Tag: Alex Volkanovski

UFC rankings shake-up: Alexander Volkanovski climbs to the P4P top as Kamaru Usman drops to No.4

UFC Rankings, Alex VolkanovskiKamaru Usman is no longer the pound-for-pound king in the official UFC rankings. Having an abundance of the most elite mixed martial artists in the world, it is important for the UFC to maintain a list of the top 15 ranked athletes in each division. While some names on the rankings may get criticized justly, […]

UFC Rankings, Alex Volkanovski

Kamaru Usman is no longer the pound-for-pound king in the official UFC rankings.

Having an abundance of the most elite mixed martial artists in the world, it is important for the UFC to maintain a list of the top 15 ranked athletes in each division. While some names on the rankings may get criticized justly, the list serves as a road map for fighters to get to the promotional gold.

UFC rankings shake-up: Alex Volkanovski bags pound-for-pound No.1 spot

Following his defeat to Leon Edwards this past Saturday at UFC 278, Usman got blasted off the top spot of the coveted pound-for-pound rankings. He also dropped down from being the welterweight champion to becoming the top contender. Edwards secured the championship along with a debuting number sixth spot on the pound-for-pound rankings.

Men’s UFC rankings

Pound-for-Pound Top Rank

With Edwards entering the P4P rankings, each athlete under him moved down by a rank including, Aljamain Sterling, Dustin Poirier, Deiveson Figueiredo, Jiri Prochazka, Max Holloway, Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, Petr Yan, and Brandon Moreno.

  1. Alexander Volkanovski
  2. Israel Adesanya
  3. Charles Oliveira
  4. Kamaru Usman
  5. Francis Ngannou
  6. Leon Edwards
  7. Aljamain Sterling
  8. Dustin Poirier
  9. Deiveson Figueiredo
  10. Jiri Prochazka
  11. Max Holloway
  12. Jon Jones
  13. Stipe Miocic
  14. Petr Yan
  15. Brandon Moreno

Flyweight (125 lb)

The flyweight division saw Amir Albazi move up one spot and enter the top ten while Tim Elliott and Sumudaerji both dropped a rank each.

Champion: Deiveson Figueiredo

  1. Brandon Moreno
  2. Alexandre Pantoja
  3. Kai Kara France
  4. Askar Askarov
  5. Brandon Royval
  6. Alex Perez
  7. Matheus Nicolau
  8. Matt Schnell
  9. David Dvorak
  10. Amir Albazi
  11. Tim Elliott
  12. Manel Kape
  13. Sumudaerji
  14. Jeffrey Molina
  15. Tagir Ulanbekov

Bantamweight (135 lb)

Merab Dvalishvili moved up three spots and entered the top five of the bantamweight division after beating Jose Aldo, who dropped down by three ranks.

Champion: Aljamain Sterling

  1. Petr Yan
  2. TJ Dillashaw
  3. Merab Dvalishvili
  4. Cory Sandhagen
  5. Marlon Vera
  6. Jose Aldo
  7. Rob Font
  8. Dominick Cruz
  9. Pedro Munhoz
  10. Song Yadong
  11. Ricky Simon
  12. Frankie Edgar
  13. Sean O’Malley
  14. Umar Nurmagomedov
  15. Jack Shore

Featherweight (145 lb)

Ilia Topuria moved up by one spot to the 14th rank whereas Alex Careers broke through the rankings for the first time at 15.

Champion: Alexander Volkanovski

  1. Max Holloway
  2. Yair Rodriguez
  3. Brian Ortega
  4. Josh Emmett
  5. Calvin Kattar
  6. Arnold Allen
  7. Chan Sung Jung
  8. Giga Chikadze
  9. Bryce Mitchell
  10. Movsar Evloev
  11. Dan Ige
  12. Sodiq Yusuff
  13. Edson Barboza
  14. Ilia Topuria
  15. Alex Caceres

Welterweight (170 lb)

A new champion was crowned in Leon Edwards. The welterweight division saw Usman take the number one rank with Colby Covington moving down to number two. Geoff Neal moved up by two ranks to land on the sixth spot whereas Stephen Thompson, Sean Brady, and Vicente Luque each went down a rank.

Champion: Leon Edwards

  1. Kamaru Usman
  2. Colby Covington
  3. Khamzat Chimaev
  4. Gilbert Burns
  5. Belal Muhammad
  6. Geoff Neal
  7. Stephen Thompson
  8. Sean Brady
  9. Jorge Masvidal
  10. Vicente Luque
  11. Shavkat Rakhmonov
  12. Michael Chiesa
  13. Neil Magny
  14. Li Jingliang
  15. Michel Pereira

Middleweight (170 lb)

Marvin Vettori moved up a spot to tie with Jared Cannonier on the second rank.

