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Middleweight
1. Israel Adesanya (19-0)
Adesanya didn’t score many style points at UFC 248, but he was able to emerge from the evening’s headliner with his undefeated record intact following a unanimous verdict over Yoel Romero at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Nigerian-born Kiwi opted for a conservative approach against a dangerous opponent, as he picked his spots and relied heavily on leg kicks to improve to 8-0 in UFC competition. A showdown with another dangerous adversary in Paulo Henrique Costa looms for “The Last Stylebender,” who could certainly use a more fan-friendly effort in his next Octagon appearance.2. Robert Whittaker (20-5)
After more than a year-long absence, things didn’t go as planned for Whittaker at UFC 243, as he suffered a second-round technical knockout loss to interim champion Israel Adesanya at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Oct. 5. In relinquishing the 185-pound strap, Whittaker saw an nine-fight winning streak come to an end. Whittaker then withdrew from a matchup with Jared Cannonier at UFC 248, later revealing that his hiatus since the championship loss was due to being “completely burned out” from the rigors of training and fighting. The ex-champ is slated to return on July 25 against Darren Till.3. Paulo Henrique Costa (13-0)
Costa answered any questions regarding his cardio at UFC 241, as he went three hard rounds with top contender Yoel Romero to capture a narrow unanimous verdict. One of the most imposing figures in the UFC, “Borrachinha” showcased a sturdy chin in addition to a solid gas tank while winning his fifth consecutive Octagon appearance. After being sidelined due to a torn bicep — and bypassed by Romero for a title shot as a result — Costa should be the clear No. 1 contender when Israel Adesanya next defends his middleweight crown.4. Yoel Romero (13-5)
Romero didn’t necessarily deserve a middleweight title shot at UFC 248, and after a confounding performance against Israel Adesanya, it’s unlikely that “The Soldier of God” will receive another championship opportunity during his promotional tenure. The Olympic silver medalist was explosive in spurts, but those were overshadowed by much longer periods of inactivity as he was picked apart on the outside by the tactical Adesanya. With losses in four of his last five Octagon appearances, the soon to be 43-year-old may have reached a point in his career where his reputation exceeds the product he puts forth in the cage. Romero will look to end his slump when he faces Uriah Hall on Aug. 22.5. Jared Cannonier (13-3)
Cannonier has improved immensely since moving to 185 pounds, and his ascent continued in the UFC Fight Night 160 headliner with a second-round technical knockout stoppage of Jack Hermansson in Copenhagen, Denmark. The MMA Lab product survived early pressure from “The Joker” before rocking his foe with a short right uppercut. From there, Cannonier hammered away with purposeful ground-and-pound to clinch his victory. With the win, “The Killa Gorilla” improved to 3-0 at middleweight, adding his victory over Hermansson to finishes of Anderson Silva and David Branch. Cannonier was due for his most difficult test to date against Robert Whittaker, but the ex-champ withdrew from their UFC 248 clash due to personal reasons.6. Jack Hermansson (21-5)
Hermansson claimed his latest victory in surprising fashion, as he submitted former interim title challenger Kelvin Gastelum with a heel hook just 78 seconds into their co-main event encounter at UFC Fight Night 172. It was a nice rebound performance for “The Joker,” who was coming off a TKO defeat to Jared Cannonier last September. Hermansson has won five of his last six promotional outings.7. Darren Till (18-2-1)
Till didn’t get to ease his way into the middleweight division, and it didn’t matter. At UFC 244, the Liverpool native relied on his superior size and length to score a split-decision verdict over Kelvin Gastelum at Madison Square Garden in the evening’s co-main event. The victory comes on the heels of being finished in back-to-back welterweight bouts by Jorge Masvidal and Tyron Woodley and instantly establishes Till as a person of interest at 185 pounds. “The Gorilla” will get another high-profile middleweight matchup when he meets ex-champ Robert Whittaker on July 25.8. Kelvin Gastelum (15-6)
It wasn’t all that long ago that Gastelum went toe-to-toe with current middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in Sherdog’s 2019 “Fight of the Year,” losing a competitive unanimous decision in an interim title bout at UFC 236. On the heels of a first-round submission defeat to Jack Hermansson at UFC Fight Night 172 on July 18, “The Ultimate Fighter 17” winner finds himself on a three-bout skid and in danger of becoming an also-ran in the middleweight divison.9. Ronaldo Souza (26-8)
After an unsuccessful light heavyweight foray against Jan Blachowicz at UFC Fight Night 164, Souza was to make his return to 185 pounds against Uriah Hall at UFC 249. However, one day before the bout it was revealed that “Jacare” tested positive for the coronavirus, resulting in the cancellation of his proposed clash with Hall. The former Strikeforce champion has lost three of his last four Octagon appearances.10. Rafael Lovato Jr. (10-0)
Lovato Jr.’s tenacious grappling was just enough to give him the nod against Gegard Mousasi, as the Oklahoma City, Okla., resident claimed middleweight gold with a majority verdict over the UFC veteran in the Bellator London headliner in June 2019. A rematch seemed like a virtual certainty at one point, but Lovato Jr. has since revealed that a brain condition will prevent him from fighting for the foreseeable future. As a result, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist relinquished the Bellator middleweight belt.Other Contenders: Gegard Mousasi, Derek Brunson, Uriah Hall, Omari Akhmedov, Ian Heinisch.
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