Last month the MMA Rankings didn’t move much but the last couple weeks have influenced the ranks significantly. This month’s MMA rankings now include the top five-pound for pound fighters as well a slightly new look and feel.
Headlining the lackluster UFC 155 card, Cain Velasquez came to Las Vegas with revenge on his mind. Facing the man who had beaten him for the title at the inaugural UFC on Fox show, Velasquez was counted out by many in the rematch against Junior Dos Santos. A violent punching machine with fast hips and a rock-hard head, Junior Dos Santos hadn’t found himself in a lick of trouble since coming to the UFC, and considering he’d dispatched Velasquez in under a minute last time out, it was hard to imagine anything had changed.
The month of June was a mixed bag for the MMA Rankings, while it had many fights throughout the month; the bulk of the top-tier talent wasn’t in action. Just six fighters from the June MMA Rankings stepped into the cage over the last 30 days and with a 3-3 record amongst them, they didn’t fair to well.
The UFC made a quick turnaround following Fridays UFC on FX 4 with Saturdays UFC 147, aka the TUF Brasil Finale. Live from the Mineirinho Arena in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, UFC 147 crowned two new TUF winners in Cezar Ferreira and Rony Mariano Bezerra.
The last thirty days saw minimal major Mixed Martial Arts action, which conversely reflect the minimal changes to the MMA Fighter Rankings for the month of June. The division that saw the most movement was the heavyweight division as UFC 146 featured an all heavyweight main cad and Strikeforce FINALLY concluded their heavyweight grand prix.
Fabricio Werdum showed the MMA world exactly why he asked to re-sign with the UFC when he put on a striking display in his UFC return bout against Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson at UFC 143. Werdum looked like he was as relaxed as he had ever been in MMA competition, as he peppered Nelson with a variety of powerful, and technical strikes that aren’t the norm for a fighter that has a reputation as being one of the best Jiu Jitsu practitioners in MMA, regardless of weight class.
Nearly 70% (15 of 22) of the fighters on the UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit card was issued medical suspensions today by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Of the 15 fighters to be suspended, seven of those could be out of action for up to six months. One of the seven fighters that avoided suspension was Nick Diaz who lost in the main event to Carlos Condit by Unanimous Decision.
What a night of fights Saturday’s UFC 143 was and while there were some close judge’s decisions and a few heartbroken fans, the night delivered. An interim welterweight champion was crowned, sparking a fan meltdown across the internet and the loser taking his ball and heading home. The night had a little bit of everything including an impressive debut, some odd calls from the referee and one bummed out UFC champion.
UFC on FOX 7: Henderson vs. Melendez Weigh-in Pictures
Due to a previously scheduled Arena Football game at the HP Pavilion, today’s UFC on FOX 7 weigh-ins were held less than a mile away at the California Theater. The small theater was completely filled with cheering fans and all the fighters they came to see made weight.
The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale Weigh-in Pictures
Amidst everything else going on, the UFC has themselves a busy day today with the UFC on FX 6 taking place in Australia and The Ultimate Fighter 16 finale weigh-ins. All 24 fighters made weight today for tomorrow’s event that will crown The Ultimate Fighter 16 welterweight winner.
UFC on FUEL TV 4 Weigh-in Results and Photos
SAN JOSE, Cal. – Still recovering from Saturday’s UFC 148, MMAValor.com was inside the HP Pavilion for today’s UFC on FUEL TV 4 weigh-ins. A few of the fighters would need to step onto the scale behind a towel but all 22 fighters on the UFC on FUEL TV 4 fight card made weight.
TUF Live Finale Live Results and Event Pictures
The long grind of the first live version of The Ultimate Fighter ends tonight at the TUF Live Finale in Las Vegas. Featuring 12 of the 16 TUF Live contestants, the 10 bout card will be headlined by an important match-up in the welterweight division between Jake Ellenberger and Martin Kampmann.
TUF Live Finale Weigh-in Results and Pictures
All the fighters for tomorrow’s TUF Live Finale were on weight as they stepped onto the scales inside the Pearl at the Palms. The 20 fighters, including 12 of the 16 TUF Live fighters will begin entering the Octagon tomorrow starting at 2:45pm PT / 5:45pm ET.