Champion: Israel Adesanya

  1. Robert Whittaker
  2. Jared Cannonier
  3. Marvin Vettori
  4. Derek Brunson
  5. Alex Pereira
  6. Paulo Costa
  7. Sean Strickland
  8. Jack Hermansson
  9. Darren Till
  10. Andre Muniz
  11. Kelvin Gastelum
  12. Nassourdine Imavov
  13. Dricus Du Plessis
  14. Brad Tavares
  15. Chris Curtis

Heavyweight (170 lb)

Marcin Tybura moved up a rank to enter the top 10 while Chris Daukaus dropped down by one.

Champion: Francis Ngannou

  1. Ciryl Gane
  2. Stipe Miocic
  3. Tai Tuivasa
  4. Curtis Blaydes
  5. Sergei Pavlovich
  6. Tom Aspinall
  7. Derrick Lewis
  8. Alexander Volkov
  9. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
  10. Marcin Tybura
  11. Chris Daukaus
  12. Serghei Spivac
  13. Alexandr Romanov
  14. Shamil Abdurakhimov
  15. Blagoy Ivanov

Women’s UFC Rankings

Pound-for-Pound Top Rank

Carla Esparza rose up by two ranks to enter the top five while Rose Namajunas and Zhang Weili moved down one. Taila Santos gained two ranks and Yan Xiaonan dropped two.

  1. Amanda Nunes
  2. Valentina Shevchenko
  3. Julianna Pena
  4. Carla Esparza
  5. Rose Namajunas
  6. Zhang Weili
  7. Jessica Andrade
  8. Marina Rodriguez
  9. Holly Holm
  10. Katlyn Chookagian
  11. Ketlen Vieira
  12. Laila Santos
  13. Mackenzie Dern
  14. Yan Xiaonan
  15. Lauren Murphy

Strawweight (115 lb)

Jessica Andrade moved up two spots and entered the top five. Virna Jandiroba moved up a spot to enter the top ten. Mackenzie Dern, Yan Xiaonan, and Michelle Waterson-Gomez each dropped by one rank.

Champion: Carla Esparza

  1. Rose Namajunas
  2. Zhang Weili
  3. Marina Rodriguez
  4. Jessica Andrade
  5. Mackenzie Dern
  6. Yan Xiaonan
  7. Tecia Torres
  8. Amanda Lemos
  9. Amanda Ribas
  10. Virna Jandiroba
  11. Michelle Waterson-Gomez
  12. Angela Hill
  13. Emily Ducote
  14. Luana Pinheiro
  15. Jessica Penne

Flyweight (125 lb)

Casey O’Neill entered the top ten by moving up one spot replacing Maycee Barber, who dropped down by one.

Champion: Valentina Shevchenko

  1. Katlyn Chookagian
  2. Laila Santos
  3. Lauren Murphy
  4. Jessica Andrade
  5. Alexa Grasso
  6. Viviane Araujo
  7. Manon Fiorot
  8. Jennifer Maia
  9. Andrea Lee
  10. Casey O’Neill
  11. Maycee Barber
  12. Erin Blanchfield
  13. Tracy Cortez
  14. Cynthia Calvillo
  15. Molly McCann

Do you agree with the official UFC rankings?

Kamaru Usman Reveals Why He’s The #1 Pound-For-Pound Fighter Over Alex Volkanovski

Kamaru Usman, Alex VolkanovskiKamaru Usman believes that he is the rightful pound-for-pound number one in the world. Reigning UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski has been racking impressive wins, looking better each time he sets foot inside the cage. After a dominant win over Chan Sung “The Korean Zombie” Jung in April, Volkanovski returned to action against Max Holloway […]

Kamaru Usman, Alex Volkanovski

Kamaru Usman believes that he is the rightful pound-for-pound number one in the world.

Reigning UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski has been racking impressive wins, looking better each time he sets foot inside the cage. After a dominant win over Chan Sung “The Korean Zombie” Jung in April, Volkanovski returned to action against Max Holloway to put an end to their rivalry with a decisive third win over “Blessed” at UFC 276.

Many have touted “The Great” to be at the top of the pound-for-pound list, and while “The Nigerian Nightmare” does acknowledge Volkanovski’s achievements, he still sees himself over him in the rankings.

