The UFC rankings remain largely stable with champions like Merab Dvalishvili and Alex Pereira defending titles, while upcoming fights and potential weight class changes, including Pereira's possible move to heavyweight, are shaping the division landscape for 2026 amidst ongoing chaos and uncertainty.
Sean O'Malley plans to return to UFC competition around December after a recent loss at UFC 316 to Merab Dvalishvili, with potential consideration of moving up to featherweight, where he could face top contenders like Alexander Volkanovski or Yair Rodriguez. Despite setbacks, O'Malley remains focused on future marquee fights and is not ruling out a move to featherweight.