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Featherweight
1. Alexander Volkanovski (22-1) [1]
Volkanovski improved to 2-0 against Max Holloway at UFC 251, but victory in the rematch came by a much slimmer margin than it did in their first meeting. After Holloway rocked the Australian featherweight champion at the end of Rounds 1 and 2 to take an early lead on the scorecards, Volkanovski finished strong over the bout’s final 15 minutes to earn a contentious split-decision triumph in Abu Dhabi. That makes nine consecutive UFC victories and 19 straight professional triumphs overall for the City Kickboxing representative. A showdown with Brian Ortega that was originally set for UFC 260 has been postponed after Volkanovski tested positive for COVID-19. That bout figures to be delayed even further, as Volkanovski and Ortega have been tabbed as coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter 29.”2. Max Holloway (22-6) [2]
Holloway erased the sting of back-to-back losses to Alexander Volkanovski in emphatic fashion at UFC on ABC 1, where he authored a dominant five-round verdict against Calvin Kattar at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The 29-year-old Hawaiian set several striking records in a masterful performance. Just as important, “Blessed” reaffirmed his place as one of the Las Vegas-based promotion’s top stars with a big victory on network television. Holloway was supposed to meet Yair Rodriguez in the main event of a UFC card on July 17, but the bout was postponed after the ex-champion suffered an injury.3. Brian Ortega (15-1, 1 NC) [3]
Nearly two years away from the cage served Ortega well, as he showcased a refined skill set in a unanimous decision triumph over Chan Sung Jung in the UFC Fight Night 180 headliner on Oct. 17 in Abu Dhabi. Not only did “T-City” bounce back from a beatdown at the hands of Max Holloway in a featherweight title bout in December 2018, but he also earned himself a shot a current champion Alexander Volkanovski. Originally slated for UFC 260, that matchup has been postponed to a later date after Volkanovski tested positive for COVID-19. In the meantime, Ortega will coach opposite Volkanovski on “The Ultimate Fighter 29.”4. Patricio Freire (32-4) [4]
After using the entire five rounds to defeat Emmanuel Sanchez in their first meeting in November 2018, Freire blasted the Roufusport product with a left hook and choked him out 3:35 into the opening round of their clash in the Bellator 255 headliner on April 2 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. That makes seven consecutive wins for the Bellator’s reigning 145- and 155-pound champion, who advances to the finals of the promotion’s featherweight grand prix for an enticing matchup against the undefeated A.J. McKee at Bellator 263.5. Yair Rodriguez (12-2, 1 NC) [5]
Rodriguez had high expectations fighting on home soil, but his UFC Mexico City headlining matchup with Jeremy Stephens ended in just 15 seconds when “El Pantera” connected with an accidental eye poke. It was hardly the ending Rodriguez anticipated coming off a “Knockout of the Year” finish against Chan Sung Jung in November 2018, but he was able to settle the score with Stephens in their rematch at UFC on ESPN 6 in Boston, as he rode a multi-faceted kicking attack to a unanimous decision victory in October 2019. After an extended hiatus, Rodriguez was supposed to make his Octagon return against ex-champ Max Holloway on July 17, but that bout was postponed when “Blessed” suffered an injury.6. Chan Sung Jung (17-6) [6]
“The Korean Zombie” proved he isn’t the brawler he used to be at UFC on ESPN 25, as he relied on takedowns and positional dominance to capture a unanimous decision triumph over Dan Ige at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on June 19. The Fight Ready export has won three of his last four promotional appearances and rebounded from a decision loss to Brian Ortega at UFC Fight Night 180 in October 2020. Another ranked opponent is likely next for the 34-year-old South Korean..7. Calvin Kattar (22-5) [7]
Kattar was almost too tough for his own good at UFC on ABC 1, as he absorbed a whopping 445 significant strikes in a unanimous decision loss to ex-champ Max Holloway at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 16. Only time will tell if the punishment Kattar took will shorten his career. In the present, the setback halts the momentum of the “The Boston Finisher,” who had been victorious in four of five Octagon appearances heading into the bout.8. Frankie Edgar (24-8-1) [8]
After years of contending at both lightweight and featherweight in the UFC, Edgar has swiftly established himself as a person of interest at bantamweight, as well. In typical gritty fashion, Edgar edged Pedro Munhoz via split-decision in his 135-pound debut at UFC on ESPN 15 on Aug. 22. While the scorecards might have been debatable, Edgar’s ability to remain competitive throughout the contest was not, and he will likely be looking at another Top 10 foe for his next Octagon appearance.9. A.J. McKee (17-0) [9]
During his Bellator MMA tenure, McKee has graduated from top-tier prospect to championship contender in a span of approximately four years. “Mercenary” punched his ticket to the finals of the Bellator featherweight grand prix with a surprisingly quick submission win over Darrion Caldwell in November, and he now awaits a showdown with reigning 145-pound champion Patricio Freire at Bellator 263.10. Jeremy Stephens (28-18, 1 NC) [10]
Stephens was set to return to 155 pounds at but his shove of Drakkar Klose at weigh-ins resulted in the cancellation of their April 17 bout. Prior to that “Lil Heathen” had been winless in his last five Octagon appearances against a tough slate of competition: Calvin Kattar, Yair Rodriguez (twice), Zabit Magomedsharipov and Jose Aldo. Stephens will not make his lightweight return against Mateusz Gamrot on July 17.Other Contenders: Josh Emmett, Arnold Allen, Dan Ige, Giga Chikadze, Edson Barboza.
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