Ilia Topuria’s knockout victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308 has set off discussions about where the featherweight champion belongs on the MMA pound-for-pound list. In *Uncrowned’s* inaugural pound-for-pound rankings, Topuria landed in the No. 3 spot, with only lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira ranked higher. 

Topuria’s win over Holloway was not only a highlight reel moment but also a demonstration of his rising dominance. Known for his precision and power, “El Matador” scored a third-round knockout that will likely be remembered as one of the year’s best. Following recent wins over former champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway—two of the most revered fighters in the featherweight division—Topuria’s trajectory in the rankings seems justified. His back-to-back victories over Volkanovski, who had never been defeated at featherweight, and Holloway, who had never been knocked out, make a strong case for his high placement on the pound-for-pound list.

However, the journey to the No. 1 spot is still challenging. Currently at the top of *Uncrowned’s* pound-for-pound rankings is Islam Makhachev, whose 14-fight win streak includes victories over elite fighters like Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier. Following Makhachev is Alex Pereira, the light heavyweight champion, who has been lauded for stepping in at UFC 300 to face Jiri Prochazka and later filling in for an injured Conor McGregor. 

Topuria’s impressive win over Holloway fuels debate on his potential to dethrone Makhachev or Pereira. His knockout has added a new layer to his credentials, with a seven-member panel considering each fighter’s recent achievements and career momentum. Other fighters making waves include Merab Dvalishvili, Jon Jones, and Tom Aspinall, each ranked within the men’s top 10 for their recent performances and title defenses.

On the women’s side, Valentina Shevchenko sits at No. 1 following her decisive trilogy win over Alexa Grasso at UFC 306. Close behind her are Zhang Weili, Cris Cyborg, and Kayla Harrison, all of whom have recently proven their staying power through dominant performances.

Topuria’s win over Holloway has solidified his place as a top-three pound-for-pound fighter, and his upcoming bouts will likely determine if he can climb even further. The young featherweight champion’s blend of technique, power, and resilience has made him a serious contender not only in his division but across the entire MMA spectrum.