Masvidal Steps Into the Role of UFC Star Scout
Jorge Masvidal may be away from the Octagon, but his eye for star power is still very much in the game. The former UFC welterweight headliner recently appeared on Deep Waters and was asked to name the five biggest stars in the UFC today. Despite being on a four-fight skid in the promotion and having since tested the waters in boxing against Nate Diaz, Masvidal continues to command respect as a veteran who understands what moves the needle. His answers were less about divisional rankings or pound-for-pound debates and more about global resonance, marketability and fan magnetism. In an era where titles and highlight reels compete with social media presence and international reach, Masvidal’s list offers a snapshot of where the UFC’s mainstream drawing power currently lies—and how it might shape the promotion’s future matchmaking and marketing.
Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira: The New Global Centerpieces
At the top of Masvidal’s UFC star rankings is Ilia Topuria, whom he confidently slots at No. 1. That choice underlines how quickly Topuria’s rise and championship status have translated into real buzz, especially coming off his success in the lightweight picture where he now holds undisputed gold. Masvidal follows with Alex “Poatan” Pereira in second place, praising him as a fighter whose appeal “doesn’t matter whether it’s Thailand or Japan” because, in his words, Pereira is an international star. The inclusion of both men suggests a transition from the era of long-reigning champions to explosive, crowd-pleasing finishers with crossover visibility. Their presence atop Masvidal’s list also dovetails with parallel debates—such as Dustin Poirier naming Topuria among the greatest lightweights ever—about how swiftly new champions can be elevated into all-time and superstar conversations.
Chimaev, Strickland and Oliveira: Polarizing Personalities and National Icons
Rounding out Masvidal’s “Jorge Masvidal top fighters” in terms of star power are Khamzat Chimaev, Sean Strickland and Charles Oliveira. Masvidal calls Chimaev a “huge star worldwide,” reflecting the Chechen-born contender’s aura of danger and the intrigue around his unbeaten run in the UFC. The real curveball is Sean Strickland at No. 4. Masvidal predicts that especially after his next fight, Strickland’s unique blend of love–him-or-hate–him trash talk and relentless pace will vault him even higher in public visibility. At No. 5 sits Charles Oliveira, whom Masvidal credits as being “so famous worldwide” and carrying “the whole Brazil on his back.” That framing emphasizes Oliveira’s status not only as a former champion but also as a national hero, illustrating how regional fandom and polarizing personalities both factor heavily into modern MMA analysis of star power.
How Masvidal’s Rankings Reflect the UFC’s Shifting Landscape
Masvidal’s UFC star rankings highlight a promotion in transition. His list leans toward current or recent champions and title contenders rather than legacy names, signalling that today’s market is driven by recency, finishing ability and emotional storylines. Fighters like Topuria and Pereira embody a new archetype: globally marketable champions who win violently and carry strong cultural or national identities. Chimaev and Strickland, meanwhile, capitalize on controversy and personality as much as performance. Oliveira bridges eras, respected both for his record and his connection to Brazilian fans. Viewed alongside Dustin Poirier’s own highly debated lightweight all-time list—which omitted big names like Oliveira and Tony Ferguson—Masvidal’s picks reveal how subjective star and greatness discussions have become. They are less about clean résumés and more about who captures imagination right now, guiding how the UFC may stack cards and push narratives in the near future.
Fan Reactions and the Ongoing Debate Over UFC Stardom
As with any high-profile MMA analysis, Masvidal’s rankings immediately sparked conversation. Some fans applauded his focus on current momentum, agreeing that Topuria and Pereira feel like the faces of a new UFC era. Others questioned omissions of traditional pay-per-view giants and long-time champions, arguing that Masvidal’s criteria skew too heavily toward recent success and social buzz. The selection of Strickland, in particular, drew mixed reactions, with supporters citing his headline-making personality and critics claiming his star power is still emerging. Masvidal’s recognition of Oliveira’s worldwide fanbase resonated strongly, especially among Brazilian audiences. When placed next to Poirier’s controversial all-time lightweight list—where inclusions like Topuria and omissions like Oliveira fueled heated debate—Masvidal’s picks further prove that there is no consensus formula for what makes a UFC star. Instead, the discourse itself keeps fans engaged between fight nights.