Current MMA Rankings Updated (07-03-2017)
Notable Info
- Semi-annual community adjustment made for Japan population – was a good 6 months for them.
Aaron Pico faces unusually tough debut opponent at Bellator NYC
On Saturday, wrestling prodigy Aaron Pico will make his MMA debut on the main card of Bellator 180/NYC. For the uninitiated, Pico made news in 2014 when he left high school wrestling and forfeited any potential collegiate wrestling career to sign with Zinkin Entertainment. He continued to compete in freestyle wrestling for a shot at the Olympics, but MMA was always the ultimate goal. This past summer he ended up one match short of winning the U.S. Olympic Trials and has since focused on his MMA debut.
In his debut, the 20-year-old fighter will face Zach Freeman. “The Altar Boy” holds an 8-2 professional record and has been ranked as high as #118 LW in the Fight Matrix system. It is safe to say that Pico will face one of the toughest debut opponents for a wrestling prospect in the last 10 years.
The following table shows the debut opponents for all NCAA Division I wrestling All-Americans in the last 10 years who have transitioned into MMA. As you can see, only three others besides Pico have faced fighters who were ever ranked and only two others faced opponents who were ranked at the time. Freeman also has more wins that any of the other opponents, slightly beating out Phil Davis’ debut opponent Brett Chism.
Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night 112: Chiesa/Lee (06-25-2017)
Lightweight (155)
[#9] Kevin Lee (15-2-0, -134) vs. [#13] Michael Chiesa (14-2-0, +109)
Last 3 Fights: Kevin Lee (3-0-0)
2017-03-11: W vs. [#21LW] Francisco Trinaldo (21-5-0) via in 3:12 of round 2
2016-11-19: W vs. [#76LW] Magomed Mustafaev (13-2-0) via Technical Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:31 of round 2
2016-07-08: W vs. [#93LW] Jake Matthews (10-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:06 of round 1
Last 3 Fights: Michael Chiesa (3-0-0)
2016-04-16: W vs. [#12LW] Beneil Dariush (14-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 1:20 of round 2
2015-12-10: W vs. [#19LW] Jim Miller (28-9-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:57 of round 2
2015-04-04: W vs. [#336LW] Mitch Clarke (11-4-0) via UD (29-26, 29-28, 29-28)
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Kevin Lee 106, Michael Chiesa 435
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Michael Chiesa leads 2-1
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Middleweight (185)
[#16] Johny Hendricks (18-6-0, -221) vs. [#20] Tim Boetsch (20-11-0, +178)
Johny Hendricks is the All-Time #40 ranked Absolute fighter.
Tim Boetsch is the All-Time #45 ranked Middleweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Johny Hendricks (1-2-0)
2017-02-19: W vs. [#44MW] Hector Lombard (34-7-1) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2016-12-30: L vs. [#9WW] Neil Magny (19-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-07-09: L vs. [#10MW] Kelvin Gastelum (13-2-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Tim Boetsch (2-1-0)
2017-02-11: L vs. [#6MW] Ronaldo Souza (24-5-0) via Submission (Kimura) in 3:41 of round 1
2016-11-12: W vs. [#30MW] Rafael Natal (21-8-1) via KO (Punches) in 3:22 of round 1
2016-07-13: W vs. [*] Josh Samman (12-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:49 of round 2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Johny Hendricks 126, Tim Boetsch 134
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Women Strawweight (115)
[#18] Felice Herrig (12-6-0, -116) vs. [#26] Justine Kish (6-0-0, -110)
Last 3 Fights: Felice Herrig (2-1-0)
2017-02-04: W vs. [#32SW] Alexa Grasso (9-1-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2016-07-23: W vs. [#88SW] Kailin Curran (4-4-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 1:59 of round 1
2015-04-18: L vs. [#34SW] Paige VanZant (7-3-0) via UD (30-26, 29-27, 30-26)
Last 3 Fights: Justine Kish (3-0-0)
2016-12-09: W vs. [#53SW] Ashley Yoder (5-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-82)
2016-01-02: W vs. [#44SW] Nina Ansaroff (7-5-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2014-01-24: W vs. [#8SW] Randa Markos (7-4-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Felice Herrig 141, Justine Kish 198
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Fight Matrix Program – Bellator 180: Sonnen/Silva (06-24-2017)
Light Heavyweight (205)
[#40] Chael Sonnen (28-15-1) vs. [*] Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1)
Chael Sonnen is the All-Time #44 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.
Wanderlei Silva is the All-Time #3 ranked Light Heavyweight and #17 ranked Absolute fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Chael Sonnen (1-2-0)
2017-01-21: L vs. [*] Tito Ortiz (20-12-1) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:03 of round 1
2013-11-16: L vs. [#31MW] Rashad Evans (21-6-1) via TKO (Punches) in 4:05 of round 1
2013-08-17: W vs. [#8LHW] Mauricio Rua (25-10-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 4:47 of round 1
Last 3 Fights: Wanderlei Silva (2-1-0)
2013-03-03: W vs. [*] Brian Stann (12-6-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:08 of round 2
2012-06-23: L vs. [*] Rich Franklin (29-7-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2011-11-19: W vs. [*] Cung Le (9-3-0) via TKO (Knees and Punches) in 4:49 of round 2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Chael Sonnen 154, Wanderlei Silva 1574
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 2 win(s) against common opposition.
