Fighter rankings are one of the most discussed topics in mixed martial arts. Fans and pundits love to compile their own rankings and vehemently argue why their rankings are correct and all others are so very wrong.
The UFC has always been reluctant to put forth its own set of official rankings, but that will change this weekend. The promotion has announced that it will team with FightMetric to provide fighter rankings and will do so following UFC 156.
FightMetric’s Rami Genauer had the following to say about the partnership, “We are thrilled to have UFC recognize our fighter rankings and to have them hosted on UFC.com, as well as incorporated into event broadcasts. FightMetric has worked closely with the UFC for several years as an industry-leader in MMA statistics. Sports fans are accustomed to seeing performance data and rankings on their favorite baseball, football and soccer players, and now we can engage UFC fans on a similar level.”
The rankings will come from a pool of MMA media and will be compiled following every live UFC event. The results of those rankings, which will include each official UFC weight division as well as pound-for-pound rankings will then be hosted on the UFC’s website.
UFC president Dana White said of the rankings, “UFC Fighter Rankings are a great tool for new and existing fans alike to learn and better keep up with the fast pace of the UFC. We always look for opportunities to engage fans and media, allowing them to connect and voice their opinions, and this just one more way of doing that.”
The UFC has not discussed how these rankings would be used in relation to fight booking or deciding what fighters will be awarded title fights.
**All quotes obtained firsthand by BR MMA
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