Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings
Rousey the Riveting
Ronda Rousey has outdone herself once again.
After tying the Ultimate Fighting Championship record for fastest win in a title bout with her 16-second destruction of Alexis Davis in July, the “Rowdy” one shaved a couple ticks off that time in her latest performance. Rousey needed just 14 seconds to submit Cat Zingano with a straight armbar at UFC 184 on Feb. 28, marking the fifth successful title defense for the women's bantamweight champion. Having taken out virtually all legitimate contenders at 135 pounds -- Rousey owns wins over fighters ranked No. 2 through 6 in her division -- talk has once again turned to a potential bout with Invicta Fighting Championships 145-pound titleholder Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino. For now, it appears Rousey will take some time away from the cage to shoot another film.
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Ex-UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir returned from a year-long absence to knock out Antonio Silva at UFC Fight Night on Feb. 22. The 35-year-old veteran joins the list of contenders, while former No. 8 Silva is dropped from the rankings, making way for Matt Mitrione at No. 10.
The ever-shifting bottom half of the lightweight top 10 has a pair of new entrants, as previously unranked Michael Johnson (No. 9) and Tony Ferguson (No. 10) are in after respective wins against Edson Barboza and Gleison Tibau. On the list of other contenders, Adriano Martins takes the place of Rustam Khabilov thanks to a head-to-head win on Feb. 22.
At bantamweight, Frankie Saenz makes a surprise entry at No. 9 following his upset win over Iuri Alcantara, who tumbles four spots to No. 10. Former Bellator titlist Eduardo Dantas drops to the list of contenders, eliminating teammate Johnny Eduardo.
Finally, unbeaten Englishman Liam McGeary joins the light heavyweight ranks at No. 9 after a submission attempt-filled decision win to claim the Bellator 205-pound belt from Emanuel Newton. Previously eighth-ranked Newton falls two spots, while former No. 10 Jimi Manuwa moves to the contenders list.
Continue Reading » Heavyweight
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