Kamaru Usman reveals why he’s the top pound-for-pound king above Alex Volkanovski

In an interview with ESPN MMA, Kamaru Usman talked about Alex Volkanovski’s dominant run. He heaped praises on the 145 lb champ but believes he’s still at the top of the UFC food chain.

“(Not every) pound-for-pound fighter in the world can step in there three times in a year and put on three spectacular – not just spectacular performances, put on three humungous performances,” Usman said. “And if you don’t believe me, you can ask the company what the numbers were for those three fights combined. So it’s not just being able to go in there and do it – not just be able to do it, do it spectacularly.

“And I think right now I’m the best at doing that, even though it’s a very, very slim margin. You know, I love all these guys. Volkanovski, just a great guy – love him. Izzy, as well. These are all my guys.” (ht MMA Junkie)

Kamaru Usman is set to face Leon Edwards in his next title defense on Aug 20. Their headlining bout for UFC 278 will take place at the Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah.

UFC Rankings Report: Does Volkanovski Surpass Usman On P4P?

The UFC rankings have been updated following UFC 276, and we’ve got the full report for you below! Men’s Pound for Pound: Alexander Volkanovski remains at #2 right behind Kamaru Usman (#1) despite Max Holloway and a growing number of people arguing tha…

The UFC rankings have been updated following UFC 276, and we’ve got the full report for you below! Men’s Pound for Pound: Alexander Volkanovski remains at #2 right behind Kamaru Usman (#1) despite Max Holloway and a growing number of people arguing that he’s the best P4P fighter in the world. This comes after Volkanovski…

Continue Reading UFC Rankings Report: Does Volkanovski Surpass Usman On P4P? at MMA News.

Holloway Gracious In Defeat, Blesses Volkanovski With #1 P4P Status

Max Holloway has issued a statement following his UFC 276 loss to Alexander Volkanovski, and it is filled with high praise for his rival. At UFC 276, Alex Volkanovski delivered a definitive end to his rivalry with Max Holloway by turning in a shutout v…

Max Holloway has issued a statement following his UFC 276 loss to Alexander Volkanovski, and it is filled with high praise for his rival. At UFC 276, Alex Volkanovski delivered a definitive end to his rivalry with Max Holloway by turning in a shutout victory against the promotion’s #6 pound-for-pound fighter. After the razor-close sequel,…

Continue Reading Holloway Gracious In Defeat, Blesses Volkanovski With #1 P4P Status at MMA News.

Max Holloway & Alex Volkanovski Get Fired Up At UFC 276 Press Conference: “Saturday Night, It Ends For You, That’s It”

Max Holloway, Alex VolkanovskiMax Holloway and Alex Volkanovski showed a different side to them ahead of UFC 276. Current UFC Featherweight king Alex Volkanovski has established his presence as the top dog of the division. The second-ranked pound-for-pound fighter is coming off a commanding performance over Chan ‘The Korean Zombie’ Sung Jung in April. He was initially matched […]

Max Holloway, Alex Volkanovski

Max Holloway and Alex Volkanovski showed a different side to them ahead of UFC 276.

Current UFC Featherweight king Alex Volkanovski has established his presence as the top dog of the division. The second-ranked pound-for-pound fighter is coming off a commanding performance over Chan ‘The Korean Zombie’ Sung Jung in April. He was initially matched up to face Holloway for UFC 273 but the bout was pushed back after the 30-year-old Hawaiian was not given medical clearance.

Max Holloway & Alex Volkanovski get heated at UFC 276 press conference

Hosted during and on the tenth anniversary of, UFC is looking to cap off the International Fight Week with a solid event. They have traditionally been known to put together their strongest cards for the occasion and UFC 276 is no exception.

During the pre-fight press conference, Max Holloway got fired up talking about their trilogy bout. He did not miss an opportunity to fire shots at Volkanovski and kept bashing the 145-lbs champion throughout.

“This guy talking about a three-peat or something. This guy don’t even got three highlights in the UFC,” Holloway said before following up with a tiny mic drop on the table.

Volkanovski attempted to keep it cordial as he slipped and parried away the verbal jabs coming from his adversary. Holloway continued his tirade, something we rarely get to see from the ‘Blessed’.

“We’re talking about damage here,” Holloway added. “I’m known for taking damage and he’s known for not giving it.”

