Khamzat Chimaev has rocketed up the UFC middleweight rankings following his emphatic submission over former 185 lb champion Robert Whittaker last Saturday.
The unbeaten technician extended his flawless MMA record to 14-0 in Abu Dhabi, forcing Robert Whittaker to tap in the opening round at UFC 308.
It was a lethal face crank that ultimately sealed the deal for ‘Borz’, who now sits just below legendary fighter Israel Adesanya in the UFC’s updated middleweight rankings.
Joining Khamzat Chimaev is highly-touted contender Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov who, following his stunning stoppage over Armen Petrosyan, has now entered the top 15 ratings of his division.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC The UFC reshuffle their rankings following Khamzat Chimaev and Shara Bullet’s ruthless performances at UFC 308
The middleweight scene has been put on notice, with Chimaev’s terrific run of form culminating in his career-best win thus far.
Before beating Whittaker, though, the 30-year-old claimed several notable scalps against the likes of Kamaru Usman, Kevin Holland and Gilbert Burns.
Yet still, after flying up 10 spots, the seasoned wrestler is ranked below Adesanya – who comes off back-to-back defeats against Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland – in third place.
Nevertheless, Chimaev will no doubt be looking to remove himself from the “Who Needs Him Club,” potentially landing a title shot against whoever wins the widely mooted rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland next year.
Magomedov, meanwhile, is yet to break into the middleweight top 10 but, after pulverizing Petrosyan with a second-round double spinning back fist, looks on course to do so.
The Russian’s spectacular display has, however, earned him a spot in 14th place, where he undoubtedly hopes to leapfrog several gatekeepers to narrow the gap between himself and Chimaev.
Fans react to Israel Adesanya being ranked above Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight
Again, when considering their last two outings, it is somewhat surprising that Adesanya is still ranked above Chimaev.
At the age of 35, one would suspect that Adesanya’s illustrious career is now slowly coming to an end, whereas Chimaev’s career looks to have virtually no ceiling whatsoever.
And so, MMA fans have largely responded in agreement that the Russian could be ranked even higher.
One fan said: “Why is Israel still [ranked in second place]?”
Another fan added: “Jumping 10 spots is an incredible achievement and highlights his dominance in the division.”
Jumping 10 spots is an incredible achievement and highlights his dominance in the division.
— Nikhil kommu (@Nikhil48693484) October 29, 2024
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Someone else said: “Make Adesanya vs Chimaev.”
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