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By submitting Holly Holm with a second-round ninja choke in the UFC on ESPN 49 headliner this past Saturday in Las Vegas, “Sheetara” cemented herself as one of the top contenders in a now wide open women’s bantamweight division. As a result of her signature victory, the submission-minded Brazilian climbs all the way to No. 4 in Sherdog’s latest divisional rankings.
Elsewhere, despite facing an uncertain future, Norma Dumont continues to plug away at 145 pounds. Her unanimous decision win over an overmatched Chelsea Chandler at UFC on ESPN 49 gives her five featherweight victories, the most in the history of the division. If the promotion elects to keep the weight class around, Dumont has a strong claim to the belt. For now she stays ranked fourth due to a head-to-head loss against No. 3 Macy Chiasson.
In other action, Jack Della Maddalena fended off a game challenge from short-notice foe Bassil Hafez, holding on for a split-decision triumph in a closer-than-expected bout. Maddalena has won five straight at 170 pounds, and he keeps his No. 15 ranking. Finally, Philip De Fries remains an unstoppable force as KSW heavyweight champion, as he notched his ninth successful title defense with a submission of Szymon Bajor on Saturday. Arguably one of the most underrated big men in the sport today, De Fries rises to No. 13 in the heavyweight rankings.
Note: Previous rankings listed in brackets.
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