Volkanovski could not resist after hearing that one and fired right back saying, “That’s why he can’t spar anymore, got punched in the head too much,” he added. “Saturday night, it ends for you that’s it.”

UFC 276 will be headlined by the middleweight title contest between Israel Adesanya and Jared Cannonier. Alex Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway will serve as the co-main event of the night on July 2 at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, NV.

Demetrious Johnson Backs Henry Cejudo’s Chances To Beat UFC Champions Alex Volkanovski & Aljamain Sterling

Demetrious Johnson, Henry Cejudo, Alex Volkanovski, Aljamain SterlingDemetrious Johnson has backed Henry Cejudo to win over Aljamain Sterling or Alexander Volkanovski. Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo re-entered the USADA testing pool in April to solidify his return to competition. Cejudo announced that he was hanging up the gloves after his win over Dominick Cruz in May 2020. While he does not […]

Demetrious Johnson, Henry Cejudo, Alex Volkanovski, Aljamain Sterling

Demetrious Johnson has backed Henry Cejudo to win over Aljamain Sterling or Alexander Volkanovski.

Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo re-entered the USADA testing pool in April to solidify his return to competition. Cejudo announced that he was hanging up the gloves after his win over Dominick Cruz in May 2020. While he does not have a confirmed opponent yet, he has been rallying for a shot at either of the two champions at bantamweight and featherweight.

Although Cejudo didn’t compete at featherweight, Demetrious Johnson believes he has what it takes to dethrone Alex Volkanovski or the lighter Sterling.

Demetrious Johnson backs Henry Cejudo for a title shot in a comeback fight

In an interview with MMA Fighting, ‘The Mighty Mouse’ shared his thoughts on Cejudo as a fighter and heaped praises on the only person to have won an Olympic Gold and a UFC championship.

“He’s intelligent, he’s an athlete – I mean, he’s done something I haven’t done,” Johnson said. “You know, he’s won the world championship at flyweight and bantamweight, and he’s defended the flyweight title and the bantamweight title, right?

“Typically guys when they do that, Conor [McGregor] has done it, but he never defended any of those belts. He’s won it, then [won] one after, and then he got lost, right? That’s one thing I think Henry Cejudo has that people should show respect to the man. I respect him.”

Johnson talked about how he sees a matchup between ‘Triple C’ and ‘Funk Master’ playing out.

“If he was to fight Aljamain Sterling, I think he poses a lot of problems to Aljamain Sterling because, one, his wrestling is legit, his hands are legit, and Henry Cejudo, he’s a gamer,” Johnson said. “Like, he’ll go out there and he’s gonna push the pace and try to win the fight. Obviously, right now Henry Cejudo’s got that dad bod, so he’s gonna have to shred all that baby weight, and I’m sure he can do it. It’s all about does the athlete want to do it, in my opinion.”

Johnson believes Alex Volkanovski will be a tougher matchup

‘The Great’ is currently on a 21-fight win streak and has gone unbeaten in the UFC in 11 fights against competition like Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Chad Mendes, and Brian Ortega.

As for a potential showdown against the reigning king of 145 lbs, Johnson believes Cejudo would have a harder time.

“I think [fighting for the featherweight title] is gonna be a harder thing to do because Volkanovski is, I think, the bigger guy, and Volkanovski has been more active. And I think the weight discrepancy is going to be there for Volkanovski, right? Do I think Henry Cejudo has the talent and skillset and the mindset to beat Volkanovski? Absolutely, it’s a fight, but Volkanovski has been active, he’s been fighting killers. He’s fought Max Holloway two times.”

Johnson compared Volkanovski to Cejudo and said that they are identical in their approach to fighting.

“And Volkanovski is very good about sticking to the gameplan and executing the gameplan, right?” Johnson said. “That’s one of the things I’ve noticed about him. When he’s fought Chad Mendes, and he’s fought the guys in the past, you saw the grit, you saw the tough, you saw the rugby, you saw the athlete come out in it.

“But now, when you see him fight, when he fought Max Holloway both times and when he fought Brian Ortega and when he just fought ‘Korean Zombie,’ you saw an athlete also become a martial artist and also sticking to executing a perfect gameplan.

“So, that’s the biggest thing I think that Henry Cejudo is going to have to battle. He’s going to gave to battle pretty much an identical version of him, in my opinion.”

Alex Volkanovski is scheduled to fight Max Holloway for a third time on July 2 at UFC 276.

Do you agree with Demetrious Johnson on Henry Cejudo dethroning Alex Volkanovski or Aljamain Sterling?