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Heavyweight (265)
[#21] Matt Mitrione (11-5-0) vs. [#29] Fedor Emelianenko (36-4-0)
Fedor Emelianenko is the All-Time #1 ranked Heavyweight and #4 ranked Absolute fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Matt Mitrione (2-1-0)
2016-07-16: W vs. [#58HW+] Oli Thompson (17-10-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:21 of round 2
2016-06-24: W vs. [#104HW+] Carl Seumanutafa (10-7-0) via KO (Punch) in 3:22 of round 1
2016-01-17: L vs. [#11HW+] Travis Browne (18-6-1) via TKO (Punches) in 4:09 of round 3
Last 3 Fights: Fedor Emelianenko (3-0-0)
2016-06-17: W vs. [#91HW+] Fabio Maldonado (23-11-0) via MD (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
2015-12-31: W vs. [#272HW+] Jaideep Singh (2-2-0) via TKO (Submission to Punches) in 3:02 of round 1
2012-06-21: W vs. [*] Pedro Rizzo (20-11-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:24 of round 1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Matt Mitrione 343, Fedor Emelianenko 372
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Welterweight (170)
[#10] Lorenz Larkin (18-5-0) vs. [#15] Douglas Lima (28-6-0)
Douglas Lima is the All-Time #47 ranked Welterweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Lorenz Larkin (2-1-0)
2016-08-20: W vs. [#9WW] Neil Magny (19-5-0) via in 4:08 of round 1
2016-05-29: W vs. [#5WW] Jorge Masvidal (32-12-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-01-02: L vs. [#43WW] Albert Tumenov (18-4-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Douglas Lima (2-1-0)
2016-11-10: W vs. [#19WW] Andrey Koreshkov (19-2-0) via in of round 3
2016-07-16: W vs. [#44WW] Paul Daley (39-15-2) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2015-07-17: L vs. [#19WW] Andrey Koreshkov (19-2-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 48-47)
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Lorenz Larkin 308, Douglas Lima 226
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Fight Matrix Program – UFC 212: Aldo/Holloway (06-03-2017)
Featherweight Championship (145)
[#1/#6DD/#5P4P] Jose Aldo (26-2-0, -142) vs. [#2/#7DD/#6P4P] Max Holloway (17-3-0, +116)
Jose Aldo is the All-Time #1 ranked Featherweight and #3 ranked Absolute fighter.
Max Holloway is the All-Time #8 ranked Featherweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Jose Aldo (2-1-0)
2016-07-09: W vs. [#3FW] Frankie Edgar (22-5-1) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 49-46)
2015-12-12: L vs. [#1LW/#9DD/#8P4P] Conor McGregor (21-3-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:13 of round 1
2014-10-25: W vs. [*] Chad Mendes (17-4-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Last 3 Fights: Max Holloway (3-0-0)
2016-12-10: W vs. [#9LW] Anthony Pettis (19-6-0) via TKO (Kick to the Body and Punches) in 4:50 of round 3
2016-06-04: W vs. [#4FW] Ricardo Lamas (17-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2015-12-12: W vs. [#11FW] Jeremy Stephens (25-14-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jose Aldo 329, Max Holloway 175
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 2 win(s) against common opposition.
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Women Strawweight (115)
[#3/#10DD/#8P4P] Claudia Gadelha (14-2-0, -290) vs. [#6] Karolina Kowalkiewicz (10-1-0, +230)
Claudia Gadelha is the All-Time #24 ranked Women’s fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Claudia Gadelha (2-1-0)
2016-11-19: W vs. [#19SW] Cortney Casey (6-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-07-08: L vs. [#1SW/#1DD/#1P4P] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-0-0) via UD (48-45, 48-46, 48-46)
2015-08-01: W vs. [#20SW] Jessica Aguilar (19-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Last 3 Fights: Karolina Kowalkiewicz (2-1-0)
2016-11-12: L vs. [#1SW/#1DD/#1P4P] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-0-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2016-07-30: W vs. [#5SW] Rose Namajunas (6-3-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-05-08: W vs. [#71SW] Heather Clark (7-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Claudia Gadelha 196, Karolina Kowalkiewicz 203
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Middleweight (185)
[#11] Vitor Belfort (25-13-0) vs. [#36] Nate Marquardt (35-17-2)
Vitor Belfort is the All-Time #21 ranked Middleweight and #28 ranked Absolute fighter.
