With a week off for the UFC, the rankings won’t move much, but as we approach UFC 320, we’re going to have a lot to talk about. This is because the main event features Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira, with the co-main event being Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen. That means we could have two people lose their rankings while others rise. Also, as a program reminder, the Fight Club of Pain will be back next Thursday at 7 pm, right before the NFL season kicks off. That means we’ll be including football talk and a free DFS Showdown Slate lineup every Thursday during our show. This will be a unique experience to add to the already amazing show we have going on in the Fight Club. Also, make sure you check out the Five-tastic Picks and Soup Can of the Week articles next week, which are only on the Dr. Roto website. 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. Since then, a lot of fighters have been running their mouths, with one finally getting his wish. On December 13th, in Las Vegas, Topuria will defend his title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 323.
2. Islam Makhachev: Islam Makhachev is preparing himself to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the Welterweight Championship. This match is rumored to take place on November 8th at UFC 322, which will be the perfect fight to start the holiday season off.
3. Merab Dvalishvili: Merab Dvalishvili is set to take on Cory Sandhagen in the co-main event at UFC 320, on October 4th, in Las Vegas. With both fighters having similar styles, this could be a fight where both fighters try to stay on their feet, but in reality, we know it’s going to hit the ground.
4. Alexandre Pantoja: After Alexandre Pantoja dismantled Kai Kara-France in their title fight, things immediately picked up when Joshua Van entered the ring for a face-off. Since this face-off, it has been talked about that Pantoja should be facing Joshua Van at UFC 323. It hasn’t been officially signed yet, but this is another match that is going to be wild since both fighters fight at a high pace.
5. Khamzat Chimaev: Khamzat Chimaev takes over the fifth spot after beating Dricus Du Plessis for the title at UFC 319. With a rematch most likely not happening, the next set of opponents have been set up. Reinier De Ridder is fighting Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez on October 18th at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver. The winner of this match most likely will get a shot at the title sometime next year.
6. Alexander Volkanovski: Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski stays ranked as my sixth pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Next up for Volk will most likely be Lerone Murphy, who remained undefeated after Saturday’s win against Aaron Pico, in which he knocked him out. This could mean that the champ’s day could be numbered since this fight looks like it will be scheduled this December.
7. Tom Aspinall: On October 25th in Abu Dhabi, Tom Aspinall will be defending his Heavyweight Championship against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. Aspinall has been hungry for a fight for a long time, but people think Gane is going to walk him. I don’t see that happening, but the Gane fans can hope.
8. Magomed Ankalaev: Magomed Ankalaev finally has a date set to defend his title against Alex Pereira. That defense is going to take place at UFC 320 in Las Vegas on October 4th. A lot of people have wanted to see this matchup since Pereira lost the belt to Ank back at UFC 313. Ankalaev will be ready and has gone on record saying that this time he’ll be finishing Pereira inside the distance.
9. Jack Della Maddalena: Jack Della Maddalena doesn’t care that Islam Makhachev is coming for him. JDM knows that Makhachev is the complete package and is his toughest opponent yet. This match is going to be a barn-burner when it goes down.
10. Alex Pereira: Alex Pereira finally has his rematch with Magomed Ankalaev scheduled for UFC 320 on October 4th. Since losing the title, Pereira has been training like a madman to prove to all of his critics that he isn’t washed up. CHAMA!
