Alexandre Pantoja jumps back into the UFC flyweight top‑three on June 23, 2026, after ESPN’s latest divisional rankings place him just behind champion Joshua Van and newcomer Manel Kape.
What triggered the ranking change?
On Saturday, June 22, 2026, Manel Kape delivered a fourth straight knockout, flattening Kyoji Horiguchi in Las Vegas. The decisive finish pushed Kape from No. 4 to No. 3 in the ESPN men’s flyweight list. With Kape’s ascent, the only fighters ahead of him are current champion Joshua Van and former champion Alexandre Pantoja, who re‑claims the third slot.
Why does Pantoja’s position matter?
Pantoja’s return to the top‑three revives talk of a rematch with Kape. Their last encounter in December 2025 ended abruptly when Pantoja suffered a dislocated elbow 26 seconds into the bout. The new ranking puts both athletes within striking distance of a title shot, and UFC matchmakers will likely weigh a fresh showdown to settle unfinished business.
How does the new ranking affect the flyweight division?
The shift reshapes the division’s hierarchy. Joshua Van remains the undisputed champion at No. 1, while Kape’s surge to No. 3 makes him the immediate challenger. Pantoja, now at No. 3, sits just behind Kape, meaning a win for either could catapult the victor into a title‑contending position. Meanwhile, Horiguchi drops to No. 6, reflecting the impact of his recent loss.
What’s next for Alexandre Pantoja?
Pantoja is expected to stay active to defend his ranking. UFC officials have indicated that fighters must compete within the past 12 months to remain eligible, and Pantoja’s last fight was in December 2025. A bout scheduled for later this summer, perhaps against a top‑five opponent, would solidify his spot and keep the rematch narrative alive.
How does this compare to other divisional moves?
The same event also shuffled the women’s bantamweight rankings: Luana Santos’ unanimous decision over Karol Rosa moved her to No. 7, while Rosa fell to No. 9. At light heavyweight, Jamahal Hill became ineligible after a year of inactivity, allowing Dustin Jacoby to claim the No. 10 slot. These adjustments underscore ESPN’s commitment to reflecting recent activity across all weight classes.
The rankings, effective June 23, 2026, will guide the UFC’s upcoming fight cards. For Alexandre Pantoja, staying in the top‑three means another chance to chase the flyweight crown and settle the lingering score with Manel Kape.