Islam Makhachev Jumps Over Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson in Rankings After Win Over Thiago Moises
Follow Us
via Getty
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his knockout victory over Gleison Tibau of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 220 event at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Islam Makhachev made a statement in arguably the biggest test of his UFC career. The Dagestani fighter took on Thiago Moises in a five-round main event fight at UFC Vegas 31, which was the first time he headlined a card. Makhachev put on a worthy performance as he dominated from round one and secured a submission win in the fourth round.
Makhachev’s move up in the rankings has meant both Tony Ferguson and Rafael dos Anjos have lost one rank each. Conor McGregor, on the other hand, has slipped to number 9 in the rankings.
Craziest Finishes by UFC Heavyweight Ciryl Gane
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Did Islam Makhachev deserve a top 5 ranking?
Going into the fight against Moises, Makhachev, who sat at #9 in the world, was on an impressive 7-fight win streak. However, he had beaten no one in the top 10. His latest win was against the 14th ranked Thiago Moises.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nurmagomedov’s protege is currently on an eight-fight win streak which warrants a jump up in ranking. He jumped the likes of Tony Ferguson, Dan Hooker who have lost their last fights. Although critics might argue that he has never faced a top 10 opponent and therefore does not deserve a top 5 rankings, most of the fighters he has leapfrogged have been winless in their last few fights. Therefore, a top-five ranking for Makhachev at this point in time makes sense.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
“Looks Just as Confused” – Justin Gaethje Receives Untoward Backlash From Fans After UFC 300 Max Holloway KO
April 15, 2024 11:59 AM EDT
Justin Gaethje’s Team Messes Up Mid Fight Before Getting KO’d at UFC 300, Max Holloway Reveals – “I Could Hear Trevor”
April 14, 2024 09:09 AM EDT
“Bubble Gut From High HGH Abuse” – Joe Rogan’s Dire Health Concern Flare Up as Fans Worry About UFC Commentator
April 16, 2024 05:03 AM EDT
“Disrespectful” – Joe Rogan Doesn’t Interview Aljamain Sterling at UFC 300 for Surprising Reason
April 14, 2024 03:29 AM EDT
What Is Wrong With Joe Rogan’s Gut? Does UFC Commentator Have Palumboism Because of TRT and HGH?
April 16, 2024 04:50 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Watch this story:- Conor McGregor General Trivia Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Notorious one?
It is now imperative that the UFC matches Makhachev up against someone in the top 5 for his next fight for him to truly cement his place as a top 5 lightweight in the UFC. What do you make of Islam Makhachev’s ranking? Do you think he deserves it? Let us know in the comments below!
Written by:
