Table of Contents
Another dominant victory is in the books for Sergei Pavlovich, as is another step up the UFC heavyweight rankings. Pavlovich was placed second in the heavyweight division in UFC’s latest rankings update, putting him one spot closer to divisional champ Jon Jones.
Sergei Pavlovich was given this boost after winning in last Saturday’s main event, putting away long-time contender Curtis Blaydes in the first round with punches. Blaydes remains ranked fourth in the division following his sudden loss from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, over the weekend.
Pavlovich passes Miocic
Sergei Pavlovich overtook former UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic for second place in the division. Miocic had two reigns with a UFC belt, with his most notable being from 2016 to 2018.
Miocic has been inactive since March 2021, when he was dethroned by Francis Ngannou via a scary second-round knockout. Miocic is expected to be the next opponent for champion Jones, with UFC President Dana White stating that their clash is being targeted for their next appearance at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
Masvidal departs rankings
More than a week after Jorge Masvidal declared his retirement from MMA, he has been removed from the UFC’s welterweight rankings.
Previously seated in 14th place, Masvidal is now nowhere to be found in the promotion’s 170-pound list. The veteran talent announced that he is done competing in the sport after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 earlier this month.
Because of Masvidal’s absence, flashy talent Michel Pereira has been boosted up one spot and now sits in 14th. Daniel Rodriguez, who was unranked as of last week, is also now in 15th place.
Upcoming moves to watch
One ranked matchup is expected to take place during this weekend’s UFC card from Las Vegas, Nevada. In the main event of the upcoming Fight Night event, eighth-ranked bantamweight Song Yadong will meet Ricky Simon, who currently sits at 10th in the division.
Sergei Pavlovich, a welterweight departure, and other ranking movement
Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Previously seated in the #10 spot, Alex Pereira is now tied for ninth place with Brandon Moreno.
Flyweight: No changes.
Bantamweight: Chris Gutierrez is no longer tied for 13th with Jonathan Martinez, and has dropped down to 14th in the rankings.
Featherweight: No changes.
Lightweight: No changes.
Welterweight: Following his retirement from MMA, Jorge Masvidal has departed the welterweight rankings. Because of this change, Michel Pereira has moved up to 14th place in the division. Daniel Rodriguez has also joined the rankings at 15th.
Middleweight: No changes.
Light Heavyweight: No changes.
Heavyweight: Sergei Pavlovich has advanced to second place in the division, overcoming former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
Women’s Pound-For-Pound: No changes.
Strawweight: No changes.
Flyweight: No changes.
Bantamweight: No changes.
Thank you for reading this article. Please consider subscribing to the Bloody Elbow Substack to enjoy our daily premium content. Your paid subscriptions are helping build our new site and keeping hope alive that our staff will remain in tact. If you haven’t already, please pledge with a paid subscription today.
About the author
