Stats
BIOGRAPHY
This detailed account of the current roster of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters as of 28 September 2024[update] incorporates various aspects of these athletes’ information, including their national origins, recent changes in the UFC roster, upcoming fight schedules, results of recent matches and the reigning champions in each weight division. The diverse roster comprises fighters from 79 different countries across the globe, reflecting the global popularity of the mixed martial arts combat sport promoted by UFC.
As per the updates, various fighters have either publicly declared their retirement or have had their UFC contracts annulled within the last month. If the UFC has not officially declared their departure, then the removal of these fighters from the roster is what signifies their departure from the UFC. Furthermore, several fighters have either signed new contracts with the UFC and are awaiting their first match, have recently returned from retirement and are yet to make their UFC comeback, or have yet to return to the UFC arena.
The UFC has stringent anti-doping policies in place, and any violation leads to immediate suspension. The suspensions mentioned in this account are based on fighters who have been sanctioned either by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) or Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) due to violation of using prohibited substances or non-analytical incidents, or for misbehavior during the matches or at the event venues.
Moreover, it includes those suspended by the UFC itself. As of May 16, 2019, a total of 76 UFC fighters faced sanctions from USADA since the inception of the UFC USADA testing program.[38] There were considerable changes in the anti-doping program come January 2024, when the UFC announced a significant partnership with Drug Free Sport International – a company that handles the anti-doping programs for NCAA, MLB, NFL, and NBA. As part of this arrangement, the UFC Anti-Doping Program’s administration and sanctioning decisions will be dealt with by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) independently. The well-known ex-FBI agent George Piro was chosen to serve as the independent administrator for the UFC’s anti-doping program.[39]
Coming to the fighters’ nationalities represented in these tables, it should be noted that they are in sync with the UFC’s official telecasts and may not always accurately portray the full citizenship of the fighters included. This record was last updated on November 5, 2024 after UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi.
When it comes to the UFC rankings, the ratings are determined by a panel consisting of MMA media members. They cast their votes for the top active fighters in the UFC based on both the weight class and pound-for-pound categories. It’s worth mentioning that a fighter can be ranked in multiple divisions simultaneously if they have competed in those divisions. Only the reigning champions and interim champions secure the top spots of their respective weight classes and are eligible to be voted for in the pound-for-pound rankings.
The UFC currently includes nine different weight classes.[44][45] As of October 26, 2024 – after UFC 308 – the current champions in each category were updated.
Nevertheless, instances of misconduct and penalties are also part and parcel of any sport, including UFC. In a recent case dated October 9, 2024, an arrest was made in Huntington Beach, California for alleged misdemeanor battery involving Mackenzie Dern’s ex-husband Wesley Santos. The person arrested was not yet charged.[127] In another case that took place on June 25, 2024, after attempting to punch a fan at UFC 300, the NSAC fined Tsarukyan $25,000 and suspended him for nine months, allowing him to compete again on January 12, 2025. However, this term could be reduced to six months if Tsarukyan issues an NSAC-approved anti-bullying public service announcement.[193]
Despite ups and downs, controversies and victories, the UFC continues to be a home of the world’s best fighters. Their journey is a testament to the strength, discipline, and dedication required to compete in the highest level of mixed martial arts.