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Another year for the worlds most talent-stacked MMA organization is nearly in the books. And as we approach 2022, the UFC men’s pound-for-pound top rankings look considerably different compared to twelve months back. Join us as we preview the planets highest-ranked fighters and why their privileged position is deserving.
#1 Kamaru Usman
Pro MMA Record: 20-1-0
UFC Welterweight Champion (6 Defenses)
Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman is unquestionably the planets most dominant mixed martial artist, and his number one ranking is wholly justified.
Not only has Usman remained undefeated since his arrival to the UFC in 2015, but he’s also now successfully defended the welterweight championship on five occasions. In addition to his unstoppable win streak, Usman has silenced the critics who once discredited his fighting style as “boring” and one-dimensional. He’s gone from consecutive decision victories by utilizing his wrestling background to developing his striking offense that’s now delivered knockout or technical knockout stoppages over the likes of Jorge Masvidal, Gilbert Burns, and Colby Covington.
Three victorious title defenses in 2021 have made his #1 pound-for-pound ranking rightful. It’s going to take an exceptional talent to dethrone Usman’s position because the champions below him are simply inactive in comparison.
Usman’s dominance branches out into all avenues of the fight game, including the bookmaker’s odds. Whenever the welterweight champion is scheduled to fight, you’re going to find a high volume of sports bettors placing money in favor of his success. Naturally, juiced odds can often deter bettors, but Fanduel sportsbook bonuses can sometimes increase those less desirable prices.
Interestingly, those who’ve backed Usman to win since Dana White acquired his services would now be looking at 14 consecutive winning bets. Next time you decide to fade the greatest fighter on earth, keep this in mind.
#2 Alexander Volkanovski
Pro MMA Record: 23-1-0
UFC Featherweight Champion (6 Defenses)
It’s still up for debate whether Alexander Volkanovski taking the judges’ decision over Max Holloway during their second encounter was justified. Still, despite the disagreements, I don’t think anyone can discredit Volkanovski for his position in the P4P rankings.
Since his arrival to the octagon, much like Usman, Volkanovski has remained undefeated and almost untouchable during 95% of his contests – considering the extremely close battle that Holloway gave him. With that said, Holloway is undoubtedly the 2nd best featherweight on the planet, so to defeat him on two occasions is a testament in itself.
10-0 in the UFC and two successful title defenses gift Volkanovski the #2 P4P ranking, but I believe it’s the impressive back-to-back wins over Holloway that have boosted his position the most.
#3 Israel Adesanya
Pro MMA Record: 21-1-0
UFC Middleweight Champion (6 Defenses)
From one City Kickboxing Gym standout to another, coach Eugene Bearman must be elated that his fighters Volkanovski and Adesanya occupy the 2nd and 3rd pound-for-pound greatest ranking positions.
And throughout 2021, Adesanya could’ve positioned himself in the #1 spot should he have defeated Jan Blachowicz. When moving up from the middleweight division, Adesanya attempted to become a two-division champion to contend with the UFCs light heavyweight champion. Although unsuccessful, the 185lb division remains in the palm of his hands.
UFC fans bared witness to one of the fastest rising success stories when Israel Adesanya signed for the company in 2018. Taking on five fights within twelve months vaulted Adesanya into title contention, and in less than two years, he accomplished what most fighters spend their entire careers trying to do – obtain championship gold.
Three title defenses later, and Adesanya has pretty much cleared out the top middleweight contenders. Still, a scheduled rematch with Rob Whittaker in 2022 will further elevate his status if a similar result from their first meeting is produced.
#4 Francis Ngannou
Pro MMA Record: 16-3-0
UFC Heavyweight Champion (6 Defenses)
The activity of Francis Ngannou has lowered since the dawn of 2020, but the newly crowned heavyweight champion left no doubts when he obliterated a former P4P great in Stipe Miocic.
If Ngannou’s appearances in 2021 surpassed the one-fight mark and he was successful in those hypothetical bouts, there’s a good chance he’d be the #1 ranked P4P fighter because of the sheer dominance he displays in the octagon.
It’s safe to say; the UFC has never seen a more assertive and powerful striker in their 28-year history. Eleven knockouts from his thirteen UFC contests have been presented scarily, and eight of those knockouts took place within the initial five minutes of his contests.
#5 Dustin Poirier
Pro MMA Record: 28-6-0
The lone top-five ranked P4P fighter who doesn’t hold a UFC championship is none other than Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier. Why? Because he’s defeated four former champions since 2017, and besides his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019, Poirier has wiped the floor with those standing in front of him. Of course, defeating Conor McGregor in consecutive bouts have greatly assisted Poirier’s P4P ranking. Still, there’s no hiding from the “The Diamond’s” elite-level skillset that has defeated the likes of Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, Dan Hooker, and Max Holloway.
At the time of writing, we’re two days away from Poirier’s attempt at claiming the UFC lightweight championship. He previously gave up a title opportunity for a money-fight with McGregor. Still, with the Irishman side-lined, Poirier has one more stepping-stone before he can cement his reputation in the 155lb division.
Alex Oliveira won’t be a pushover, but I have a funny feeling that Poirier’s #5 P4P ranking could elevate into a higher position when he defeats the Brazilian at UFC 269.
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