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Last month, the world’s top heavyweights were on display. This month, it was the other side of the scale in the spotlight.

Demetrious Johnson maintained his reputation as the world’s top 125-pounder with a Jan. 26 unanimous decision over top contender John Dodson. Before an audience of millions on Fox, the flyweights displayed all the speed and athleticism for which their division is known, dueling for 25 minutes in a back-and-forth affair. Johnson ultimately outlasted “The Ultimate Fighter” winner, but the close nature of the fight and the lack of contenders in the UFC’s newest weight class make a rematch seem almost inevitable -- not that anyone is complaining.

January also saw shakeups at lightweight, where an Anthony Pettis body kick knocked Donald Cerrone down a few notches, and featherweight, where Ricardo Lamas continued to play spoiler. Also at 145 pounds, former lightweights Clay Guida and Nik Lentz entered the ranks of the elite. At light heavyweight, Glover Teixeira sent Quinton Jackson out of the UFC and The top 10 with a loss, and at middleweight, Vitor Belfort moved up a spot by extinguishing Michael Bisping’s title hopes with a second-round knockout.

Continue Reading » MMA Heavyweight Rankings