Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

UFC 230 was an event that reshaped much of the middleweight division.

A familiar face re-established himself, as Ronaldo Souza rallied to knock out ex-champ Chris Weidman in a thrilling co-main event. Now 38 years old, “Jacare” remains a contender at 185 pounds and climbs to No. 4 in our latest rankings. Weidman, meanwhile, has lost four of his last five in the Octagon and might have seen his last best chance to contend for middleweight gold pass him by.

Elsewhere, new faces abound in the middleweight Top 10. Hot prospect Israel Adesanya thrashed Derek Brunson at UFC 230 and makes his debut at No. 8, while converted former heavyweight/light heavyweight Jared Cannonier joins the party at No. 10 on the strength of a stoppage of David Branch0. With Georges St. Pierre exiting the rankings following a year of inactivity, imposing Brazilian Paulo Henrique Costa – and his four-fight finishing streak – enters the poll for the first time, as well.

Meanwhile, Daniel Cormier did as expected in the UFC 230 headliner, handling Derrick Lewis in impressive fashion to retain his heavyweight crown. “DC” has fashioned an impressive winning streak at heavyweight and remains an easy choice for the top spot. Lewis, after a memorable 2018 campaign, stays put at No. 3 for now.

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