Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings
Statement Maker
Image: John Brannigan/Sherdog.com illustration
Arman Tsarukyan isn’t playing around.
The American Top Team standout made a serious statement in the UFC on ESPN 52 headliner, as he knocked out perennial contender Beneil Dariush in just 64 seconds on Saturday at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on Saturday night. Tsarukyan has come a long way since falling to current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in his Octagon debut, and he’s making a pretty solid case for a rematch in the near future. For the time being, the Russian climbs to No. 5 in Sherdog’s latest lightweight rankings.
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Elsewhere, Deiveson Figueiredo proved he could hold his own in a larger weight class, as he defeated Rob Font via unanimous decision in a featured bantamweight bout. The two-time flyweight king has likely assured himself of another ranked opponent at 135 pounds, and he also makes his debut in the divisional poll at No. 11. Meanwhile, Sean Brady gave Kelvin Gastelum a rude welcome back to 170 pounds with a third-round submission victory. By rebounding from his first career loss in dominant fashion, Brady is able to maintain his No. 10 ranking at welterweight. Finally, Miesha Tate enjoyed a successful return to 135 pounds with a clear-cut decision triumph against Julia Avila. In a shallow bantamweight division, “Cupcake” rejoins the poll at No. 12.
In housekeeping news, A.J. McKee’s lightweight venture has led to his rankings expiration at 145 pounds. With his exit, Edson Barboza joins the featherweight bubble at No. 15.
Note: Previous rankings listed in brackets.
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