UFC Seattle: Analyzing the Top Performances at Climate Pledge Arena

The UFC Fight Night in Seattle, held at the Climate Pledge Arena, delivered a night of thrilling bouts for the spectators. We present our power rankings for the main winners of this spectacular event.

UFC Seattle Winners Power Rankings

Alexa Grasso

Former flyweight champion Alexa Grasso decisively ended a two-fight losing streak with one of the most impressive finishes of 2026. She knocked out Maycee Barber after a powerful strike, immediately transitioning to a rear-naked choke. Although Barber lost consciousness from the punch and the referee's intervention was timely, Barber's prolonged state of unresponsiveness looked quite alarming. Nevertheless, this does not diminish Grasso's outstanding performance, as she confirmed her status as a serious contender for the title. She made it clear that a fully fit Grasso is a completely different fighter. Grasso's next fight, whether for the title or a title eliminator, promises to be significant, and she expressed a desire to compete in her hometown of Guadalajara.

Joe Pyfer

From a promising Contender Series hopeful, Joe Pyfer has rapidly ascended into the elite of the UFC's middleweight division. At Saturday's event, "Bodybagz" sensationally TKO'd former two-time champion Israel Adesanya in the second round of the main event. His punching power was well-known, but his overall MMA game may have been underestimated. That will change after this performance, where he overcame Adesanya's slicker and more accurate striking with sheer toughness, knockout power, and dominant ground control, eventually taking the former champion to the canvas and finishing him with ground and pound. Pyfer is undoubtedly headed for a major next fight, and a potential matchup with former champion Dricus Du Plessis this summer promises to be an absolute slugfest.

Terrance McKinney

It seems there are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and Terrance McKinney's fights not extending beyond the first round. Only four of his 26 career bouts have gone past five minutes, and each of his last 14 victories came in the first round. The latest occurred on Saturday night when he blasted through Kyle Nelson in just 24 seconds for his ninth career knockout. McKinney's all-gas, no-brakes approach makes him an exciting addition to any fight card, but his exact standing in the UFC's lightweight division remains unclear. When he's on, he's nearly unstoppable. However, as seen in his fights against Chris Duncan and Esteban Ribovics, he can also be vulnerable. Therefore, when McKinney fights, the advice is simple: don't blink!

Lerryan Douglas

Brazilian Lerryan Douglas had a memorable UFC debut, securing a statement stoppage victory over a seasoned veteran to kick off his promotional career in style. Douglas needed less than a round to finish Julian Erosa with strikes, announcing his arrival in the talent-stacked UFC featherweight division, showcasing his powerful striking technique. It was a brilliant debut for the Contender Series graduate. At 30 years old, the former LFA champion is likely keen to climb the 145-pound ranks as swiftly as possible.

Yousri Belgaroui

In another week, Yousri Belgaroui's sophomore UFC appearance might have earned him a higher spot in our Power Rankings and potentially a $100,000 UFC bonus. The Tunisian-Dutch striker made a significant impression in Seattle, engaging in a back-and-forth battle with the previously undefeated and highly-regarded Mansur Abdul-Malik before eventually breaking him down and finishing him with strikes in the third round. Belgaroui's calm and composed demeanor in the intense heat of the Octagon stood out as he effectively utilized his world-class kickboxing skills to secure a TKO victory midway through the final round. Third-round finishes seem to be his recent specialty – he earned his UFC contract with a third-round TKO on Dana White's Contender Series, then stopped Azamat Bekoev with strikes in Round 3 in his UFC debut last October. Now he has added another third-round stoppage with his finish of Abdul-Malik, demonstrating that after trading kickboxing gloves for MMA gloves, he is just as dangerous in his new sport.

Michael Chiesa

Finally, Michael Chiesa concluded his fighting career with a first-round submission victory over Niko Price using his signature rear-naked choke. Chiesa was simply too dominant for Price, quickly taking the fight to the canvas. Once there, he needed very little time to take "The Hybrid's" back and secure the RNC for the win. It was a perfect send-off for an emotional Chiesa, who closed this chapter of his career in his home state, surrounded by friends and family, including his mother, in the stands. However, this is not the last we will see of Chiesa. The Spokane Valley native has already established himself as a lead analyst for UFC BJJ, and he is sure to be part of other UFC broadcasts in the months and years ahead.