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BIOGRAPHY
The comprehensive register of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters, their pertinent information, country of origin, recent fighter signings and exits, battle plans and outcomes, and division champions is collectively referred to as the “list of current UFC fighters”. Last updated on the 28th of September, 2024, this list comprises fighters hailing from 79 different countries.
Essential to note is that numerous fighters over the past month have either announced their retirement or been dismissed from their UFC contracts. Fighters absent from the list, with no official announcements of their release, are considered as discharged based on their omission from the UFC roster.
Within this broad index of fighters, some have recently signed the UFC contracts but are yet to make their debut. Others may have recently rescinded their retirement announcements or might still be gearing up for their UFC return.
An important part of this record involves UFC fighters who faced suspensions from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), or Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD). The reasons for the suspensions could either be the consumption of forbidden substances, non-analytical misdemeanours, misconduct during fights or at the event venues, or by the UFC itself. By May 16, 2019, the UFC USADA testing program had sanctioned a total of 76 UFC Fighters.
Since January 2024, the UFC incorporated a new partner to their team – Drug Free Sport International. This entity notably deals with the anti-doping programs of significant sports institutions such as the NCAA, MLB, NFL, and NBA. The administration of the UFC Anti-Doping Program, which includes sanctioning decisions, is independently and exclusively managed by CSAD. Retired FBI Agent George Piro comes on board as the independent administrator of the UFC’s anti-doping program.
The flagicons visible in the UFC’s tables align with the UFC’s official broadcasts. However, it’s essential to remember that these might not comprehensively detail the fighters’ citizenship. As of November 5, 2024, the list reflects updates post the UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi event.
The UFC takes its ranking system seriously. A panel formed of MMA media members ranks the top active fighters in the UFC according to both weight classes and pound-for-pound. It’s interesting to note that a fighter can be ranked across multiple divisions if they’ve competed in them. The champions and interim champions occupy the top positions of their respective weight classes.
The UFC platform rigorously records and updates its fighters’ rankings using data from the UFC’s website or, alternatively, the UFC’s official app if the website isn’t updated. The rankings were last updated on November 5, 2024, after the UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi event.
The UFC currently hosts nine different weight classes. The most recent list reflecting the champions of these classes was updated on October 26, 2024, after UFC 308.
There have been instances when fighters have faced penalization outside the ambit of doping. For example, on October 9, 2024, a yet-to-be-charged arrest happened at Huntington Beach, California, for the alleged misdemeanor battery involving Mackenzie Dern’s former spouse Wesley Santos. Another incident occurred on June 25, 2024, when a UFC fighter, Tsarukyan, tried to punch a fan at UFC 300. This misconduct led the NSAC to levy a fine of $25,000 and impose a nine-month suspension on Tsarukyan.