Top Ranking UFC Male Combatants of the Latest Year
Let the Games Begin! 🥋 Dive into the jaw-dropping victories and electrifying performances of the top UFC male fighters of 2024, as unveiled by Quintin van Jaarsveld.
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5: Diego Lopes – The Man to Watch
Brazil's Lopes (26-6) rose to fame in 2024 with a mesmerizing breakout year that saw him tally three triumphant victories, extending his win streak to an impressive five. He now resides as the third-ranked featherweight contender.
Kicking off his year with awe-inspiring knockouts, he bravely accepted a last-minute challenge against Dan Ige and emerged victorious. In September, Lopes clinched his spot amongst the featherweight elite by relentlessly defeating brutal challenger Brian Ortega.
4: Merab Dvalishvili – The Road to Glory
Georgia's Dvalishvili (18-4) showcased unmatched determination and skill, winning an astounding 10 fights in a row to earn a long-coveted title shot. His fiery spirit and relentless pursuit of greatness were on full display when he outmatched wrestling legend Henry Cejudo in February and secured a decisive victory.
September brought the ultimate dreams to life as Dvalishvili stormed into the spotlight at Las Vegas' incredible Sphere arena, where he virtuously triumphed over the dangerous Sean O'Malley.
3: Dricus du Plessis – South Africa's First UFC Champion
2024 will forever be remembered as the year of Dricus du Plessis (22-2), as he etched his name in the history books as the first-ever UFC champion to hail from South Africa.
A force to be reckoned with, du Plessis' unbelievable run of success in the UFC began in 2020, when he made a dazzling debut in the world's premier mixed martial arts promotion. He captured the middleweight title with an epic five-round battle against Sean Strickland and cemented his status as an international sensation by defeating Israel Adesanya, a legendary contender.
2: Alex Pereira – Two-Division UFC Champion
Hot on the heels of his previous middleweight title reign, Pereira (12-2) challenged the record books in unbelievable fashion as he claimed the light heavyweight championship in record-breaking time.
With an eerie aura that captured the hearts of fans around the world, Pereira forged a trail of destruction, forcefully defeating Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka (twice) and Khalil Rountree Jr. His breathtaking accomplishments shattered Ronda Rousey's previous record of fastest three title defenses, making history in just 175 days.
1: Ilia Topuria – The New Featherweight King
Claiming the title in spectacular fashion, Topuria (16-0) showcased his supreme skillset and incredible potential by defeating not one, but two of the greatest featherweights in history, Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
Hailing from Georgia and Spain, Topuria dazzled with his phenomenal performance at UFC 298, where he quickly overwhelmed Volkanovski to seize the throne. In a display of unparalleled dominance, Topuria made history by becoming the first man to knock out Holloway in October, cementing his reputation as a formidable force in the featherweight division.
With an undefeated record and unshakable prowess, Topuria's sky-high aspirations have just begun.
Bonus Fact: Quintin van Jaarsveld is a highly respected sports journalist and former MDDA-Sanlam Local Sports Journalist of the Year. He is well-known for his exceptional work covering everything from rugby to martial arts.
- Diego Lopes, the third-ranked featherweight contender, continued his impressive win streak to five in 2024, taking down formidable opponents like Dan Ige and Brian Ortega.
- Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis made history by becoming South Africa's first UFC champion, defeating legendary competitor Israel Adesanya.
- Unmatched determination and skill led Georgia's Merab Dvalishvili to a 10-fight winning streak, securing a title shot and defeating wrestling legend Henry Cejudo.
- In 2024, Ilia Topuria proved his supremacy in the featherweight division, knocking out two of the greatest, Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, claiming the throne in stunning fashion.
- Alex Pereira shattered records in 2024, claiming the light heavyweight championship in record time and proving himself a formidable force by defeating Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazki (twice) and Khalil Rountree Jr.
