These are the top 10 UFC power rankings this week:
1. Islam Makhachev:
Islam Makhachev’s next opponent still hasn’t been announced, but all fingers are pointing toward Ilia Topuria. I would be fine with that, but Charles Oliveira wants a shot at the title as well, which could play into that. Justin Gaethje has also spoken up so until we have confirmation, we’ll keep our eyes glued to the MMA world.
2. Jon Jones:
Jon Jones and his camp announced the other day that they need six months to prepare for Tom Aspinall. This seems like a lot since Jones hasn’t fought since November last year. However, if he needs six months to make this fight happen, sign me up, and I’ll wait just like the rest of us.
3. Ilia Topuria:
Just like Makhachev, Ilia Topuria is still waiting to see who he’ll be fighting soon. However, the words “When we announce it, you won’t believe it” were muttered by Topuria, giving us hope that something will be announced by Uncle Dana shortly.
4. Dricus Du Plessis:
Dricus Du Plessis moves down while gearing up for his next fight. The last I heard was that there was a 60 percent chance that Du Plessis would fight Khamzat Chimaev. Now, can we just have that super fight announced so we can prepare for a war?
5. Merab Dvalishvili:
Merab Dvalishvili confirmed that he will be facing Sean O’Malley in a rematch for the Bantamweight title. The date hasn’t been set yet, so stay tuned for this news to do shortly. I will say after that first fight, I can’t wait for another match between these two.
6. Belal Muhammad:
Belal Muhammad is still set to defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. Barring any injuries or setbacks, this match is set in stone and proves why the UFC is one of the best brands in sports today. They constantly move fights around so that we can have great matchups and cards all year.
7. Magomed Ankalaev:
Magomed Ankalaev has since settled into being the champion since defeating Alex Pereira. There are already talks in place that Ankalaev will be giving Pereira a rematch in the near future. Once it’s announced, you can bet that we’ll all be ready to see if Poatan can do what he didn’t in their first fight.
8. Tom Aspinall:
Tom Aspinall has started to make jokes about Jon Jones and this circus that we have been watching. Regardless, the last thing you do is want to disrespect Jones but if there was a guy that would do it, you can bet Aspinall is the guy to do it.
9. Alex Pereira:
Alex Pereira looks like he’ll be getting a rematch with Magomed Ankalaev before moving up in weight or any other jazz you may be hearing right now. However, it’s not 100 percent set in stone, but from the rumblings I’m hearing, you can see this fight being announced by Dana White at some point in the near future.
10. Alexandre Pantoja:
A turn of events has led to Alexandre Pantoja not being part of UFC 314 now and instead being placed on UFC’s 316 card. Kai Kara-French will also not be his next opponent, as Manel Kape has been brought up as his next opponent, which will lead to the fight being scheduled at 316.
