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USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, July 21: Two top five moves follow UFC, PFL events

MMA Rankings Update: Shifts and Surprises Following UFC 308

In the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts, the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings provide a fascinating snapshot of the sport's top talents after the dust settled from UFC 308. This event, held in Abu Dhabi, delivered a mix of dominant performances, shocking upsets, and pivotal title defenses that have reshaped the hierarchies across multiple weight classes. As we dive into the updated rankings, it's clear that consistency, finishing ability, and recent activity remain key factors in determining a fighter's standing. Let's break it down division by division, highlighting the risers, fallers, and those holding steady amid the chaos.

Starting with the featherweight division, where the main event of UFC 308 stole the show. Ilia Topuria, the reigning champion, solidified his position at the pinnacle with a stunning knockout victory over former champion Max Holloway. Topuria's blend of precision striking and unyielding pressure not only retained his belt but also propelled him to the No. 1 spot in the pound-for-pound rankings, a testament to his rapid ascent. Holloway, despite the loss, maintains a strong position at No. 2 in featherweight, his legendary durability and volume striking keeping him in the elite conversation. Below them, Movsar Evloev climbs to No. 3 after his impressive grappling display in a recent bout, edging out Aljamain Sterling, who drops to No. 4 following a less convincing performance. Diego Lopes, the breakout star, surges into the top 5 with his explosive finishing streak, while veterans like Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez hold at Nos. 6 and 7, respectively. The lower ranks see Lerone Murphy entering at No. 10, rewarded for his undefeated UFC run and tactical prowess against tough opposition.

Shifting to lightweight, Islam Makhachev remains unchallenged at No. 1, his grappling mastery and recent title defense against Dustin Poirier keeping him atop the division. However, the ripple effects of UFC 308 are felt here too, with Arman Tsarukyan holding firm at No. 2 as he awaits his shot at the belt. Charles Oliveira, the former champion, stays at No. 3, his submission wizardry still a threat to anyone. Justin Gaethje slips to No. 4 after a knockout loss, making way for Mateusz Gamrot's rise to No. 5 on the back of his wrestling-heavy wins. Benoit Saint-Denis enters the top 10 at No. 9, his aggressive style earning him votes after a dominant finish. The division's depth is evident with names like Rafael Fiziev and Renato Moicano lingering in the honorable mentions, poised for a comeback with one big win.

At welterweight, the rankings reflect a division in flux. Belal Muhammad, the current champion, sits comfortably at No. 1 following his upset victory over Leon Edwards. Edwards drops to No. 2 but remains a formidable contender with his striking and footwork. Kamaru Usman, the former dominant force, holds at No. 3 despite inactivity, his legacy buying him time. Shavkat Rakhmonov climbs to No. 4, his undefeated record and finishing rate making him the division's boogeyman. Jack Della Maddalena surges to No. 5 after a string of knockouts, while Ian Machado Garry enters at No. 6 with his precise Muay Thai. Lower down, Sean Brady and Geoff Neal swap spots at Nos. 7 and 8, with Brady's grappling edge giving him the nod. The welterweight class continues to be one of the most competitive, with emerging talents like Michael Morales knocking on the door of the top 10.

Middleweight sees Israel Adesanya reclaiming some ground at No. 2 after a reflective period post-loss, but Dricus du Plessis reigns supreme at No. 1 with his gritty, come-from-behind title win. Sean Strickland, ever the durable grinder, stays at No. 3, his pressure fighting style a nightmare for opponents. Robert Whittaker drops slightly to No. 4 following a tough defeat, allowing Khamzat Chimaev to rocket to No. 5 with his smothering wrestling and recent dominance at UFC 308, where he submitted Whittaker in the first round. This performance not only boosted Chimaev's stock but also sparked debates about his health and consistency. Nassourdine Imavov climbs to No. 6, his striking improvements evident, while Brendan Allen holds at No. 7 with his submission game. Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori round out the top 10, their power-punching styles keeping them relevant despite recent setbacks.

In the heavyweight realm, Jon Jones continues to lord over the division at No. 1, his aura undiminished even amid questions about his next fight. Tom Aspinall, the interim champion, sits at No. 2, his speed and athleticism making a strong case for unification. Ciryl Gane remains at No. 3, his technical striking a standout trait. Alexander Volkov climbs to No. 4 after a decision win, edging out Sergei Pavlovich, who drops to No. 5 following a knockout loss. Curtis Blaydes holds steady at No. 6 with his wrestling base, while Jailton Almeida enters at No. 7, his grappling prowess turning heads. The division's volatility is highlighted by Derrick Lewis at No. 10, whose one-punch power can change rankings overnight.

Flyweight rankings are anchored by Alexandre Pantoja at No. 1, his well-rounded skills defending the title successfully. Brandon Royval stays at No. 2, hungry for a rematch. Amir Albazi climbs to No. 3 with his submission threats, while Brandon Moreno drops to No. 4 after a split-decision loss. Kai Kara-France holds at No. 5, his knockout power a constant danger. Emerging flyweights like Tatsuro Taira enter at No. 10, signaling a youth movement in the division.

Bantamweight features Sean O'Malley at No. 1, his flashy striking captivating fans, though Merab Dvalishvili's wrestling dominance pushes him to No. 2 as a top contender. Cory Sandhagen remains at No. 3, his technical mastery unmatched. Petr Yan drops to No. 4 amid inconsistency, allowing Umar Nurmagomedov to rise to No. 5 with his unbeaten streak. Henry Cejudo holds at No. 6, his Olympic pedigree still valuable.

Light heavyweight is dominated by Alex Pereira at No. 1, his knockout of Jiri Prochazka reinforcing his status. Jamahal Hill sits at No. 2, eager for redemption. Magomed Ankalaev climbs to No. 3 with his grappling, while Jan Blachowicz drops to No. 4. Khalil Rountree's recent performance boosts him to No. 5.

Finally, in the women's divisions, the strawweight crown belongs to Zhang Weili at No. 1, with Tatiana Suarez at No. 2. Flyweight sees Valentina Shevchenko reclaim No. 1 after regaining her title from Alexa Grasso, who drops to No. 2. Bantamweight has Raquel Pennington at No. 1, with Julianna Pena at No. 2 post-victory.

These rankings underscore the sport's dynamism, where one fight can alter trajectories. As we look ahead to upcoming events, expect more shake-ups in this relentless pursuit of greatness. (Word count: 1,028)

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