The UFC pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings have long been a source of controversy, with Dana White going back and forth about Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones occupying the #1 sport. But the latest update has delivered a particularly harsh blow to Leon Edwards. Despite being undefeated for nearly a decade, winning the title and defending it twice, Edwards has been dropped from the rankings altogether—a shocking move considering his dominance in the division.

Meanwhile, the rankings have heavily favored rising stars from lighter weight classes, with Islam Makhachev further solidifying his reign at the top and Ilia Topuria making a historic leap following his dominant victory at UFC 298. While Edwards had been an active champion till July 24, his recent two-fight losing streak overshadowed his dominance before losing the title. Now, the UFC appears to be shifting focus toward more marketable champions, leaving the welterweight king out in the cold.

Edwards’ exclusion raises serious questions about the UFC’s ranking criteria, especially when compared to other champions. His recent performances including a calculated but dominant win over Colby Covington at UFC 296 prove that he remains one of the most skilled fighters in the promotion. However, his fighting style and the UFC’s clear preference for electrifying performances, and preferably finishes, may have played a role in his removal.

The UFC’s recent updates suggest that highlight-reel moments and global appeal are now greater factors in ranking placement than just winning fights. Makhachev, for example, has remained firmly at the top after back-to-back dominant performances over Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano. Meanwhile, Topuria, fresh off his destruction of Volkanovski and Max Holloway, has surged up the rankings in a way that suggests the UFC is favoring fighters who bring excitement and spectacle over those who rely on technical ability and fighting prowess alone.

With the P4P rankings increasingly leaning toward lighter weight classes, Edwards’ exclusion might not just be about him—it could reflect a larger shift in the UFC’s priorities. The lightweight and featherweight divisions have been generating far more attention, with Makhachev and Topuria leading the charge.

At the same time, the welterweight division’s marketability has been called into question. Despite Edwards’ impressive run, the UFC has struggled to promote its 170-pound stars as effectively as those in other weight classes. Even when he faced Covington, one of the sport’s biggest trash-talkers, their fight at UFC 296 failed to generate massive PPV numbers.

This transition can also be seen in how quickly Arman Tsarukyan has been elevated after knocking out Beneil Dariush. His aggressive style and willingness to call out Makhachev have made him a more visible presence in the UFC’s future plans, despite not yet holding a title. If an up-and-coming lightweight contender can break into the rankings while a reigning welterweight champion is removed, it signals a clear shift in the UFC’s priorities.

What’s next for Leon Edwards?

Edwards’ next move will be critical in proving that he still belongs among the UFC’s elite. With contenders like Belal Muhammad waiting for their title shot and rising stars like Shavkat Rakhmonov climbing the ranks, Edwards needs a statement victory to force his way back into the P4P conversation.

A potential fight against Muhammad seems inevitable, but Edwards may need to do more than just win—he needs a performance that demands attention. Given the UFC’s apparent preference for dominant finishes and crossover appeal, he could also consider a superfight against Makhachev or a high-profile clash that boosts his marketability.

If Edwards remains content with calculated, methodical wins, he risks being permanently overlooked, no matter how skilled he is. But if he delivers a spectacular performance in his next outing, the UFC will have no choice but to put some respect back on his name.

What do you think is next for ‘Rocky’? Do you think the Birmingham-based Jamaican fighter will find his way back to title contention, or is that just a pipe dream at this point in his career? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.