Welcome to the latest update of the MMA Hook pound-for-pound rankings, where our esteemed panel evaluates the best overall male and female MMA fighters in the world every month.
Following the action-packed UFC 291, we examine how recent events have impacted the global pound-for-pound landscape.
MEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND:
Notably absent from this month’s pound-for-pound list is Francis Ngannou. He has become ineligible for ranking after being inactive for 18 months, relinquishing his No. 7 spot. However, Ngannou’s focus is on his landmark PFL deal and a highly-anticipated boxing match against Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 28th. Ngannou aims to return to MMA and reclaim his pound-for-pound ranking in 2024. Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje made an impressive statement by defeating Dustin Poirier, solidifying his position among the top 15 fighters in the world.
Looking ahead, Sean O’Malley seeks to climb the pound-for-pound ranks when he challenges Aljamain Sterling for the UFC bantamweight title on August 19th at UFC 292. This bout could mark the beginning of “The Sugar Show” era or a continued reign for Sterling.
Recent results for ranked fighters: Chihiro Suzuki defeated No. 13 Patricio Pitbull, Justin Gaethje defeated No. 14 (tied) Dustin Poirier, No. 16 Alex Pereira defeated Jan Blachowicz.
Upcoming bout featuring ranked fighter: No. 6 Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley (UFC 292, Aug. 19).
Fighters also receiving votes: Vadim Nemkov (5), Robert Whittaker (5), Johnny Eblen (4), Merab Dvalishvili (2), Jamahal Hill (2), A.J. McKee (2), Magomed Ankalaev (1), Jan Blachowicz (1), Colby Covington (1), Patchy Mix (1), Belal Muhammad (1), Usman Nurmagomedov (1), Beneil Dariush (1).
WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND:
Mayra Bueno Silva made a significant impact by defeating Holly Holm in just over a minute, propelling herself into the top 10 of the pound-for-pound rankings. As one of the best female fighters globally, she brings a breath of fresh air to the women’s ranks. Upcoming fights featuring ranked fighters include Zhang Weili vs. Amanda Lemos, Larissa Pacheco vs. Olena Kolesnyk, and Jessica Andrade vs. Tatiana Suarez.
Recent results for ranked fighters: No. 17 Seika Izawa defeated Claire Lopez, Mayra Bueno Silva defeated No. 18 Holly Holm.
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 1 Zhang Weili vs. No. 20 Amanda Lemos (UFC 292, Aug. 19), No. 9 Larissa Pacheco vs. Olena Kolesnyk (PFL 8, Aug. 18), No. 12 Jessica Andrade vs. No. 14 (tied) Tatiana Suarez (UFC 292, Aug. 19).
Fighters also receiving votes: Holly Holm (3), Lauren Murphy (3), Ketlen Vieira (3), Katlyn Chookagian (2), Virna Jandiroba (2), Seo Hee Ham (1), Irene Aldana (1), Maycee Barber (1), Marina Rodriguez (1), Juliana Velasquez (1).
It’s essential to note that pound-for-pound rankings are subjective, and the debate around fighter positioning will always be open to interpretation.
As always, our eight-person voting panel determines the rankings, and fighters are removed if inactive for 18 months. In the case of retirement, the panel decides whether to immediately remove a fighter or maintain their position until further notice.
Remember, it’s all for discussion and fun, so feel free to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MMA pound-for-pound rankings
Question: What are the MMA Hook pound-for-pound rankings?
Answer: The MMA Hook pound-for-pound rankings are a monthly assessment by an eight-person panel to determine the best overall male and female MMA fighters in the world. These rankings provide insight into the current standing of fighters based on their recent performances and achievements.
Question: Why is Francis Ngannou absent from this month’s pound-for-pound list?
Answer: Francis Ngannou is ineligible for ranking due to crossing the 18-month threshold of inactivity. He has abdicated his No. 7 spot on the list. However, Ngannou’s focus is on other ventures, including a PFL deal and a boxing match against Tyson Fury. He plans to return to MMA in 2024 and reclaim his pound-for-pound ranking.
Question: How did Mayra Bueno Silva make an impact on the women’s pound-for-pound rankings?
Answer: Mayra Bueno Silva’s impressive victory over Holly Holm in a short time solidified her position in the top 10 of the pound-for-pound rankings. Her unbeaten record at 135 pounds and victory over a renowned opponent have brought her into the spotlight as one of the best female fighters globally.
Question: Who are the upcoming fighters to watch in the pound-for-pound rankings?
Answer: Fighters like Sean O’Malley, who will challenge Aljamain Sterling for the UFC bantamweight title, and Mayra Bueno Silva are among the rising stars to watch. Their performances in upcoming bouts could lead to significant leaps in the pound-for-pound rankings.
Question: How are fighters ranked, and what are the criteria for their removal?
Answer: The rankings are determined by an eight-person panel from MMA Hook. Fighters are assessed based on their recent performances, victories against other ranked fighters, and title defenses. If a fighter remains inactive for 18 months, they are removed from the rankings. In case of retirement, the panel decides whether to remove the fighter immediately or maintain their position temporarily.
More about MMA pound-for-pound rankings
- MMA Hook pound-for-pound rankings
- Francis Ngannou’s PFL deal
- UFC 292 event details
- Mayra Bueno Silva’s victory over Holly Holm
- Sean O’Malley’s challenge to Aljamain Sterling
4 comments
O’Malley vs Sterling, tht’s gonna b epic! ths is gona b a make-or-break 4 O’Malley. cant wait 4 UFC 292!
wht?! Ngannou’s outta the pound4pound list? Nuh uh! he’s a heavy hittin legend. hope he’s back soon!
Mayra Bueno Silva, man, she’s on fire! took down Holm in no time! lookin fwd 2 her nxt fight. women’s mma rckin it!
mma rankings r alwys tricky, but ths 1 seems prety legit. luv seein Justin Gaethje’s rise, dude’s a beast in the octagon!