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Middleweight
1. Israel Adesanya (19-0) [1]
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 at UFC 253 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 (21-5) [2]
Burnout prompted Whittaker to take a hiatus following a second-round knockout loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 last October, but “The Reaper” returned to form in the UFC on ESPN 14 main event with a competitive five-round verdict over Darren Till in Abu Dhabi. That makes 10 wins in 11 outings for the former champion, who will make a relatively quick turnaround to face surging contender Jared Cannonier at UFC 254 on Oct. 24.3. Paulo Henrique Costa (13-0) [3]
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 will square off against Israel Adesanya for middleweight gold at UFC 253.4. Yoel Romero (13-5) [4]
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 was forced to withdraw from a UFC on ESPN 15 co-main event clash against Uriah Hall on Aug. 22.5. Jared Cannonier (13-3) [5]
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. 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. After recovering from pectoral surgery, Cannonier will face his most difficult test to date when he squares off against ex-champ Robert Whittaker at UFC 254 on Oct. 24.6. Jack Hermansson (21-5) [6]
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. The Sweden-based fighter will headline a UFC Fight Night event against Darren Till on Dec. 57. Darren Till (18-3-1) [7]
Till certainly had his moments against Robert Whittaker at UFC on ESPN 14, but he ultimately lost a narrow five-round verdict to the former middleweight champion. Till revealed in the aftermath that he likely injured his knee in the second round of the fight and could require surgery and a recovery period. Still, “The Gorilla” wasn’t discouraged by his effort against Whittaker and figures to be tough challenge for many opponents in the middleweight division. Till will get another marquee match at 185 pounds when he squares off against contender Jack Hermansson in the headliner of a UFC event on Dec. 5.8. Kelvin Gastelum (15-6) [8]
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 division.9. Ronaldo Souza (26-8) [9]
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) [10]
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, Chris Weidman, Omari Akhmedov.
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