UFC Pound-for-Pound Fighter Rankings: Israel Adesanya bounces again in high 5 with redemptive knockout

If we had any doubts relating to the legendary standing of Israel Adesanya, the previous (and as soon as once more present) middleweight champion put that each one to relaxation at UFC 287 in April.

Adesanya (24-2) served up a viral slice of violent redemption in opposition to profession rival Alex Pereira in a second-round knockout to regain his 185-pound title and spot among the many finest pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. 

The rivalry between these middleweight stars started in 2016 and prolonged throughout a number of fight sports activities and promotions. But after three straight defeats to Pereira (7-2), the Brazilian slugger who’s a former two-division Glory kickboxing champion, Adesanya lastly eliminated the proverbial monkey from his again. 

Nobody had ever doubted Adesanya’s chic talent or the dominant run he had atop the middleweight division, which included 5 title defenses. However greatness is commonly outlined by how one responds to adversity, simply as a lot as it’s by the success one accrues whereas on high. And the redemption nature of Adesanya’s knockout showcased simply how particular he’s actually is, some six months after he misplaced his title to Pereira by way of fifth-round stoppage.

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Adesanya absorbed a heavy stream of leg kicks by the bigger Pereira, who has since introduced a full-time transfer as much as gentle heavyweight. However the native of Nigeria stood agency within the pocket and relied on the pace and timing of his counter pictures to catch Pereira late within the spherical and end him off earlier than a rollicking celebration that immediately adopted. 

Simply how lengthy Adesanya stays at middleweight stays to be seen though the potential rise of prospects like Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis (whom Adesanya referenced a few future showdown in Africa) may hold him busy atop the 185-pound ladder.  

Utilizing a standards that takes under consideration all the pieces from accomplishments to present kind, let’s take a better take a look at the highest fighters contained in the Octagon.

For CBS Sports activities’ up to date divisional rankings, click on right here.

Males’s pound-for-pound rankings

1. Alexander Volkanovski — Featherweight champion (24-2)

Earlier rating: No. 1

The placing wizard proved his wrestling is simply as world class in a detailed loss to light-weight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. Volkanovski retained his crown as finest within the sport, for now, however issues will solely get harder from right here as newly topped interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez is probably going subsequent.

2. Islam Makhachev — Light-weight champion (24-1)

Earlier rating: 2

Misplaced in his victory over defending featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, and the next fallout of dispute over the battle’s scoring, was simply how extremely Makhachev has grown as a striker. His pinpoint accuracy and poise was in a position to stop Volkanovski from edging him, whilst his most popular wrestling sport was stifled. 

3. Jon Jones — Heavyweight champion (27-1, 1 NC)

Earlier rating: 3

With almost 50 kilos of added weight following a long-awaited transfer as much as heavyweight, Jones eliminated any fears of cage rust after three years away by shortly ending Cyril Gane to develop into a two-division champion. At 35, Jones’ return coincided completely for the promotion with the exit of Francis Ngannou. Up subsequent is former champ Stipe Miocic. 

4. Israel Adesanya — Middleweight champion (24-2)

Earlier rating: No. 5

After three failed makes an attempt throughout two completely different fight sports activities, Adesanya lastly slayed the beast that’s Alex Pereira. “The Final Stylebender” scored a convincing second-round knockout at UFC 287 to regain his 185-pound title and avenge a fifth-round stoppage from final November.

5. Leon Edwards — Welterweight champion (20-3, 1 NC)

Earlier rating: 4

Doubt him no extra. Seven months faraway from his real-life “Rocky” second in opposition to Kamaru Usman by way of fifth-round knockout to commandeer the 170-pound title, Edwards doubled down of their UFC 286 rematch by taking dwelling a majority choice. For his second title protection, Edwards is predicted to face former two-time title challenger Colby Covington. 

6. Aljamain Sterling — Bantamweight champion (22-3)

Earlier rating: No. 6

One battle after shutting his critics up by outpointing Petr Yan of their title rematch, Sterling’s second title protection produced largely inconclusive outcomes. Whereas historical past will at all times present a second-round TKO win for Sterling in opposition to TJ Dillashaw, the previous champion entered with a badly injured shoulder that was reaggravated seconds in. 

