The UFC had another superb event in Doha, Qatar, in which Arman Tsarukyan submitted Dan Hooker to solidify him as the number one contender. Since then, he and Ilia Topuria have taken to social media to add more fuel to their ongoing feud. That means my rankings remain the same this week until we get to UFC 323 next week. For now, we all have a week off for Thanksgiving, but when we come back next week, we’ll have an amazing card to look forward to. 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:
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. The rematch still hasn’t been booked, so we’ll wait for now while Uncle Dana sews this one back together.
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 in the future, while Lopes gets a chance at the winner.
6. Khamzat Chimaev:
Khamzat Chimaev takes over the sixth 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. However, with Ramadan starting February 17th, Chimaev has already said he will not defend his title till afterwards.
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 Carlos Ulberg 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 next week. Joshua Van will be his opponent, which makes this fight a must-watch if you’re a fight fan. Get ready for some fireworks before the new year, because this match is going to be explosive. Check out the Fight Club of Pain next week for a complete breakdown of this fight and many more.
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 next week as part of a super fight card for the UFC. A lot of people feel that Yan is Dvalishvili’s Kryptonite, but I disagree, so let’s have some turkey before we catch this barn-burner next week.
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. Once this fight is signed, you don’t want to miss this.
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 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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