Big changes in welterweight division (Official Rankings Update: 3.19.13)
After each major event, the UFC now polls a group of over forty members of the mixed martial arts media to…
After each major event, the UFC now polls a group of over forty members of the mixed martial arts media to come up with their official rankings for each division. With each event usually having only a handful of bouts that effect the rankings, it’s unusual to see too much movement. At UFC 158 however, six of the world top ranked welterweights all fought, and here we take a look at how the rankings changed:
1 Johny Hendricks
2 Carlos Condit
3 Rory MacDonald +1
4 Jake Ellenberger +2
5 Demian Maia
6 Nick Diaz -3
7 Martin Kampmann
8 Tarec Saffiedine
9 Robbie Lawler
10 Josh Koscheck
With a win over Carlos Condit, Johny Hendricks maintains his number one ranking and according to UFC President Dana White, is definitely next in line for a title shot against Georges St-Pierre. Rory Macdonald moved up one spot without fighting, and Jake Ellenberger moved up two places after securing a big knockout win over Nate Marquadt. Nick Diaz was the biggest drop in the rankings, moving down three places with his loss to the champion.
I personally ranked the welterweights slightly different. It’s undeniable that Hendricks would remain in the top spot, but in my opinion Condit should not be ranked as high, this being his second loss in a row, albeit two close loses top tier opponents. Jake Ellenberger earned an impressive win against Marquardt, and has won eight of his last nine bouts, making him in my opinion the next in line after Hendricks. I did agree that Diaz should have dropped a couple notches, but couldn’t justify putting him below Demian Main, who is 3-0 in the division, but hasn’t faced a top ten opponent yet. Below is how I ordered the welterweight division:
1 Johny Hendricks
2 Jake Ellenberger
3 Rory MacDonald
4 Nick Diaz
5 Carlos Condit
6 Demian Maia
7 Martin Kampmann
8 Tyron Woodley
9 Robbie Lawler
10 Josh Koscheck
I’m interested to know what the Underground thinks? Do you agree with the collective MMA media or did you think my decisions were justified? Or am I an idiot?