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Heavyweight
1. Francis Ngannou (17-3) [1]
Ngannou displayed a significant step in his evolution at UFC 270, as he relied on takedowns and positional control to grind out a unanimous decision win over Ciryl Gane to unify the heavyweight title at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., on Jan. 22. While it wasn’t the most thrilling performance, the effort speaks volumes about Ngannou’s resolve, when in previous fights he struggled to do anything of note when forced to go past the second round. “The Predator” now faces an uncertain future, as he is unhappy with the way he has been treated by the UFC and seems willing to sit out for a significant period of time unless the two sides are able to come to terms. Regardless of how that happens, Ngannou will be sidelined for approximately nine months due to knee surgery.2. Stipe Miocic (20-4) [2]
When his wrestling failed against Francis Ngannou in the UFC 260 headliner, so did Miocic’s bid to make another successful heavyweight championship defense. Miocic saw his reign end in a second-round KO defeat at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on March 27, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Ohio-based firefighter has already established himself as the organization’s most consistent heavyweight king with records for most victories in title bouts and consecutive title defenses. Though requesting a trilogy wouldn’t be out of line for the 38-year-old, Miocic’s Octagon forays have become less frequent in recent years, making it unclear when he might be willing to return for another matchup with Ngannou – or anyone.3. Ciryl Gane (10-1) [3]
Gane appeared to be on cruise control through 10 minutes against Francis Ngannou, as he relied on his technical striking acumen to rack up a lead on the scorecards in the UFC 270 headliner. However, once his former MMA Factory stablemate shifted gears to a wrestling-based attack, Gane struggled to remain upright, which led to a unanimous decision loss in the most unlikely of fashions. Heading into UFC 270, the French heavyweight was touted as someone who could potentially reign for years atop the heavyweight division. That could still be possible, but in the immediate future “Bon Gamin” has questions to answer following his first career defeat.4. Tai Tuivasa (14-3) [4]
Tuivasa went head-to-head with Derrick Lewis and got the better of “The Black Beast,” sending his opponent face first to the canvas with a standing-elbow KO in the second-round of their heavyweight co-main event at UFC 271 on Feb. 12. After suffering a three-bout losing streak from December 2018 to October 2020, “Bam Bam” has resurrected his career with a five-bout winning streak that has seen him finishes all of his victims via knockout or technical knockout. Another ranked opponent should be up next for the affable Australian.5. Derrick Lewis (26-9, 1 NC) [5]
Normally it’s Lewis who wins the slugfests, but at UFC 271, “The Black Beast” face planted after absorbing a vicious standing elbow in the second round of his co-main event bout against Tai Tuivasa on Feb. 12. It’s the second time Lewis has suffered a disheartening defeat in his native Houston, but the UFC’s all-time knockout leader figures to remain a popular attraction for the promotion given his penchant for finishes and sound bites.6. Curtis Blaydes (15-3, 1 NC) [6]
Blaydes used his wrestling to neutralize Jairzinho Rozenstruik for three rounds in an effective yet forgettable performance at UFC 266 on Sept. 25. Blaydes’ ability to land takedowns will allow him to remain a viable contender at heavyweight, but KO/TKO losses to Francis Ngannou (twice) and Derrick Lewis highlight his greatest weakness — a chin that can be tested. Nonetheless, the Illinois native has won five of his last six in UFC competition. Next, Blaydes will meet Chris Daukaus in the UFC Columbus headliner on March 26.7. Alexander Volkov (34-9) [7]
Volkov utilized stout takedown defense and accurate punching combinations to take a unanimous verdict over Marcin Tybura in a slow-paced heavyweight affair at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. Volkov has won three of his last four promotional outings and though he has struggled against the likes of Ciryl Gane and Curtis Blaydes, the former Bellator champion remains a good litmus test for big men looking to climb the divisional ladder in the UFC. Next, Volkov will headline UFC London opposite Tom Aspinall on March 19.8. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (12-3) [8]
Rozenstruik was unable to pull the trigger consistently enough against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 266, as he was taken down in each round en route to a unanimous decision defeat at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sept. 25. When “Bigi Boy” does found an opening to showcase his considerable power, the results are impressive but when he doesn’t, the action can sometimes slow to a crawl in his fights. Rozenstruik has lost three of his last five promotional outings. Next, he’ll lock horns with Marcin Tybura at UFC 273.9. Marcin Tybura (22-7) [9]
Tybura’s improbable resurgence came to an end at UFC 267, as he dropped a unanimous decision to Alexander Volkov at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 30. The former M-1 Global champion struggled to land takedowns against a considerably larger opponent, and his five-bout winning streak was snapped in defeat. Tybura will attempt to bounce back when he faces Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 273.10. Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) [10]
It took a gritty effort in the championship rounds, but Bader was able to successfully defend his heavyweight crown for the first time at Bellator 273, as he held off interim title holder Valentin Moldavsky for a unanimous decision triumph at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on Jan. 29. After losing two of his last three 205-pound bouts, Bader appears set to close out his MMA career in the big man’s division. As it stands, the Arizona native already has his next title defense booked: a rematch with Cheick Kongo at Bellator Paris in May.Other Contenders: Valentin Moldavsky, Tom Aspinall, Chris Daukaus, Fedor Emelianenko, Philip De Fries.
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