UFC Career Records and Elo Rankings: Jon Jones Leads, Georges St-Pierre and Islam Makhachev Follow

An Elo rating is a numerical measure used to rank players by calculating performance based on wins, losses, draws, and opponent strength, offering a more nuanced assessment than simple win-loss records.

The UFC Elo rankings provide a comprehensive measure of a fighter’s career, going beyond simple win-loss records to consider opponent strength, fight performance, and consistency. Leading the list is Jon Jones from the USA, boasting a near-perfect record of 22 wins and 1 loss, earning him 1,775 Elo points. Known for his dominance in the light heavyweight division, Jones has defeated numerous former champions and contenders. Georges St-Pierre of Canada ranks second with 1,747 points, reflecting his iconic reign in the welterweight and middleweight divisions, where he achieved a record of 20 wins and 2 losses. Third is Islam Makhachev from Russia with 1,729 points, whose 16-1 record has positioned him as a dominant force in the lightweight class.

Khabib Nurmagomedov ranks fourth with an undefeated 13-0 record, followed by Kamaru Usman at fifth with a 16-3 record, known for his elite wrestling and defensive skills. Amanda Nunes, at sixth, is the highest-ranked female fighter, with a 16-2 record and championship titles in both bantamweight and featherweight divisions. Other notable names include Max Holloway, Merab Dvalishvili, Belal Muhammad, and Demetrious Johnson, each known for their distinct fighting styles and championship-caliber performances.

The top of the list showcases fighters from diverse national backgrounds: USA, Canada, Russia, Brazil, Georgia, Australia, France, Kyrgyzstan, England, South Africa, Spain, and the UAE. This diversity reflects the global nature of the UFC and the international talent pool that shapes its competitions. Fighters like Valentina Shevchenko, Leon Edwards, Dricus Du Plessis, and Ilia Topuria demonstrate how talent has emerged across all continents, contributing to a highly competitive landscape.

The Elo rating system is significant because it accounts for the quality of victories, not just the quantity. Fighters like Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, both undefeated, achieve high rankings not only from their perfect records but also from the caliber of opponents they have faced. Conversely, veterans like Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier have accumulated points through consistent performances against top-tier opponents, even with a few losses on their records.

Overall, the 2024 Elo rankings offer insight into the competitive hierarchy of the UFC, highlighting not just champions but the depth of talent across weight classes. They serve as an objective tool to evaluate fighter performance historically and will continue to shape discussions on future matchups and legacies in the sport.