The latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, updated June 30, feature notable movement for Rafael Fiziev and Liz Carmouche. Both fighters climbed in their respective divisional standings following recent performances.
The latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie divisional rankings, published June 30, show upward movement for lightweight Rafael Fiziev and flyweight contender Liz Carmouche following recent performances inside the octagon.
Fiziev, the 33-year-old Kazakhstani known as "Ataman," checks in at number seven in the lightweight division with a professional record of 14-5. Training out of Tiger Muay Thai, the switch-stance striker is one of the more dangerous volume fighters in the 155-pound class, landing 4.71 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy. He stands five-foot-eight with a 71-inch reach and has built his reputation almost entirely on his striking, averaging virtually no submission attempts across his career.
Carmouche, the 42-year-old American veteran fighting out of The Arena, improved her standing in the women's flyweight division after posting a record of 13-7. Nicknamed "Girlrilla," she brings a well-rounded game to the cage, landing 2.78 significant strikes per minute at an efficient 54 percent accuracy while also threatening with 2.57 takedown attempts per 15 minutes. The orthodox striker stands five-foot-six with a 66-inch reach and remains one of the more durable and experienced competitors in the women's game at her age.
Why it matters
- Fiziev's climb at lightweight keeps him in range of the top five in one of the UFC's deepest divisions
- Carmouche's continued ranking presence at 42 underscores her longevity and competitive relevance in women's flyweight
- Both fighters entering the second half of 2026 with momentum could position them for higher-profile matchups as the rankings continue to shift