Nate Marquardt is the All-Time #6 ranked Middleweight and #49 ranked Absolute fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Vitor Belfort (0-2-0, 1 NC)
2017-03-11: NC vs. [#10MW] Kelvin Gastelum (13-2-0)
2016-10-08: L vs. [#4MW] Gegard Mousasi (42-6-2) via TKO (Punches) in 2:43 of round 2
2016-05-14: L vs. [#7MW] Ronaldo Souza (24-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:38 of round 1
Last 3 Fights: Nate Marquardt (1-2-0)
2017-01-28: L vs. [#29MW] Sam Alvey (30-9-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-10-01: W vs. [#53MW] Tamdan McCrory (14-5-0) via KO (Punch and Head Kick) in 4:44 of round 2
2016-05-14: L vs. [#25MW] Thiago Santos (14-5-0) via KO (Punch) in 3:39 of round 1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Vitor Belfort 84, Nate Marquardt 126
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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How did Ben Askren drop 44 spots in the rankings without losing?
On Friday, Ben Askren will defend his ONE Championship welterweight title against Agilan Thangalapani. The challenger is 7-0 and currently ranked #204 at middleweight. During his six-fight ONE career, he has fought fighters with the following records: 0-1, 2-2, 3-6, 3-1, 4-5 and 6-2. This is what a title challenger looks like in a promotion run by people who publicly say things like, “If Conor McGregor was a free agent, ONE Championship would not try to sign him.”
Askren left Bellator in 2013 and signed with ONE the following year. During his Bellator run, he went 9-0, won the promotion’s welterweight title and defended it four times. At the time, many expected the Olympic wrestler to sign with the UFC. He even posted on Twitter, “I am now free to go to the UFC and beat whoever I want.” Instead, fans were treated to a never-ending war of words between Askren and UFC president Dana White.
During his time in ONE, his ranking has fallen from #6 welterweight in 2013 all the way to #50 in the current ranking release. This is partially due to inactivity, but his lack of quality opponents is the main impetus for the drop.
In 2014, Askren made his ONE debut with a first-round submission victory over Bakhtiyar Abbasov. He then returned and bested Nobutatsu Suzuki for the promotion’s welterweight title. The following year, he fought to a no contest with Luis Santos after Askren landed an accidental eye poke. The two were supposed to rematch, but Santos missed weight and ate too much brunch, so the fight never materialized. Last year, Askren defeated Nikolay Aleksakhin.
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Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night 109: Gustafsson/Teixeira
Light Heavyweight (205)
[#5] Glover Teixeira (26-5-0, +248) vs. [#9] Alexander Gustafsson (17-4-0, -315)
Glover Teixeira is the All-Time #24 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.
Alexander Gustafsson is the All-Time #19 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Glover Teixeira (2-1-0)
2017-02-11: W vs. [#53LHW] Jared Cannonier (9-2-0) via UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
2016-08-20: L vs. [*] Anthony Johnson (22-6-0) via in 0:13 of round 1
2016-04-16: W vs. [#28MW] Rashad Evans (21-6-1) via KO (Punches) in 1:48 of round 1
Last 3 Fights: Alexander Gustafsson (1-2-0)
2016-09-03: W vs. [#36LHW] Jan Blachowicz (19-7-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2015-10-03: L vs. [#1LHW/#1DD/#2P4P] Daniel Cormier (19-1-0) via SD (47-48, 48-47, 49-46)
2015-01-24: L vs. [*] Anthony Johnson (22-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:15 of round 1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Glover Teixeira 106, Alexander Gustafsson 267
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Light Heavyweight (205)
[#12] Misha Cirkunov (13-2-0, -397) vs. [#17] Volkan Oezdemir (13-1-0, +313)
Last 3 Fights: Misha Cirkunov (3-0-0)
2016-12-10: W vs. [#20LHW] Nikita Krylov (21-5-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 4:38 of round 1
2016-06-18: W vs. [#100LHW] Ion Cutelaba (12-3-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 1:22 of round 3
2016-02-06: W vs. [#75MW] Alex Nicholson (7-3-0) via Submission (Neck Crank) in 1:28 of round 2
Last 3 Fights: Volkan Oezdemir (3-0-0)
2017-02-04: W vs. [#13LHW] Ovince St. Preux (20-10-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-04-09: W vs. [#217HW+] Alihan Vahaev (5-2-0) via UD ()
2014-09-20: W vs. [#269LHW] Paco Estevez (7-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in ? of round 1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Misha Cirkunov 169, Volkan Oezdemir 113
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Welterweight (170)
[#34] Ben Saunders (21-7-2, -121) vs. [#94] Peter Sobotta (16-5-1, -102)
Last 3 Fights: Ben Saunders (2-1-0)
2017-01-15: W vs. [#82WW] Court McGee (18-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-09-09: W vs. [#135WW] Jacob Volkmann (19-7-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 0:17 of round 1
2016-01-17: L vs. [*] Patrick Cote (23-11-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:14 of round 2
Last 3 Fights: Peter Sobotta (2-1-0)
2016-09-03: W vs. [#143WW] Nicolas Dalby (14-2-1) via UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
2015-11-14: L vs. [*] Kyle Noke (22-10-1) via TKO (Body Kick and Punches) in 2:01 of round 1
2015-06-20: W vs. [#146MW] Steve Kennedy (24-8-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:57 of round 1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Ben Saunders 133, Peter Sobotta 267
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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