Silva Cracks Top 10 After UFC Flyweight Title Win

Natalia Silva has broken into ESPN's pound-for-pound top 10 following her UFC women's flyweight title victory, becoming the first fighter to crack the prestigious list in 2025.

Silva's championship win earned her a spot among the sport's elite in ESPN's latest rankings update, per the outlet's voting panel. The Brazilian's technical striking and dominant championship performance pushed her past several established names in the voting.

Silva's Path To Pound-For-Pound Recognition

The 27-year-old's rise comes after a string of high-level victories that culminated in capturing 125-pound gold. ESPN's panel rewarded Silva's championship-level performances with her first appearance on a list that typically sees minimal movement among its top-ranked fighters.

Silva joins a pound-for-pound top 10 that includes reigning champions across multiple weight classes. The rankings measure a fighter's skills independent of weight divisions, making inclusion a mark of technical excellence rather than pure dominance in a single class.

Silva defends her flyweight title next at a date yet to be announced by the UFC.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — MMA pound-for-pound rankings: Natalia Silva steps up, stands out from crowd