Islam Makhachev tops July 2026 MMA pound-for-pound rankings after Conor McGregor loss

Islam Makhachev stays locked in as the UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighter in Uncrowned’s July 2026 rankings, released on 14 July 2026.

What happened in the rankings?

The monthly list saw minimal movement after UFC 329 on 6 July 2026 ended in anticlimax when Max Holloway finished Conor McGregor in 69 seconds. That result left the door wide open for Makhachev to hold the No. 1 spot on the men’s side, which he did alongside Valentina Shevchenko atop the women’s rankings. The panel of seven voters—Ben Fowlkes, Chuck Mindenhall, Shaheen Al-Shatti, Petesy Carroll, Drake Riggs, Eric Jackman and Conner Burks—ranked fighters one through 10 using a weighted points system. No. 1 earns 10 points, No. 2 gets nine, and the drop continues to No. 10 with one point.

Why it matters for Islam Makhachev

Makhachev’s grip on the top spot comes as the UFC’s “invincibles” crumble around him. McGregor, Ilia Topuria, Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev have all lost this summer, leaving the Dagestani star as the promotion’s biggest remaining attraction. His post-fight reaction on X after UFC 329 summed up the moment: “Conor beat Conor congrats Max.” The line underscored Makhachev’s status as the last truly untouchable champion in the UFC.

What comes next for Makhachev?

The Dagestani fighter’s next test looms at UFC 330 on 23 August 2026, where Ian Machado Garry waits in the welterweight division. Makhachev’s ability to stay above the chaos that swallowed rivals will define his place in the sport’s hierarchy. With the welterweight title already in hand, every eye will be on whether he can extend his reign while the rest of the division stumbles.

How the rankings work

Uncrowned’s criteria require fighters to have competed within the past calendar year or have a fight booked in that window. Fighters who retire drop off the list entirely. Though the UFC dominates the top ranks, the rankings span all major promotions—from PFL and RIZIN to ONE Championship. Makhachev’s continued presence at No. 1 reflects both his inactivity and his unmatched standing in the sport.