UFC Overhauls Rankings With Algorithm-Based System, Dropping Media Vote

The UFC has introduced a new algorithmic rankings system that replaces the long-standing media panel vote. Under the new model, wins and the quality of opposition account for 95% of a fighter's ranking, with early finishes providing a small bonus boost, while decisions offer no such advantage. Fighters can move multiple spots at once, inactivity penalties begin after 18 months without a fight, and the value of a win fades after five years before becoming fully obsolete after ten. The system eliminates the pound-for-pound ranking and will rank fighters beyond the top 15, with the previous media-vote rankings maintained in parallel during the transition period.