Title: Shifting UFC Rankings: Top Moves Following UFC 311 Outcomes
Merab Dvalishvili's triumphant defense of his UFC bantamweight title at UFC 311 on January 18 was nothing short of spectacular. His cardio, takedowns, and tenacity left everyone in awe. If virtual fighter games like EA UFC 5 ever create an Alter Ego version of Dvalishvili, he should boast a staggering 100 stamina and every perk associated with cardio in the game. Dvalishvili's impressive performance deservedly pushed him up two spots in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings, landing him at No. 5. He now trails only UFC lightweight champion and UFC 311 main event winner Islam Makhachev, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, and UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria [1].
Dvalishvili's opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov, unfortunately suffered a unanimous decision loss, dropping him to No. 3 in the rankings. Among the others who experienced shifts following UFC 311 and some retirements, noteworthy mentions include Benoit Saint Denis and Paddy Pimblett. Despite being idle, Saint Denis slipped two spots in the lightweight rankings, from No. 12 to No. 14. Pimblett, on the other hand, rose to No. 12, thanks to his attempt to choke a man unconscious in the gym [1].
Jamahal Hill's loss to Jiri Prochazka at UFC 311 moved him down to No. 4 in the light heavyweight rankings, placing him below the soon-to-return former champion Jan Blachowicz [1]. Interestingly, Ailin Perez, who defeated Rosa via unanimous decision at UFC 311, jumped two spots in the women's bantamweight rankings, from No. 13 to No. 11. However, she remains below Karol Rosa, who remains at No. 8 [1].
The unexpected occurrence of Rosa staying below Perez, despite defeating her, has left many questioning the UFC rankings. Although Rosa has lost two of her last three fights, it continues to be a topic of conversation due to her failure to climb past Perez in the rankings [1].
Former women's bantamweight champion Holly Holm's unconditional release from the UFC paved the way for the new No. 15 fighter in the division, Nora Cornolle. The women's bantamweight division is currently the weakest division in the UFC [1].
Looking Ahead for the UFC
Unfortunately, there are no UFC events scheduled for this weekend, so we can expect no movement in the rankings until the first week of February. The UFC's return to action will take place on February 1, 2025, with a card from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Headlined by Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov, the event promises several high-profile fights [2]. Some of these fights include Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Michael Page, Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Sergei Pavlovich, and Vinicius Oliveira vs. Said Nurmagomedov [2].
- MMA Fighting
- Sherdog
UFC news has reported Kamaru Usman's continued dominance in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, maintaining his position at No. 1. (ufc news, UFC)
Ailin Perez's impressive victory over Rosa at UFC 311 has improved her standing in the UFC rankings, moving her up two spots to No. 9 in the women's bantamweight division. (ailin perez, UFC rankings)
Merab Dvalishvili's recent victory has not only earned him a placing in the UFC's top five pound-for-pound fighters but has also led to speculation about a potential inclusion of him in the virtual fighter game UFC 5. (ufc, Merab dvalishvili, ufc 5)
