While the world of mixed martial arts lies in wait for the fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes at UFC 314, the featherweight realm experienced a major change in the rankings. Of course, it all happened because of the performance that Lerone Murphy showcased against Josh Emmett at UFC Vegas 105. With Ilia Topuria almost on the verge of becoming the ex-featherweight champ, what exactly has the division gone through this week? 

The famed mixed martial arts reporter, John Morgan, took to X on 8 April 2025 and revealed the one change in the UFC athlete rankings after the events of UFC Vegas 105. He shared a still image from the fight between Emmett and Murphy, where the Britisher’s left fist connected with his opponent’s face. But how did the fight affect their rankings? 

With the latest win, ‘The Miracle’ extended his undefeated streak to 16 wins. And with that, he jumped two spots in the featherweight rankings and landing in the 8th position. Yes, that’s the spot just above the former bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling. Meanwhile, Emmett, with three losses in his last four fights, dropped down from the 8th position to the 10th. After giving the update regarding the featherweight rankings, Morgan wrote, “It’s the only update of this week’s rankings.”

Now, we’ll move our focus to the lightweight category. Specifically towards Ilia Topuria. After moving to the lightweight division, what does the future hold for the soon-to-be featherweight championship title holder? Let’s take a look.

What does the future hold for Ilia Topuria?

The main motive for ‘La Leyenda’ to move up in the weight class was his dream of becoming a two-division champion. With his eyes set on fighting Islam Makhachev, the Spanish fighter has been targeting the Dagestani champion for ages now. Talking to the media at Wow press conference, Topuria said, “I could’ve done it another way like, ‘I’m going to wait until they send a contract to sign, then I’ll vacate the title…’ Everything they’ve promised me, they fulfilled.”

But is the Spaniard really going to fight Makhachev for the lightweight championship title next? Well, even he seemed unsure of that. Topuria said, “I have no idea (who’s next). I’d like to tell you otherwise, but I’m also with that doubt, I do not know when it’s going to happen… The only thing I know is that I’m preparing myself, I’m ready for any opportunity that appears, so what Dana White and the whole UFC team decides, I’ll be there to do my part.”

Dana White also abided by the mystery when he claimed that the team would announce Topuria’s future when they get things done. For now, we all eyes are on the battle between ‘The Great’ and Lopes at UFC 314. After all, that will decide the future of the featherweight division. 

What do you think of the newest rankings in the featherweight realm? Do you think Topuria can make an impact in the lightweight category? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.