Pantoja backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Alexandre Pantoja 's days with the flyweight belt (up to 56,7 kg) have come to an end. In the main fight of UFC 331 , an event held last Saturday (19), in California (USA), the Brazilian, former king of the category, lost the rematch to champion Joshua Van by unanimous decision. Due to the tough setback, the veteran now sees his stay in the top-3 of the division seriously threatened in the weekly update of the 'Meta UFC Rankings', released by the company this Tuesday (22).
See too
Before fighting at UFC 331 , Pantoja, the former champion, was already out of the top spot in the flyweight division, more precisely in the number one ranking. Now, with two consecutive losses to Van, the Brazilian has fallen another step in the category's ranking table, becoming number two, something unimaginable until recently.
Shark in the heights
In the opening fight of UFC 331 , Joanderson Tubarão dispatched Giga Chikadze in the first round via knockout, thus securing his third consecutive victory. Due to the knockout, the Brazilian jumped from 15th to 11th place in the featherweight rankings (up to 65,8 kg).
Former title challenger returns to the top 15.
After four consecutive losses, Marlon Vera made peace with victory. In the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg), the former title challenger put on a show and knocked out Charles Jourdain in the third round. The performance was so good that it brought the Ecuadorian back into the category rankings, taking 12th place.
Other changes
Alonzo Menifield continues his rise in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg). The American surprised everyone by defeating the favorite Iwo Baraniewski via split decision. Despite a serious finger injury, the athlete continued competing and ended the Pole's undefeated streak. With his second consecutive victory, 'Atomic' climbed two places in the rankings, becoming the 11th ranked fighter.
Also ranked number 11 in the flyweight division is Casey O'Neill. The Scottish fighter secured her third consecutive victory by submitting Eduarda Ronda with a beautiful and rare armbar in the first round. It's worth noting that, prior to the fight, she was outside the top 15.
Edmen Shahbazyan also bounced back at UFC 331. The American defeated Brunno Hulk by unanimous decision and thus returned to the top 15 of the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). Now, 'The Golden Boy' is number 14 in the category's ranking.
Change at the top of the heavyweight division.
Aspinall and Gane officially face off in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
As expected, Tom Aspinall , who decided to relinquish his heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg) after suffering another eye injury, is no longer champion. Therefore, Ciryl Gane , the interim champion, has been promoted to the top spot in the division, taking the top spot. In turn, the Englishman has become the number one ranked fighter.
Poatan at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Alex Poatan , who lost his only fight in the category, gained a position even without competing. Now , the Brazilian is number three in the heavyweight rankings.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
Comments