The UFC had a superb event in Madison Square Garden as UFC 322 delivered an amazing fight card. From upsets to new champions, we had it all, and now we can finally shake up these rankings. It’s always fun to do my rankings before the UFC, because that allows me to see how in tune I am with Dana White and his colleagues. I also want to extend congratulations to Valentina Shevchenko for defending her title like a boss against Weili Zhang and Islam Makhachev, proving he is the Darth Vader of the UFC. That being said, let’s get to this week’s power rankings. Have a great day, everyone, and may the fights be with you.
10. Carlos Ulberg:
A lot of people are going to disagree with my decision to put Carlos Ulberg on my list over Jiří Procházka. Procházka does deserve this spot after his convincing win over Khalil Roundtree, but he was losing that match heading into the third round before knocking out Roundtree. Ulberg not only knocked out Dominik Reyes, but he did it in the first round with the exact combo we called on the Fight Club of Pain. With title implications in his future, the Black Jag is ready to pounce once again.
9. Jack Della Maddalena:
Jack Della Maddalena lost his Welterweight Championship to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322. For now, JDM stays on this list, but with so many great fights coming up, I could see another fighter taking his spot. Regardless, it’s back to the drawing boards for JDM after he was schooled in the mats by Makhachev.
8. Tom Aspinall:
Saturday in Abu Dhabi, Tom Aspinall was poked in the eye by Ciryl Gane in the main event at UFC 321. This not only angered everyone but left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth after a questionable card. From groin kicks to strikes to the back of the head, this event should have been better, but it’s fighting, so anything can happen.
7. Alexander Volkanovski:
Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski moves down to sixth as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Next up for Volk will most likely be Lerone Murphy, who remained undefeated after knocking out Aaron Pico. However, after Diego Lopes knocked out Jean Silva, there’s no doubt that these three will be fighting in some shape or form in the future. I could see Murphy getting the shot during the holiday season, while Lopes gets a chance at the winner.
6. 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 has been set up. After Reinier De Ridder quit, I could see Nassourdine Imavov getting the next title shot, but don’t count out Brendan Allen, who called Chimaev, DDP, and Sean Strickland after defeating RDR.
5. Alex Pereira:
Alex Pereira listened to everyone’s advice as well as his heart at UFC 320 by throwing his reverse punch and clocking Magomed Ankalaev so bad that his knees buckled immediately. That led to Poatan mounting him and winning by TKO through a ground and pound. However, I’m going out on a limb and saying that the new fighter on the list will be his next opponent. CHAMA!
4. Alexandre Pantoja:
Alexandre Pantoja will be defending his title on December 6th at UFC 323 in Las Vegas. As predicted for the past month, Joshua Van will be his opponent, which makes this fight a must-watch if you’re a fight fan. Be ready for some early fireworks before the new year because this match is going to be explosive.
3. Merab Dvalishvili:
After dissecting Cory Sandhagen just recently, Merab Dvalishvili didn’t have to wait long for his next opponent. Yesterday, Uncle Dana announced that Dvalishvili will be facing Petr Yan in part two of their saga. That fight will take place in Las Vegas at UFC 323 on December 6th.
2. Ilia Topuria:
Ilia Topuria has slipped to second in this list after Islam Makhachev dominated Della Maddalena. Topuria also loves calling out fighters on social media, and that also included Makhachev, who just won his title at UFC 322. It’s been entertaining to watch him troll other fighters, but there is still nothing set in stone for his next fight. Right now, the rumors are that Paddy Pimblett will be next up for Topuria in January at UFC 324. This fight will be crazy since Pimblett is not only a popular fighter but is also a really great fighter. How great it will be will be answered once his match with Topuria starts.
1. Islam Makhachev:
Islam Makhachev is now the number one, pound-for-pound fighter in the world, after he easily dispatched Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Not only did he dominate JDM, but he also became the 11th fighter to claim a belt in another division. Now that I’ve seen the Death Vader of the UFC smash a man, we can only hope that next year we get another super match between Makhachev and another opponent. The rumors are out that it could be Kamaru Usman, which would be fantastic, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Michael Morales got the bid. Until then, let’s all hail Lord Makhachev as the best fighter in the world. SMESH!
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