MMA pound-for-pound rankings: Khamzat Chimaev breaks into top 20

Photography: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Welcome to the top 20, Khamzat Chimaev.

This Chechen destroyer is one of three to debut on the men’s pound list this month one of the new names. Now, on a career-perfect 12-0, Chimaev broke down Kevin Holland with just two minutes to re-establish himself after an odd week in Las Vegas Renewing his status as a title contender, he dropped 7.5 pounds and started The Great Reshuffling™ UFC 279. With five blowouts in his six UFC victories, Chimaev’s fortunes as champion are more than ever unavoidable. He is No. 20 on this month’s list.

As for our other two debuts, they don’t need much intro in terms of : Leon Edwards had a stunning upset over our previous No. 2 Kamaru Usman, while Demetrious Johnson had a savage revenge on our previous No. 20 Adriano Moraes. Edwards soared all the way to a well-deserved 4th on his debut thanks to their masterpiece, while the legendary Johnson slipped to 13th.

As for what happens next, all eyes will be on On October 22, the majesty of UFC 280 will unfold in Abu Dhabi. Each of the event’s first three races had a major impact on the pound rankings, but most importantly its main event: 3rd place Charles Oliveira vs Islam Mahceh Islam Makhechev competes for the vacant UFC lightweight strap. can not wait anymore.

Leon Edwards def. No. 2 Kamaru Usman, No. 11 Robert Whittaker def. Marvin Vittori, Demetrius Johnson def. No. 20 Adriano Moras

Upcoming Ranked Fighter matches: Do not. 3 Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhechev (UFC 280, Oct. 22), No. 7 Aljamain Sterling vs. TJ Dillashaw (UFC 280, Oct. 22), No. 11 Patricio Pitbull vs. Adam Borics (Bellator 286, Oct. 1) , No. 17T Petr Yan vs. Sean O’Malley (UFC 280, Oct. 22) Players also accept Votes (votes displayed): Colby Covington (4 ), Jan Blachowicz (3), Islam Makachev (2), Ciryl Gane (2), Johnny Eblen (2), Alexandre Pantoja (2), AJ McKee (2), Raufeon Stots (1), Gegard Mousasi (1), Jose Aldo (1), Rainier de Reed (1)

Photo by Cooper Neal/Getty Images

Kayla Harrison on the verge of getting another $1 million deal Payday has only one win.

PFL standout is the only woman on our list to compete since last pound-pound update, in a little over three minutes Crush Martina Kinderova. The win set up a third meeting with Larry Sa Pacheco for Harrison, who is now a perfect 15-0 in her MMA career. The two-time Olympic champion has already beaten Pacheco twice — both times in 2019, and both by unanimous decision — so when the pair meet again in the PFL lightweight championship final on November 25 In the event of a collision, her odds will be in her favor.