UFC rankings update: Prates jumps to #2, Garry takes #1 at welterweight

The UFC released its latest divisional rankings on May 5, 2026, producing notable movement at welterweight and ripples across both the lightweight and heavyweight divisions.

The welterweight picture saw the most dramatic reshaping. Ian Garry ascended to the number one contender spot, while Carlos "The Nightmare" Prates surged to second place. Jack Della Maddalena, meanwhile, slipped from a higher position down to fourth. The 32-year-old Brazilian Prates, who competes out of Vale Top Team, carries a 24-7 record and has drawn attention for his 55 percent striking accuracy — among the sharper numbers in the division. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, the switch-stance striker gives opponents a difficult read at distance. Della Maddalena, the 29-year-old Australian from Scrappy MMA, holds an 18-4 record and remains one of the division's most active offensive threats, averaging 5.57 significant strikes landed per minute. He also holds a pound-for-pound ranking of 13th despite the positional slide.

In the lightweight division, Quillan Salcido broke into the top 15, while Beneil Dariush fell to 14th place. The 37-year-old American southpaw from Kings MMA carries a 23-8-1 record and a career that includes solid grappling volume — 2.11 takedowns per 15 minutes — alongside nearly four significant strikes landed per minute. At heavyweight, Brendo Perichic entered the top 15 for the first time.

Why it matters

• Garry at number one puts him firmly in line for a welterweight title shot, raising the stakes of his next booking
• Prates climbing to second despite holding the fifth-ranked slot suggests the rankings reflect performance trajectory as much as raw position
• Dariush's continued slide at 37 raises questions about his path back toward lightweight contention
• Perichic's heavyweight debut in the rankings signals a new name the division will need to account for