The results from UFC Fight Night: Pavlovich vs. Blaydes this past weekend have led to some changes in the promotion’s official rankings.
As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder towards contention and others fall away.
And in the aftermath of UFC Fight Night: Pavlovich vs. Blaydes, MMA News has you covered with all of this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings.
Welterweight: After a few weeks of falling down the pecking order, Jorge Masvidal‘s exit from the official UFC rankings has been confirmed. “Gamebred” announced his decision to retire following a defeat to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 earlier this month.
As a result of Masvidal’s departure, Michel Pereira has moved up one position to fill the vacant #14 spot. The Brazilian’s rise comes ahead of his fight against top-10 contender Stephen Thompson at UFC 289.
With a place on the welterweight ladder left available courtesy of Masvidal’s retirement, the formerly ranked Daniel Rodriguez (#15) has returned to the fold. “D-Rod” is set to face rising star Ian Garry at the UFC Fight Night set for Charlotte on May 13.
Heavyweight: This past weekend, Sergei Pavlovich extended his run of first-round knockouts to five by dispatching Curtis Blaydes in the UFC FIght Night 222 main event. Since that result, many have agreed that the Russian should be next in line for a shot at Jon Jones’ gold, not former champion Stipe Miocic.
Well, in the latest rankings update, Pavlovich’s claim has been strengthened. He’s found himself one place better off at #2, behind only recent title challenger Ciryl Gane. With his jump, Miocic has dropped one spot to #3. The Ohio native hasn’t competed since losing the belt to Francis Ngannou over three years ago.
Men’s Pound-For-Pound: No changes.
Women’s Pound-for-Pound: No changes.
Women’s Strawweight: No changes.
Women’s Flyweight: No changes.
Women’s Bantamweight: No changes.
Women’s Featherweight: No changes.
Flyweight: No changes.
Bantamweight: No changes.
Featherweight: No changes.
Lightweight: No changes.
Middleweight: No changes.
Light Heavyweight: No changes.
You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.