8. Joshua Van
Joshua Van climbs to the eighth spot after surviving a first-round onslaught from Tatsuro Taira, only to rally and knock him out late in the fifth round. That dominant performance sets up a title defense against Alexandre Pantoja—the very man Van beat to win the belt. It's a matchup that feels inevitable, like Thanos snapping his fingers. And when that's done, Van's true test will come in the form of a cannibal.
7. Max Holloway
Rumors are swirling that Max Holloway will finally face Conor McGregor during International Fight Week at UFC 329. This fight has been brewing for years, ever since McGregor's injury cut their last clash short. We've all been left wanting more, and this summer, we might get one of the greatest fights in MMA history.
6. Charles "Do Bronx" Oliveira
Charles Oliveira is the new BMF Champion after systematically dismantling Max Holloway at UFC 326 last Saturday. With Ilia Topuria already booked for early summer, we're left wondering who Oliveira will face next. I thought maybe Conor McGregor, but with Holloway and McGregor seemingly locked in, that's looking unlikely.
5. Merab Dvalishvili
Merab Dvalishvili lost his title to Petr Yan in the UFC 323 main event. Since then, he's been prepping for RAF 09 on May 30th—a freestyle wrestling event. After that, expect Uncle Dana to announce Yan vs. Dvalishvili 3, an epic rubber match between two incredible fighters.
4. Sean Strickland
Making his debut on my list is Sean Strickland, and I know this will ruffle some feathers. He jumps all the way to fourth, and here's why: not only did Strickland shock the world by defeating Khamzat Chimaev for the Middleweight Championship, but he also beat Anthony Hernandez in the process. That's a statement win that demands respect.