On Saturday night, light heavyweights collided in a major way at UFC 161.In the evening’s main event, former world champions Dan Henderson and Rashad Evans did battle for 15 closely contested minutes. At the end of the bout, it was anyone’s guess whose…
On Saturday night, light heavyweights collided in a major way at UFC 161.
In the evening’s main event, former world champions Dan Henderson and Rashad Evans did battle for 15 closely contested minutes. At the end of the bout, it was anyone’s guess whose arm would be raised. When the night was over, Henderson found himself on the wrong end of a split decision for the second time this year.
How did the clash of contenders impact the UFC light heavyweight rankings?
Here is a look at Bleacher Report’s top 10 light heavyweights after UFC 161.
The UFC light heavyweight division has seen more shake-ups than those who live in the earthquake-plagued areas of California.With several emerging contenders and a few legends fading into the background, the landscape of the 205-pound weight class bare…
The UFC light heavyweight division has seen more shake-ups than those who live in the earthquake-plagued areas of California.
With several emerging contenders and a few legends fading into the background, the landscape of the 205-pound weight class barely resembles itself from one year ago.
Instead of looking backward, Bleacher Report MMA likes to whip out the crystal ball and gaze into the future.
After considering everything on the books and several variables that aren’t, here is a look at where the UFC light heavyweight rankings will stand at the end of 2013.
Anything can happen in the world of MMA. Champions fall, and new contenders emerge on a regular basis.This is especially true in the heavyweight division, where any fighter can forever change his future with a single strike.Every once in a while, we at…
Anything can happen in the world of MMA. Champions fall, and new contenders emerge on a regular basis.
This is especially true in the heavyweight division, where any fighter can forever change his future with a single strike.
Every once in a while, we at Bleacher Report MMA like to whip out our crystal ball and take a look into the future. How will scheduled fights go down? What bouts are likely to be booked as a result?
After considering everything on the books and several variables that aren’t, here is a look at where the UFC heavyweight rankings will stand at the end of 2013.
With some of the division’s top stars being buried in undercard matchups, the UFC’s marketing team is doing an incredible job of neglecting the smallest members of the Zuffa roster.Never fear! Bleacher Report MMA is here to give you a look at the flywe…
With some of the division’s top stars being buried in undercard matchups, the UFC’s marketing team is doing an incredible job of neglecting the smallest members of the Zuffa roster.
Never fear! Bleacher Report MMA is here to give you a look at the flyweight fighters whom you need to know about.
Here is an analysis of the contendership credentials of the UFC’s Top 10 flyweights.
Authors Note: All rankings associated with this list are based on the official UFC rankings.
While training to defend his bantamweight championship for a fifth time, pound-for-pound great Dominick Cruz became the unfortunate victim of a torn ACL.Bad news became worse in December when “The Dominator” reinjured himself while rehabbing the surgic…
While training to defend his bantamweight championship for a fifth time, pound-for-pound great Dominick Cruz became the unfortunate victim of a torn ACL.
Bad news became worse in December when “The Dominator” reinjured himself while rehabbing the surgically repaired muscle.
Fans have speculated about the kind of shape in which Cruz would return, and based on a recently surfaced photo (via MiddleEasy) of the champion, he has got a long way to go.
As you can tell from the included photo, without being able to properly train for an extended period of time, the left leg of Cruz has shrunk down to approximately half the size of its counterpart.
At the time of his injury, Cruz was coaching a live season of The Ultimate Fighter opposite Urijah Faber. Following the show’s conclusion, the duo were scheduled to meet in a rubber match for the belt at UFC 148.
Cruz last competed in October 2011, where he won a unanimous decision over current flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. The win was the 10th straight for the 28-year-old.
During the absence of Cruz, the UFC decided to create an interim championship, which is currently held by RenanBarao. The Brazilian won the strap by defeating Faber at UFC 149. Since that time, the Brazilian has defended his belt against top contender Michael McDonald.
In April, UFC president Dana Whiteconfirmed that Cruz will not be stripped of his title, regardless of his length absence from the Octagon.
When asked about the potential title aspirations of an up-and-coming fighter, UFC president Dana White commonly describes that person as being “in the mix.” Typically, a fighter in the mix is not next in line for a shot at a championship, but they…
When asked about the potential title aspirations of an up-and-coming fighter, UFC president Dana White commonly describes that person as being “in the mix.”
Typically, a fighter in the mix is not next in line for a shot at a championship, but they are unofficially being considered for a future crack at the belt. Also, in the event of an injury to the top contender, an “in the mix” fighter is a prime candidate to replace him.
Being labeled “in the mix” is a high-pressure event. Should your next performance be spectacular, you’re likely about to be groomed for a title opportunity. However, a less-than-impressive showing proves that you aren’t ready for a shot at the big time.
Here is a look at 10 fighters who are only one win away from being considered “in the mix.”
While training to defend his bantamweight championship for a fifth time, pound-for-pound great