If you were left disappointed by the ending of UFC 321, there’s good news—November is shaping up to be huge. The month brings a stacked lineup headlined by UFC 322 on November 15 in New York, where Islam Makhachev will challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight title. A win would make Makhachev a two-division champion, joining the elite company of Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria. But before that, the UFC made a major update.

The promotion has refreshed its pound-for-pound rankings, a list designed to showcase the most dominant and skilled fighters across all divisions. The latest shake-up has seen one familiar name fall off, while another has surged back after an outstanding performance. The big question now is—did Makhachev’s No. 2 spot behind Ilia Topuria survive the update, or has the balance of power shifted again?

Islam Makhachev remains safe for now

Earlier today, the UFC took to Instagram to unveil its updated pound-for-pound rankings. Undefeated welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov, who previously held the No. 15 spot, has dropped out of the list due to inactivity since his December 2024 win over Ian Machado Garry. The No. 3-ranked welterweight was originally set to face Belal Muhammad for the title in Montreal, but withdrew to undergo knee surgery.

In his absence, Jack Della Maddalena stepped in, dethroned Muhammad, and captured the welterweight crown. With Maddalena now set to defend his title for the first time against Islam Makhachev, Rakhmonov may need to earn another victory before getting a shot at the winner of Maddalena vs. Makhachev.

Rakhmonov’s exit from the pound-for-pound list opened the door for Charles Oliveira, who climbed back into the rankings at No. 15 after his second-round submission win over Mateusz Gamrot on October 12. Makhachev remains steady at No. 2, but if he delivers something extraordinary against Maddalena, he could even dethrone Ilia Topuria for the top spot.

Still, one question lingers—what does the future hold for the undefeated Kazakh?

Shavkat Rakhmonov wants an early 2026 return

Undefeated UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov is eyeing an early 2026 return to the Octagon. With his rapid rise toward a title shot halted due to injury, the Kazakh wants a course correction. According to his teammate Fanil Rafikov, Rakhmonov has already informed the UFC of his desire to compete early next year. 

“Shavkat requested a fight from UFC for early next year and is waiting for an opponent,” Rafikov told Telecom Asia Sport. The 19-0 fighter was previously criticized for stating he only wanted a title fight for his comeback, but it seems his stance has changed. Rafikov hinted that several potential opponents could be in play. 

Rafikov added, “His return could bring changes to the division—possibly a new champion or shifts in the top rankings. A fight between Leon Edwards and Carlos Prates is scheduled for November, Sean Brady is looking for an opponent, and we might see a bout with Belal Muhammad.”

Unfortunately for Rakhmonov, who is called ‘Nomad,’ until he makes his comeback, Oliveira will sit at his No. 15 spot. But if he wanted to take back his position, who do you think he should fight?