Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

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Don’t look now, but there’s another undefeated Dagestani making a run for championship gold in the UFC.

Umar Nurmagomedov authored his most impressive performance to date, taking a clear-cut unanimous verdict against Cory Sandhagen in the UFC on ABC 7 headliner at Etihad Arena on Saturday. Not only did Nurmagomedov secure multiple takedowns, but he also outlanded his opponent on the feet. With five consecutive victories at 135 pounds, the 18-0 Nurmagomedov has to be viewed as one of the top contenders in the division. That is reflected in his ranking, as he climbs to No. 6 in Sherdog’s latest divisional poll.

Elsewhere, Taila Santos caused some upheaval in the women’s flyweight rankings, as she outpointed Liz Carmouche in their Professional Fighters League semifinal bout in Nashville on Friday night. By ending the reigning Bellator queen’s nine-fight winning streak, Santos climbs all the way to No. 5 in the latest flyweight poll. She’ll await a showdown with the undefeated — and largely untested — Dakota Ditcheva at the PFL Championships later this year.

Nurmagomedov wasn’t the only bantamweight who made a statement in Abu Dhabi. Ex-flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo secured his third straight victory at 135 pounds, earning a three-round verdict over recent title challenger Marlon Vera in a main card pairing. Figueiredo, who became the first opponent to score a knockdown against “Chito,” climbs to 11th in the divisional rankings.

Meanwhile, Russian light heavyweight Azamat Murzakanov remained undefeated in 14 professional appearances thanks to a second-round knockout of Alonzo Menifield at UFC Abu Dhabi. The former Brave Combat Federation champion is 4-0 within the Las Vegas-based promotion, a run that allows him to make his Top 10 debut this week.

In other action, Mackenzie Dern snapped a two-bout skid and held on to her No. 8 ranking at strawweight with a three-round verdict against 10th-ranked Lupita Godinez, while Jarred Brooks maintained his No. 13 spot by claiming ONE Championship’s interim 125-pound belt with a first-round submission of Gustavo Balart on Friday night.

Note: Previous rankings listed in brackets.

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