Welcome back to another exciting week of our UFC Power Rankings, after a wild UFC 318 event. I want to say congratulations on an amazing career for “The Diamond” Dustin Poirier, who fought Max Holloway to the judge’s cards on Saturday. For now, let’s get into the meat and potatoes of this article, and that’s the rankings. You’ll also want to stay tuned for the Fight Club of Pain, which will be airing live, every Thursday at 7 pm EST. You’ll also want to check out my Five-tastic Picks article, which is on the Dr. Roto network, as well. Have a great day, everyone, and may the fights be with you.
1. Ilia Topuria: Ilia Topuria is still the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world after knocking out Charles Oliveira. Since then, Topuria had been running his mouth but choosing his spots when he takes his shots on the X. It’s fun watching him cuss everyone out and then you have the rumors that Justin Gaethje and him may happen at UFC 322. That matchup would be a barn-burner since both guys live to meet in the middle and bang.
2. Islam Makhachev: Islam Makhachev is preparing himself to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the Welterweight Championship. Since then Dana White has come out and said that if Makhachev wins the title, that a super fight between him and Topuria will most likely happen. However, I don’t think JDM is going to let them walk him like this fall when it’s predicted for them to meet.
3. Merab Dvalishvili: Merab Dvalishvili defeated Sean O’Malley via submission this past weekend at UFC 316. This extended his winning streak to 13 as he broke down Sean easily and cemented his legacy like we talked about in the Fight Club of Pain. That legacy will be tested soon since Cory Sandhagen has stepped up to be the frontrunner for Dvalishvili’s next opponent.
4. Alexandre Pantoja: Alexandre Pantoja dismantled Kai Kara-France within two rounds giving us those fireworks I talked about for weeks. Not only did Pantoja out-class Kara-France on their feet, he also took him down immediately and held him there for most of the fight. After the fight, Pantoja and Joshua Van had a face-off which most likely means Van will be the next man up for a total shot.
5. Dricus Du Plessis: Dricus Du Plessis moves down to the fifth spot while gearing up for his next fight against Khamzat Chimaev. That fight will take place at UFC 319, which is in Chicago. Recently DDP came out and said he’s willing to die in this fight as he taunts Chimaev leading into their fight.
6. Alexander Volkanovski: Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski stays ranked as my sixth pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Now that Volk is on this list, let’s talk about what he did to Diego Lopes. As of right now, it looks like Yair Rodriguez may be getting the next title shot so we’ll have to wait and see what Uncle Dana comes up with.
7. Tom Aspinall: Tom Aspinall was interviewed recently and brought up that his next fight contract is already signed. Aspinall’s opponent is most likely Ciryl Gane, but until it’s confirmed we’ll all be waiting for Uncle Dana to announce it. I can’t wait to see this fight so Aspinall can finally put his critics to rest.
8. Magomed Ankalaev: Magomed Ankalaev has been quite up until recently where he’s been weighing in on fights on the X. Ankalaev has said that the contract is all but signed, but we’re waiting on this match until Alex Pereira is ready to fight him again. The suspense may be killing us but you can bet these two are going to have a war the next time.
9. Jack Della Maddalena: Unfortunately for Jack DellaMaddalena, Makhachev is coming for him so he needs to get ready because Islam is nothing like Muhammed. Makhachev is the complete package so JDM will be facing his toughest opponent yet. With the rumors of a super fight between Makhachev and Topuria on the horizon, you can bet JDM would love to foil this plan by retaining his championship.
10. Alex Pereira: Alex Pereira looks like he’ll be getting a rematch with Magomed Ankalaev as soon as he’s ready. He even grew his hair back and has been leaving videos of his training recently which could spell trouble for Ankalaev once the date is set. Pereira wants his title back and you can bet he won’t stop until he has it. CHAMA!
