Most Underrated UFC Fighters in Every Division

“Underrated” is a word that gets tossed around in MMA almost as often as “GOAT.” However, when you dig into the UFC’s top 15 rankings, you start to see who isn’t getting the credit they deserve. Whether it’s due to quiet win streaks, tough losses against elite competition, or simply flying under the radar, some fighters are much better than people realize. After diving deep into each division, I’ve picked out names that I believe are truly underrated — and could be on the verge of big things. Here are the fighters that fans and analysts should start paying closer attention to.

Flyweight: Brandon Royval

Brandon Royval remains one of the most underrated fighters in the UFC’s Flyweight division. Holding a 7-3 record with two of those losses coming against current champion Alexandre Pantoja, he’s proven he belongs among the elite. Royval’s relentless pace, slick submissions, and unpredictable striking make him a threat to anyone at 125 pounds. Despite being the underdog in his upcoming fight against Manel Kape, many believe he has a strong chance to pull off the upset. His ability to thrive in chaos and capitalize on small openings makes him a nightmare matchup for more structured fighters. A win here could finally earn Royval the respect he deserves in the title picture.

Bantamweight: Montel Jackson

Montel Jackson is quietly becoming a serious threat in the UFC’s stacked Bantamweight division. With an impressive 8-2 record in the promotion and a spot at #15 in the rankings, it’s surprising how many fans still don’t know his name. Jackson is in his prime, boasting a well-rounded skill set and heavy hands that have finished multiple opponents. He’s set to face the undefeated Daniel Marcos next month, and many believe Jackson has all the tools to hand Marcos his first loss. A win could position him for a breakout moment and a much bigger fight later this year. If he keeps this momentum, it won't be long before people start giving him the respect he's earned.

Featherweight: Arnold Allen

Arnold Allen is another criminally underrated name in the Featherweight division. He started his UFC career with an impressive 10-0 run and now sits at 11-2, with his only losses coming to former champion Max Holloway and the undefeated Movsar Evloev—a razor-close fight that many thought Allen won. Known for his crisp boxing, grit, and willingness to engage in a dog fight, Allen is in his prime and still improving. Despite flying under the radar at times, he has all the tools to make another run at the top. With a little momentum, Allen could easily find himself back in the top five and back in the title conversation before long.

Lightweight: Max Holloway

While Max Holloway is a household name in MMA, his potential as a lightweight contender is being seriously overlooked. After a highlight-reel knockout win over Justin Gaethje for the BMF title, Holloway reminded everyone that he’s still in his prime and possesses some of the slickest hands in the sport. Despite that, many have stopped including him in championship conversations—likely due to recent setbacks and the depth of the division. However, if Holloway strings together two strong performances, he could be right back in the title picture at 155. He’s proven he can hang with the best, and his relentless pace, elite striking, and championship experience make him a dangerous matchup for anyone. Don’t be surprised if his next fight is a massive one.

Welterweight: Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman may not be underrated in the traditional sense, but he’s been forgotten in the current Welterweight title picture. After three consecutive losses, some have written him off—but a closer look tells a different story. He was winning the first fight against Leon Edwards until the shocking last-second knockout, lost a razor-close decision in the rematch, and took the Khamzat Chimaev fight on short notice—about many believe he won. Usman is still one of the most well-rounded, experienced, and mentally tough fighters in the game. If he can put together just two solid wins, there’s no doubt he’ll be right back in line for a title shot before he calls it a career.

Middleweight: Anthony Hernandez

Anthony Hernandez is one of the most underrated rising forces in the UFC’s Middleweight division. Sporting an 8-2 record and riding a seven-fight win streak, he's quietly built an impressive resume while flying under the radar. Hernandez is in his prime and brings relentless cardio, suffocating wrestling, and vicious ground-and-pound to every fight—backed by an undeniable will to win. Despite his momentum, he’s still being overlooked when it comes to high-profile matchups and top contender talks. However, don’t be surprised if he storms through the rankings and finds himself in the title mix within the next year. He’s a serious problem for anyone standing across from him.

Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov

Azamat Murzakanov is an undefeated powerhouse who isn’t getting nearly enough attention in the UFC’s Light Heavyweight division. At 4-0 in the UFC and 14-0 overall, he’s proven himself to be a dangerous, fan-friendly fighter with heavy hands and a relentless, come-forward style. Murzakanov is quietly climbing the rankings and now faces Johnny Walker—a high-risk, high-reward matchup against a fighter whose chin has shown signs of vulnerability. If Azamat can deliver a statement knockout, he could find himself just one big win away from a title shot. With his momentum and knockout power, he’s a dark horse that could shake up the division in a major way.

Heavyweight: Jailton Almedia

Jailton Almeida is one of the most effective—and overlooked—contenders in the Heavyweight division. Sitting at 8-1 in the UFC, his grappling-heavy style may not win over casual fans, but it wins fights, and that’s all he cares about. After his loss to Curtis Blaydes, many were quick to count him out, but it’s worth noting that he dominated the first round and only got caught in the second. Since then, Almeida has bounced back in a big way with two dominant first-round finishes, reminding everyone of his elite cardio and relentless ground game. He’s not far from a major fight, and with his pace and mindset, he’s a serious threat to anyone in the top five. Jailton is here to win—and he’s proving it one smothering performance at a time.

Women's Strawweight: Gillian Robertson

Gillian Robertson has quietly become a true contender in the Women’s Strawweight division. With a 12-6 UFC record and five wins in her last six, she’s put together one of the most quietly consistent runs in the division. Her relentless grappling, top-tier cardio, and slick submission game make her a nightmare matchup—especially for strikers who struggle on the ground. She’s set to face Marina Rodriguez next, a dangerous opponent but one who has historically had trouble with grapplers. If Robertson can impose her will and secure a dominant win, she could find herself just a few victories away from being a serious name in the title mix. Don’t sleep on her—she’s coming with grit, pressure, and momentum.

Women’s Flyweight: Maycee Barber

Maycee Barber might be young, but she’s already making veteran moves in the UFC’s Flyweight division. At just 26 years old, she’s 9-2 in the promotion and currently riding a six-fight win streak, steadily climbing her way toward the top. Barber is skilled everywhere, but what sets her apart is her grit, drive, and constant improvement—every time she steps into the cage, she looks sharper than the last. She has a massive test ahead in Erin Blanchfield next month, and a win there would launch her directly into the title conversation. With her momentum, mindset, and evolving skill set, Maycee is a real threat to shake up the top of the division.

Women’s Bantamweight: Norma Dumont

Norma Dumont is quietly putting together one of the strongest streaks in the Women’s Bantamweight division. Fresh off a dominant win over Irene Aldana, she’s now riding a five-fight win streak and steadily building her case as a legitimate contender. While all five of those victories have come by decision, it speaks to her calculated, well-rounded style and her focus on winning above all else. Dumont is skilled wherever the fight goes—on the feet, in the clinch, or on the mat—and she continues to show fight IQ and composure against tough competition. With one or two more big wins, she could force her way into title conversations and finally get the recognition she deserves.