7. Jiri Prochazka — Gentle heavyweight champion (29-3-1)

Earlier rating: No. 8

The unpredictable Prochazka achieved his full due of important respect after extending his win streak to 13 in a dramatic and savage fifth-round submission of Glover Teixeira at UFC 275. However Prochazka, who’s 23-1-1 since 2013, suffered a critical shoulder harm which pulled him from the rematch and led to him vacating the belt. A late 2023 return could possibly be within the playing cards relying upon the size of his restoration.

8. Charles Oliveira — Light-weight (33-9)

Earlier rating: 9

Was the Brazilian end machine’s one-sided title loss to Islam Mahkachev the results of a foul stylistic matchup or did Oliveira’s reckless and dramatic methods lastly catch as much as him? Both means, the 33-year-old will probably be pressured to regroup after a outstanding 11-fight win streak that will not be forgotten anytime quickly. Up subsequent is Beneil Dariush on Might 6. 

9. Robert Whittaker — Middleweight (24-6)

Earlier rating: NR

The previous middleweight champion has solely ever misplaced within the UFC at 185 kilos to Israel Adesanya. Whereas it is unlikely he can safe a 3rd shot at his chief rival anytime quickly, Whittaker stays one of the vital well-rounded and sturdy fighters on the planet.

10. Kamaru Usman — Welterweight (20-3)

Earlier rating: No. 10

The previous P4P king stored issues shut in opposition to Leon Edwards of their title trilogy solely to fall by majority choice at UFC 286. Usman, who turns 36 in Might, mentioned he plans to maintain combating though whispers abound following two straight defeats whether or not age and mileage have slowed him down only a bit. 

Dropped out: Alex Pereira
Simply missed: Brandon Moreno, Yair Rodriguez, Pereira, Jamahal Hill, Dustin Poirier

Ladies’s pound-for-pound rankings

1. Amanda Nunes — Two-division champion (21-4)

Earlier rating: No. 1

Nunes soundly outpointed a cussed Julianna Pena at UFC 277 to regain her 135-pound title and remind everybody of her G.O.A.T. methods. The victory was additionally a giant one contemplating Nunes, after leaving American High Group, began her personal health club and altered her fashion. A rumored bantamweight title protection in opposition to Irene Aldana is focused for UFC 285. 

2. Rose Namajunas — Strawweight (11-5)

Earlier rating: No. 2

A baffling technique of defensive circling led to Namajunas surrendering her 115-pound title to inaugural champion Carla Esparza of their Might rematch. Namajunas was barely touched in her unanimous choice loss. An inevitable trilogy looms with new champion Zhang Weili, whom Namajunas has defeated twice. 

3. Zhang Weili — Strawweight (23-3) 

Earlier rating: No. 3

The primary Chinese language-born UFC champion regained her 115-pound crown by dominating Carla Esparza at UFC 281 by way of second-round submission. The victory showcased Zhang’s continued enchancment in her grappling sport but she will not actually acquire recognition as one of the best strawweight within the sport till she will be able to avenge a pair of losses to Namajunas. 

4. Alexa Grasso – Flyweight champion (16-3)

Earlier rating: 4

The previous strawweight contender shocked the world by changing into the first flyweight to defeat Valentina Shevchenko in a large upset at UFC 285. In doing so, Grasso grew to become the primary feminine Mexican-born champion in UFC historical past. Unbeaten in 5 fights at 125 kilos, Grasso was profitable in turning the division the wrong way up. 

5. Valentina Shevchenko – Flyweight (23-4)

Earlier rating: No. 5

Her first defeat in six years introduced an finish to Shevchenko’s dominant title reign at 125 kilos following a UFC feminine file seven title defenses. The fourth-round submission loss to Alexa Grasso at UFC 285 was nothing in need of stunning. It stays to be seen whether or not a direct rematch is in her future. 

Dropped out: None
Simply missed: Jessica Andrade, Julianna Pena, Carla Esparza, Amanda Lemos, Taila Santos, Manon Fiorot