Kayla Harrison and Merab Dvalishvili are making their case for the No. 1 spot in the rankings.
While that phrase might be a cliché, it accurately describes the impact of the performances by these two bantamweight champions at UFC 316 on Saturday. Harrison ascended to her division`s peak, while Dvalishvili maintained a firm hold on his title. Both were already leading their respective weight classes in our rankings prior to these recent victories, and they have now strengthened their arguments for reaching the top of the Pound-for-Pound charts.
Most observers would agree there is still progress required to claim the absolute top position, but this update to the MMA Fighting rankings sees both Harrison and Dvalishvili moving into the top 3 (with Dvalishvili sharing his spot with UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja). Interestingly, their paths to further advancement present opposing challenges.
For Harrison, a high-profile fight against the returning Amanda Nunes is potentially on the horizon. However, if she conquers that challenge, there are currently few other compelling opponents at 135 pounds. Amanda Nunes achieved a No. 1 P4P ranking based on a legendary winning streak and the opportunity to compete for titles in multiple weight classes. Harrison, however, might not remain in the division long enough to pursue potential challenges against fighters like Zhang Weili or Valentina Shevchenko for overall P4P supremacy.
On the men`s side, Dvalishvili is ranked only behind Islam Makachev and Ilia Topuria. He has appeared nearly unbeatable over the past seven years. However, he competes in one of the deepest divisions in MMA. Even if he defeats the likely No. 1 contender Cory Sandhagen in his next defense, the constant influx of talent in the bantamweight division suggests that a formidable challenger could emerge at any time.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe either Harrison or Dvalishvili will reach the No. 1 spot on a Pound-for-Pound list eventually?
Ranking Data Updates
Recent Results for Ranked Fighters (Previous Ranking Shown)
No. 4 Kayla Harrison def. No. 13 Julianna Peña
No. 4 Merab Dvalishvili def. No. 19 Sean O’Malley
Mario Bautista def. No. 16 Patchy Mix
Upcoming Bouts Featuring Ranked Fighters
No. 8 Dakota Ditcheva vs. Sumiko Inaba (PFL Africa, July 26)
No. 13 Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick (UFC Atlanta, June 14)
No. 14 Seika Izawa vs. Yu Jin Shin (Super RIZIN 4, July 27)
No. 20 Liz Carmouche vs. Elora Dana (PFL 6, June 20)
No. 2 Ilia Topuria vs. No. 17 Charles Oliveira (UFC 317, June 28)
No. 3 (tied) Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France (UFC 317, June 28)
No. 5 Dricus du Plessis vs. No. 14 Khamzat Chimaev (UFC 319, Aug. 16)
No. 11 Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier (UFC 318, July 19)
Fighters Also Receiving Votes (Number of Ballot Appearances Shown)
Norma Dumont (3)
Jessica Andrade (2)
Maycee Barber (2)
Macy Chiasson (1)
Amanda Lemos (1)
Gillian Robertson (1)
Sean Brady (4)
Jiri Prochazka (3)
Movsar Evloev (2)
Francis Ngannou (2)
Brandon Moreno (1)
Sean O’Malley (1)
Falling Out of the Rankings (Previous Ranking Shown)
No. 16 Patchy Mix
No. 19 Sean O’Malley
