In the ever-evolving world of MMA, ranking the top fighters is a challenging task. However, the MMA Hook Global Rankings aims to provide the most comprehensive and definitive list of the best fighters across all divisions. Let’s delve into the major storylines from the recent rankings cycle (May 8 – July 9).
A Rising Middleweight Powerhouse
The landscape of the 185-pound division has drastically changed. Among the active fighters in the middleweight top 15, one result stood out as the most significant. At UFC 290, Dricus Du Plessis shocked the world by becoming the first middleweight other than Israel Adesanya to defeat Robert Whittaker since 2014. Du Plessis’s thunderous victory propelled him from the 8th spot to the 2nd spot in the rankings. Now, a highly anticipated showdown with Adesanya awaits, and their post-fight faceoff hinted at a fierce rivalry in the making.
Flyweight Chaos
The flyweight division has been characterized by constant volatility in recent years, and this trend continued in the past rankings cycle. Alexandre Pantoja’s electrifying win over Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 marked the fourth consecutive time the UFC’s 125-pound title changed hands without a successful defense. Alongside Pantoja’s triumph, Amir Albazi’s controversial victory over Kai Kara-France and Stephen Erceg’s upset of David Dvorak further contributed to the upheaval. Despite the chaos, Demetrious Johnson reclaimed the top spot in the rankings, but how long can he retain it this time?
The Dawn of a New Era at Women’s Bantamweight
With Amanda Nunes enjoying her retirement, the women’s bantamweight division finds itself in a state of disarray. The absence of the division’s greatest of all time has left our eight-person voting panel uncertain about the new landscape. Contenders such as Julianna Pena, Holly Holm, and Raquel Pennington have all garnered consideration for the vacant crown, receiving first-place votes. Until the UFC charts its course for the division, we might witness a new normal in this post-Nunes world.
For detailed rankings across all weight classes, please refer to the complete July rankings update below.
[Rankings for each weight class are listed with recent results and upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters.]
Note: The rankings are compiled by an eight-person voting panel consisting of MMA Hook’s Shaun Al-Shatti, Alexander K. Lee, Guilherme Cruz, Mike Heck, E. Casey Leydon, Steven Marrocco, Damon Martin, and Jed Meshew. Fighters who don’t compete within 18 months are removed from the rankings, and decisions regarding retirement are evaluated by the panel. Holding a promotion’s title does not guarantee the top ranking, and fighters who compete in multiple weight classes can be ranked in multiple lists.
Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or concerns in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MMA rankings
What is the purpose of the MMA Hook Global Rankings?
The purpose of the MMA Hook Global Rankings is to provide a comprehensive and definitive list of the best fighters in the world across various divisions in MMA.
Who made a significant leap in the middleweight division?
Dricus Du Plessis made a significant leap in the middleweight division by defeating Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, elevating his ranking from 8th to 2nd place.
How chaotic has the flyweight division been?
The flyweight division has been highly volatile, as seen in the recent rankings cycle. The title has changed hands four times without a successful defense, and several upsets and controversial wins have added to the chaos.
What is the status of the women’s bantamweight division?
The retirement of Amanda Nunes, the women’s GOAT, has left the women’s bantamweight division in a state of disarray. There is uncertainty regarding the new champion, with contenders Julianna Pena, Holly Holm, and Raquel Pennington receiving consideration.
How are the rankings determined?
The rankings are determined by an eight-person voting panel from MMA Hook, consisting of Shaun Al-Shatti, Alexander K. Lee, Guilherme Cruz, Mike Heck, E. Casey Leydon, Steven Marrocco, Damon Martin, and Jed Meshew. They consider various factors, including recent results, activity, and overall performance of the fighters.
How often are the rankings updated?
The rankings are typically updated following each month’s UFC pay-per-view event. This allows for the inclusion of the most recent fight outcomes and ensures the rankings remain current.
What happens if a fighter doesn’t compete for an extended period?
If a fighter doesn’t compete within 18 months of their most recent bout, they are removed from the rankings. This ensures that the rankings reflect the current active fighters in each division.
What happens when a fighter announces retirement?
When a fighter announces retirement, the panel evaluates whether they should be immediately removed from the rankings or maintain their position until further notice, depending on the circumstances.
Can fighters be ranked in multiple weight classes?
Yes, fighters who regularly compete or hold titles in multiple weight classes are eligible to be ranked in multiple lists. This recognizes their achievements and performances across different divisions.
More about MMA rankings
- MMA Hook Global Rankings: Official website for the MMA Hook Global Rankings, providing comprehensive lists of the best fighters in the world.
- UFC Official Website: The official website of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), featuring news, events, and fighter information.
- UFC 290: Details about UFC 290, the event where Dricus Du Plessis defeated Robert Whittaker in the middleweight division.
- Amanda Nunes: Profile of Amanda Nunes, one of the greatest female fighters in MMA history, who recently retired from the sport.
- UFC Flyweight Division: Official UFC rankings for the flyweight division, showcasing the current top fighters in the weight class.
2 comments
omg dis is sum crazy mma stuff! dricus du plessis movin up in the middleweight ranks, watch out adesanya! flyweights goin wild wit all the chaos, titles switchin hands left n right. women’s bantamweight be all confused after nunes retired, who gonna be the champ now? mma rankings always got me hooked, love it!
Dricus Du Plessis is a rising star in the middleweight division, taking down Robert Whittaker like a beast! The flyweight chaos is what keeps us on the edge of our seats, never know who’s gonna come out on top. Can’t wait to see who emerges as the new leader in women’s bantamweight. MMA rankings always spark debate, love following the updates and discussions!