Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

Image: John Brannigan/Sherdog.com illustration

It might be unwise to continue doubting Dricus Du Plessis.

The South African earned the biggest victory of his career to date at UFC 290, where he staked his claim to a middleweight title shot with a second-round technical knockout of ex-champ Robert Whittaker at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Perhaps overshadowing that stellar performance was a tense confrontation with Israel Adesanya in the Octagon that sets the stage for their championship matchup later this year — perhaps as soon as UFC 293 in Sydney. As a result of his efforts, Du Plessis makes a big move in the 185-pound poll, climbing from 10th to third. Meanwhile, Alexandre Pantoja kept his perfect record against Brandon Moreno intact by winning an enthralling split decision in the UFC 290 co-main event. The latest — and most difficult — triumph carries the most weight, as it allows the Brazilian to claim flyweight gold and the top spot in Sherdog’s 125-pound rankings.

There wasn’t nearly as much drama in the featherweight division, where Alexander Volkanovski continued his dominance with a third-round stoppage of Yair Rodriguez in the UFC 290 headliner. The City Kickboxing standout is the clear-cut No. 1 at 145 pounds, and at this point it appears that it will take a special performance to dislodge him from that position.

In other action, Dan Hooker rallied past Jalin Turner in an entertaining lightweight clash on the UFC 290 main card. “The Hangman” remains one of the sport’s most reliable action fighters and by winning his second consecutive outing, maintains his No. 9 ranking at 155 pounds.

Note: Previous rankings listed in brackets.

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