Image: John Brannigan/Sherdog.com illustration
In a span of a little more than a year, Diego Lopes has gone from short-notice replacement opponent to Top 5 featherweight.
Meanwhile, wrestling was the story in the two title fights at Noche UFC. In the main event, Merab Dvalishvili kept Sean O’Malley off balance with his trademark pace and grappling to capture the bantamweight crown. With 11 consecutive victories in tow, “The Machine” takes over the top spot at 135 pounds. In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko forced Alexa Grasso to fight from her back for the majority of their flyweight title bout, as she set a career high for takedowns landed in a five-round triumph. By evening their trilogy at 1-1-1, “Bullet” reclaims the belt she lost in shocking fashion in March 2023 and re-establishes herself as the world’s best female flyweight.
Elsewhere, Norma Dumont secured a statement victory at 135 pounds by battering former No. 1 contender Irene Aldana over three rounds in a unanimous verdict. The Brazilian has won two straight at bantamweight — and five in a row overall — and climbs to No. 4 in the latest divisional poll.
Finally, the Bellator Champions Series London headliner brought some significant movement in the women’s featherweight division, as Sara Collins dispatched Leah McCourt via fist-round submission at the OVO Wembley on Saturday. In an often-dormant division, the undefeated Australian climbs from No. 7 to No. 3. In housekeeping news, Ayaka Hamasaki exits the atomweight rankings due to two years of inactivity. That clears the way for Elisandra Ferreira de Oliveira to join the bubble at No. 15.
Note: Previous rankings listed in brackets.
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