Rankings Tracker: UFC on ESPN 53, Bellator Championship Series Belfast

This month’s slate of action inside the Octagon continues on Saturday with a second consecutive Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. After the festivities of March 16 featured an explosive clash in the heavyweight division atop the bill, UFC on ESPN 53 is capped by women’s flyweights looking to similarly pack credentials to punch their ticket to a championship opportunity in the future. Bolstered by a host of intriguing names and competitive matchups, it looks like a solid setup for the promotion’s visit to Atlantic City on March 30.

However, that is not the only event going down on the major MMA scene. In yet another milestone achievement, the Bellator Champion Series on Friday is primed to captivate Belfast, Ireland, with a thrilling showcase of two title fights atop Bellator Championship Series Belfast. With that, we take an exclusive look at the skilled athletes who are not only fighting for victory but also a significant climb in the Sherdog Rankings.

Corey Anderson vs. Karl Moore

In the limelight of the Bellator Champions Series, former UFC standout Anderson prepares himself for a shot at renown, as he gears up to take on Moore in a high-stakes main event clash for the vacant Bellator light heavyweight championship. As a seasoned veteran, Anderson’s resolve burns brighter than ever, coming off a split decision victory over Phil Davis in his last fight. Meanwhile, Moore carries the momentum of a four-fight winning streak into the match and will be keen on etching a memorable moment for the home fans in attendance at the SSE Arena. In the Sherdog light heavyweight rankings, Anderson currently occupies the No.7 spot, while Moore is unranked. Having said that, a victory for either fighter could change the entire landscape of the rankings ladder.

Patricio Freire vs. Jeremy Kennedy

In the co-main event of Bellator Championship Series Belfast, Kennedy enters the cage with a singular goal to wrest the featherweight championship from the grasp of the formidable Freire. He arrives on the grand stage with the momentum of three consecutive victories, while his Brazilian powerhouse rival, despite enduring two straight setbacks, remains a dominant force in the organization. Prior to his recent skid, Freire was on a three-fight winning streak. Freire, one of the best fighters to have not competed in the UFC, occupies the No. 5 position on the Sherdog featherweight ladder. Kennedy, who is currently unranked, has the opportunity to dethrone Freire and break into the rankings bubble.

Fabian Edwards vs. Aaron Jeffery

This middleweight showcase features the return of Edwards following a devastating loss to Johnny Eblen at Bellator 299. Despite that loss, the Team Renegade standout remains a formidable force, with victories over Lyoto Machida and Gegard Mousasi under his belt. Standing across him will be Jeffery, fresh off a dominant victory over Dalton Rosta. Jeffery brings his dirty boxing and dominant clinch work into the mix. As far as their rankings are concerned, Edwards is placed at No. 13 in the Sherdog middleweight rankings list, while Jefferey is unranked.

Amanda Ribas vs. Rose Namajunas

The marquee attraction of UFC on ESPN 53 pits Ribas and Namajunas against each other in a main event pairing that kicks off the 2024 campaign for both fighters. Ribas has been juggling her commitments between the strawweight and flyweight divisions in the UFC, boasting a 5-1 record in the 115-pound weight class and a solid 2-2 tally at 125 pounds. Meanwhile, Namajunas embarked on her divisional debut against Manon Fiorot in her last fight, which was her only 2023 appearance. The American has lost consecutive outings and has yet to secure a victory since her split decision win over Weili Zhang at UFC 268. Ribas goes into the fight as the No. 12-ranked women’s flyweight contender in the Sherdog rankings, while Namajunas is currently unranked at 125 pounds.