New MMA Rankings: Tsarukyan and Shevchenko Rise as Oliveira and O’Malley Exit Top 10

Arman Tsarukyan and Valentina Shevchenko have officially entered the top 10 of the updated mixed martial arts pound-for-pound rankings. The shift, recorded in the October 2026 update, highlights a significant movement within the sport’s elite as new contenders displace long-standing veterans.

Tsarukyan’s ascent into the top tier follows a consistent run of dominance in the lightweight division. Previously ranked at #14 earlier in the 2024-2025 cycle, the 28-year-old has established himself as the consensus top contender for the 155-pound title. His move into the top 10 signals a transition in the division, emphasizing his standing as one of the most effective fighters across all weight classes.

Rising contenders are capitalizing on high-stakes opportunities to secure their spots in the elite rankings.

The women’s flyweight division also saw a notable change as Valentina Shevchenko—often referred to as “Van” in shorthand ranking notes—solidified her position in the top 10. Her inclusion reinforces the current strength of the 125-pound category, which is currently defined by a competitive trio at the top, including Shevchenko, Alexa Grasso, and Manon Fiorot. Analysis of the update suggests that her recent technical performances have reaffirmed her status as an enduring force in the pound-for-pound discussion.

The arrival of Tsarukyan and Shevchenko has resulted in the departure of two prominent former champions. Sean O’Malley and Charles Oliveira have both dropped out of the top 10. O’Malley’s exit follows recent shifts in the bantamweight landscape, while Oliveira, a long-time fixture of these lists, has slipped following a period of divisional realignment. According to reports from Boxing News, these changes reflect the high volatility of the current rankings as active contenders capitalize on high-stakes opportunities.

While the upper echelon of the pound-for-pound list continues to be led by champions such as Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones, the bottom half remains in flux. The rise of Tsarukyan and Shevchenko underscores a broader generational shift, where the dominance of established legends is increasingly being challenged by rising stars approaching their athletic primes.

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