In the latest edition of Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings, there were some shocking upsets and exciting debuts that left fans buzzing. Let’s dive into the action!
First up, Islam Makhachev made a statement by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in the first round of their fight. This victory solidified Makhachev’s position as the top lightweight fighter and put an end to his rivalry with Volkanovski. Now, both fighters can focus on their respective weight classes and the challenges that lie ahead.
Another standout performance came from Khamzat Chimaev, who made his middleweight debut with a hard-fought victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. While this win sets Chimaev up for a potential championship opportunity in the future, it didn’t have much impact on the rankings as Usman was unranked at 185 pounds. As a result, Chimaev enters the middleweight rankings at number 15.
Speaking of rankings, there were some changes in the welterweight division. Chimaev, who was previously ranked number 5 at welterweight, hasn’t competed in the division since April 2022. As a result, he has been removed from the rankings, allowing Ian Garry to make his return at number 15.
Moving on to the flyweight division, Muhammad Mokaev showcased his submission skills once again by tapping out Tim Elliott in the third round of their fight. With five consecutive victories under his belt, Mokaev enters the flyweight rankings at number 14.
In the light heavyweight division, the clash between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker ended in a no contest due to an illegal knee. This means no movement in the rankings for either fighter.
Overall, it was an eventful edition of Sherdog’s MMA Rankings, with shocking upsets and exciting debuts. Stay tuned for more action in the world of mixed martial arts!