After a week off, the UFC is back, and with UFC 323 this Saturday, we’re in for another great fight card. With two champions defending their belts this week, we’ll either have a big shake-up in these standings, or they’ll stay the same. However, anything can happen in the UFC, and that’s why it’s one of the best sports to watch nowadays. 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 on 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 schedules this one again.
7. Alexander Volkanovski:
Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski moves down to seventh as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Next up for Volk is a rematch with Diego Lopes, which will happen at UFC 325, which is scheduled for January 31st. After defeating Lopes at UFC 314, Volkanovski has enjoyed his time off; however, after Lopes stood strong and finished Jean Silva, the champion’s days could be numbered.
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 this week. Joshua Van will be his opponent, which makes this fight a must-watch if you’re a fight fan. So be ready for some fireworks, because this match is going to be explosive. Check out the Fight Club of Pain this Thursday for a complete breakdown of this fight and many more for UFC 323 this week.
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 this week as part of a super fight card. A lot of people feel that Yan is Dvalishvili’s Kryptonite, but I disagree, especially after their first fight.
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. However, this has led to Topuria checking out mentally. This has now led to an interim title match between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, which will keep the wheels rolling in the UFC.
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 gets the bid. Until then, let’s all hail Lord Makhachev as the best fighter in the world. SMESH!
Check out more of our articles: DrRoto.com Blog Articles
Here is a look at some other great Articles: The Big Lead