Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

Image: John Brannigan/Sherdog.com illustration

The imposing figure in the Octagon on Saturday night certainly resembled Francis Ngannou, but the method by which he achieved victory was that of a different fighter entirely.

Behind a career-high four takedowns, Ngannou ground out a five-round verdict against former training partner Ciryl Gane in the UFC 270 headliner at the Honda Center, in Anaheim, Calif., for his sixth consecutive triumph. Ngannou has come a long way since 2018, when he was worn down by the wrestling of Stipe Miocic in his first championship opportunity at UFC 220. In the span of less than a year, “The Predator” has vanquished Miocic to claim heavyweight gold in familiar heavy-handed fashion, and then relied on a skillset few knew he even had to edge the previously undefeated Gane.

What it all means is that Ngannou is the clear-cut No. 1 in the heavyweight division, even as questions about his future in the UFC – and MMA in general – continue to persist. For Gane, who many anointed as a long-term heavyweight king, it’s back to the drawing board. His time atop the division and the rankings may yet come, but not without more work and improvement. Gane can take heart: Few make it to the top in MMA without first being humbled at some point.

Note: Previous rankings listed in brackets.

Continue Reading » Heavyweight