Where We Stand: Featherweight Division | October 2024

Outlook: “El Matador” played the part of the young bull in Abu Dhabi. Despite plenty of good work from Holloway, Topuria was never discouraged, marching down and standing toe-to-toe with one of the most accomplished featherweights of his generation. His finishing instincts were on display once again, as well, patiently and overwhelmingly swarming Holloway when a right hand shook “Blessed.” The left hand ended the fight, and Topuria respectfully paid homage to Holloway, as well as Volkanovski, when the Australian entered the Octagon. The rematch is imminent, but it feels like the world is now his.

Outlook: “The Great” has taken the requisite time off after two knockout losses in the span of four months, and all signs point toward a rematch with Topuria. Volkanovski made his way into the Octagon at UFC 308 to share a respectful exchange with the man who usurped his throne, and he is surely keen to make a return to the Octagon with gold on the line next. 

Outlook: It is what it is. In his third bid to regain the belt, Holloway suffered his first knockdown and knockout loss of his lengthy career. In the post-fight press conference, Holloway alluded to a “new destination,” which likely means “Blessed” will move to the lightweight division. At 32 years old, Holloway likely has more than a few high-level years left in him, and he showed in his BMF title win that he can bang with the best at 155 pounds. Dustin Poirier showed his interest in a third fight with Holloway, and Michael Chandler has also expressed interest in fighting the former featherweight champ. 

Outlook: The hottest name on the block is Diego Lopes. In a little more than a year, Lopes catapulted himself into the title picture on the back of epic performance after epic performance. His decision win over Brian Ortega was exactly that, and the Brazilian is adamant about getting a No. 1 contender fight or title shot next time out. He successfully weighed in as the backup at UFC 308, so he is certainly on the precipice of his goals. That last fight to push him over the top isn’t clear just yet, especially with Holloway potentially leaving the division. Lopes could fight the winner between Movsar Evloev and Aljamain Sterling or wait for Volkanovski and Topuria to have their rematch before making his next move. 

Outlook: It’s been all quiet on the “El Pantera” front since he dropped his main event in Mexico City. The dynamic 32-year-old is freshly 32 years old, and the Top 5 has seen enough turnover to rejuvenate his quest for interim gold. Rumors circle around a matchup between himself and Arnold Allen, which could cement him in the Top 5 should he win. 

Outlook: The undefeated Movsar Evloev very well has as good a shout at a title shot as anyone in the Top 5 outside of Alexander Volkanovski. Perfect in eight trips to the Octagon and having met very little resistance along the way, Evloev can make a big statement if he gets past former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. Unless he gets an elusive finish, however, he might find himself in need of one more win after that before getting his title shot. 

Outlook: Aljamain Sterling’s move up to featherweight feels like it hasn’t been met with the same ceremony as other accomplished champions’ moves into a new weight class, but “Funk Master” took care of business all the same at UFC 300 against Calvin Kattar. His sophomore appearance at 145 pounds could launch him into the Top 5 and title picture, so if he can hand Evloev his first professional loss, 2025 could very well have major title implications. 

Two fighters a little further down the ladder include Arnold Allen and Lerone Murphy, who are coming off solid decision wins over Giga Chikadze and Dan Ige, respectively. Allen has had a couple more chances against Top 10 talent than Murphy, but “The Miracle” seems to be coming into his own with a main event win over Barboza also on his 2024 ledger. Allen, still just 30 years old, has only dropped fights to Holloway and Evloev, so he has plenty of pathways to the title picture, including a potential fight with Yair Rodriguez. Murphy, on the other hand, is overdue for a shot at someone inside the Top 10 like Josh Emmett, whom he called out following his win in Abu Dhabi.