As of February 2026, the UFC landscape has shifted significantly with several new champions and “double-champs” emerging. Popularity in the UFC is a mix of high-level skill (Pound-for-Pound rankings) and massive social media reach.

Here are the 25 most popular and influential UFC fighters right now, categorized by their current status in the promotion:

The “Superstars” (Elite Tier)

These fighters lead the pack in terms of pay-per-view draw and global recognition:

1. Ilia Topuria – The current Lightweight Champion and former Featherweight king. He is arguably the biggest star in the sport after becoming a two-division champion.

   2 Years Ago Today, Everyone Knew Who Ilia Topuria Was pic.twitter.com/uZGVR12pZI

   — UFC FIFTH ROUND (@UFCFIFTHROUND) February 17, 2026

2. Islam Makhachev – The current Welterweight Champion. He moved up and conquered a second division, cementing his spot as a global icon.

   Islam Makhachev shows off a slick sweep technique pic.twitter.com/6zCRMvlQUF

   — Best MMA Moments (@XcellentMMA) February 17, 2026

3. Khamzat Chimaev – The Middleweight Champion. Despite injury layoffs, “Borz” remains one of the most searched and discussed athletes in MMA.

   Strickland wins and immediately calls out Chimaev

   Sean Strickland got the victory at UFC Fight Night and didn’t waste a secondstraight into trash talk about Khamzat Chimaev.

   On video, you can see the tension building. Chimaev looks locked in and ready, like he’s been waiting… pic.twitter.com/5CPhTtVD4n

   — Lorenzo2K (@CryptoLorenzo2k) February 22, 2026

    

4. Alex Pereira – “Poatan” remains a massive fan favorite for his legendary “left hook” and frequent activity, even as he eyes a move to Heavyweight.

5. Sean O’Malley – Though he lost his belt to Petr Yan, “Suga” Sean remains the king of social media engagement and merchandising.

Suga Sean O’Malley pivoting to boxing, wants Zuffa to build him up from scratch 🥊

The former UFC bantamweight champ is offering himself as the crossover star Zuffa Boxing needs to break through.
O’Malley says – “Find me a 5-0 boxer – build me up slowly,” pic.twitter.com/OmEBCWot6M

— Visit NoSmokeBoxing.com 🥊 (@NoSmokeBoxing) February 12, 2026

The Current Champions

6. Tom Aspinall (Heavyweight Champion) – The face of UK MMA and the most dangerous man on the planet.

7. Alexander Volkanovski (Featherweight Champion) – Recently reclaimed his throne at UFC 325 and is considered a GOAT candidate.

   Alexander Volkanovski cooks for the team of workers helping set up solar panels on his farm 👨‍🌾🍲

   (Via Cooking with Volk) pic.twitter.com/aHOa23WR6m

   — Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 16, 2026

    

8. Petr Yan (Bantamweight Champion) – Re-ascended to the top of the division after a dominant 2025.

9. Joshua Van (Flyweight Champion) – A 24-year-old breakout star who shocked the world by taking the title from Alexandre Pantoja.

10. Valentina Shevchenko (Women’s Flyweight Champion) – Still the standard-bearer for women’s MMA.

    🖤🖤🖤 pic.twitter.com/Gp8TvfLKhO

    — Valentina The Bullet Shevchenko (@BulletValentina) February 14, 2026

11. Kayla Harrison (Women’s Bantamweight Champion) – The most dominant force in the women’s divisions.

12. Mackenzie Dern (Women’s Strawweight Champion) – A grappling specialist who captured gold and maintains a massive mainstream following.

UFC Champion Mackenzie Dern at the the beach 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/pxI3K6pHjl

— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) February 20, 2026

The Fan Favorites & Icons

13. Max Holloway – The BMF Champion. His popularity is timeless due to his “anyone, anywhere” attitude.

    Max Blessed Holloway 🌺 pic.twitter.com/7xyIrEG8AJ

    — REVOLUTION MMA (@RevolutionMMA_) February 22, 2026

14. Charles Oliveira – “Do Bronx” remains one of the most beloved fighters for his exciting finishing style.

15. Dustin Poirier – Still a massive draw and a pillar of the Lightweight division.

16. Justin Gaethje – The current Interim Lightweight Champion following his recent dominant win over Paddy Pimblett.

17. Paddy Pimblett – Despite recent losses, “The Baddy” remains a polarizing and high-profile figure.

18. Israel Adesanya – “The Last Stylebender” is still a massive name even as he nears the veteran stage of his career.

Who had better kickboxing Israel Adesanya or Alex Pereira? pic.twitter.com/Zfa1PGO8Oy

— MrTestoestrogen (@MrTestoestrogen) February 20, 2026

The “New Guard” & Top Contenders

19. Diego Lopes – The breakout star of 2024-2025, known for his wild hair and even wilder fighting style.

20. Jack Della Maddalena – A clinical striker who has become a national hero in Australia.

21. Michael Morales – The undefeated Ecuadorian “boogeyman” who has torn through the Welterweight rankings.

22. Umar Nurmagomedov – Carrying the torch for the Nurmagomedov legacy in the Bantamweight division.

23. Merab Dvalishvili – The cardio machine who remains a top-tier contender and viral personality.

24. Ian Machado Garry – A controversial but highly skilled contender who stays in the headlines.

25. Nassourdine Imavov – The leading face of French MMA, currently surging toward a Middleweight title shot.

Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili test their punch power

📸omarmontes#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/cIigPKTw1R

— The Combat Sport Poll Guy (@PollGuyUFC) February 17, 2026