Welcome to the latest installment of the MMA Hook’s pound-for-pound rankings, where each month, our esteemed panel dives into the chaos to answer a singular question: Who reigns supreme among male and female MMA fighters worldwide?
In the wake of UFC 293’s main event, which delivered one of the most astonishing outcomes in recent memory, we find ourselves in the midst of a major shakeup on the men’s side—a shakeup that caught even the most seasoned analysts off guard.
It’s a twist that the pound-for-pound rankings were simply not prepared for!
Frankly, you can attribute this upheaval to Israel Adesanya, who unwittingly paved the way for not just one but two previously unranked fighters to secure coveted spots on the P4P list. First, it was Alex Pereira, who earned his ranking after a jaw-dropping fifth-round finish of Adesanya at UFC 281. Now, it’s Sean Strickland, boldly demanding his place on the list after a breathtaking upset of Adesanya at UFC 293 this past Saturday. He makes his debut at a stunning No. 10 on our chart, ahead of former UFC champions Pereira, Max Holloway, Jiri Prochazka, Aljamain Sterling, and a host of luminaries with more impressive records.
This is the kind of recognition you earn when you defeat Adesanya in the most impressive fashion possible. Strickland didn’t land a lucky punch or bulldoze his way to victory; he genuinely outclassed “The Last Stylebender” for the majority of the fight, showcasing the skills of a fighter now crowned the undisputed middleweight champion of the UFC. As Strickland’s star ascends, Adesanya plummets a whopping 10 spots in the rankings, leaving fans and analysts in awe of the swift change of fortunes.
Strickland’s division boasts a robust list of potential challengers, and as unbelievable as it is to see his name among some of the most decorated MMA fighters today, it promises to be an even more breathtaking journey as he climbs further up the rankings with a series of successful title defenses.
So, brace yourselves for an exciting ride ahead!
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown): Sean Strickland def. No. 4 Israel Adesanya, No. 12 Max Holloway def. Chan Sung Jung
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 2 Islam Makhachev vs. No. 5 Charles Oliveira (UFC 294, Oct. 21), No. 18 (tied) Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa (UFC 294, Oct. 21)
Noteworthy Mention: Other fighters receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): Johnny Eblen (4), Brandon Moreno (4), Vadim Nemkov (4), Robert Whittaker (3), Jamahal Hill (2), A.J. McKee (2), Magomed Ankalaev (1), Jan Blachowicz (1), Merab Dvalishvili (1), Patchy Mix (1), Belal Muhammad (1), Usman Nurmagomedov (1)
In case you missed it, check out these related articles:
- UFC 293: 7 biggest takeaways from a night in Sydney that won’t soon be forgotten
- MMA Pound-for-Pound Rankings: Sean O’Malley vaults into the elite, but how high should he be?
Finally, let’s revisit some ground rules:
Our esteemed eight-person voting panel comprises MMA Hook’s finest: Shaun Al-Shatti, Alexander K. Lee, Guilherme Cruz, Mike Heck, E. Casey Leydon, Steven Marrocco, Damon Martin, and Jed Meshew.
Ranking updates follow each UFC pay-per-view event. Fighters not competing within 18 months of their last bout risk removal from the rankings.
In the event of a fighter’s retirement, our panel deliberates whether to immediately remove them from the rankings or keep them in place until further notice. To put it bluntly, we’re not shy about making decisions faster than the UFC does (just ask Khabib Nurmagomedov).
As a gentle reminder, the concept of pound-for-pound supremacy remains inherently subjective. When debating whether Kamaru Usman should outrank Max Holloway, there’s no definitive right answer. In simpler terms: It’s all in good fun, folks!
Thoughts? Questions? Concerns? We eagerly await your comments below, so make your voice heard! _xD83C__xDFA4_
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MMA Rankings Shake-Up
What caused the significant shake-up in the MMA rankings?
The major shake-up in the MMA rankings was sparked by Sean Strickland’s impressive victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, a result that few could have predicted.
How did Sean Strickland secure his place on the pound-for-pound rankings?
Sean Strickland earned his spot on the pound-for-pound rankings by convincingly defeating Israel Adesanya, showcasing his exceptional skills and outclassing the former champion.
Who else has made an impact on the rankings recently?
Alex Pereira also made waves in the rankings after his fifth-round finish of Adesanya at UFC 281, securing his place among the top fighters in the world.
What can we expect from Sean Strickland’s future in the MMA rankings?
As Strickland’s division boasts numerous formidable challengers, we can anticipate an exciting journey up the rankings if he can maintain his momentum with successful title defenses.
What are the ground rules for these MMA rankings?
The rankings are updated following each UFC pay-per-view event, and fighters not competing within 18 months of their last bout risk removal. In the case of fighter retirements, the panel decides their ranking status.
Is pound-for-pound ranking a subjective concept?
Yes, the concept of pound-for-pound ranking is inherently subjective. Comparing fighters like Kamaru Usman and Max Holloway involves personal judgment as there’s no definitive right answer.
Where can readers find related articles and join the discussion?
Readers can explore related articles about UFC 293 and other topics in MMA on the website. They are encouraged to share their thoughts, questions, and concerns in the comments section to engage in discussions.
More about MMA Rankings Shake-Up
- UFC 293: 7 biggest takeaways from a night in Sydney that won’t soon be forgotten
- MMA Pound-for-Pound Rankings: Sean O’Malley vaults into the elite, but how high should he be?
3 comments
Adesanya droppin’ like a rock, Strickland on the rise! MMA drama at its best.
wow, Sean Strickland really shook things up in the UFC! adesanya didn’t see that comin haha!
p4p rankings always be a hot debate yo, it’s all opinion.