It’s time for a much-needed update to our UFC championship power rankings. With a few titles changing hands recently, we get to introduce some new champs into the pecking order.
As always, this list measures how far ahead a champion is ahead of the pack in their respective division.
UFC odds available at BookMaker.eu
Please note, BookMaker updates their odds on a daily basis, so the listings here may have changed since the time this article was written.
No. 1: Demetrious Johnson
Men’s flyweight champion
Next fight: UFC 197, April 23
Demetrious Johnson -400 vs. Henry Cejudo +325
Nobody is as far ahead of their respective division as Demetrious Johnson. He’s handily defeated all challengers - twice in some cases - and has cleared out the weight class. Next up for DJ is Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo. If Johnson runs through Cejudo, perhaps a champion vs. champion matchup against the bantamweight kingpin is in order.
No. 2: Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Women’s strawweight champion
Next fight: July 8, TUF 23 Finale
Joanna Jedrzejczyk -190 vs. Claudia Gadelha +150
One of 2015’s breakout champions, Joanna Jedrzejczyk will meet the only fighter at strawweight that appears to be on equal footing with her: Claudia Gadelha. The pair will meet after coaching Season 23 of The Ultimate Fighter. If J-Check can beat Gadelha a second time, there isn’t anyone in the wings that realistically seems like they can compete with the Polish powerhouse.
No. 3: Luke Rockhold
Men’s middleweight champion
Next fight: UFC 199, June 25
Chris Weidman +165 vs. Luke Rockhold -190
How is it possible that Rockhold is No. 3 without a single title defense to his credit? When you dismantle the previously undefeated Chris Weidman to claim the belt in dominant fashion, you open a lot of eyes. Does anyone really think contenders like Yoel Romero or Jacare Souza could beat a streaking Rockhold?
No. 4: Conor McGregor
Men’s featherweight champion
Next fight: March 5, UFC 196
Rafael dos Anjos +110 vs. Conor McGregor -130
Even if McGregor loses against Rafael dos Anjos next month, that doesn’t change the fact that he’s beaten most of the top featherweights on the planet. There are a few questions left to answer at 145, starting with former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.
No. 5: Rafael dos Anjos
Men’s lightweight champion
Next fight: March 5, UFC 196
Rafael dos Anjos +110 vs. Conor McGregor -130
Benson Henderson. Nate Diaz. Anthony Pettis. Donald Cerrone. That’s the last four opponents that Rafael dos Anjos has beaten. When you factor in that he thrashed every one of those elite fighters, you have to question whether he could be the best lightweight champion since B.J. Penn.
No. 6: Holly Holm
Women’s bantamweight champion
Next fight: March 5, UFC 196
Holly Holm -360 vs. Miesha Tate +295
Let’s see how Holm defends her title against somebody who isn’t tailor made to her strengths. Miesha Tate is the best fighter in the division not named Rousey, and provides a great measuring stick for how far ahead Holm from the rest of the pack.
No. 7: Dominick Cruz
Men’s bantamweight champion
Next fight: TBA
Most people were expecting a long reign as champion for T.J. Dillashaw, but Dominick Cruz’ made-for-TV career comeback put an end to all that. We haven’t forgotten how good Cruz was as a champion before all the injuries, and if there’s no dropoff in physical tools, he might quickly climb this list.
No. 8: Fabricio Werdum
Men’s heavyweight champion
Next fight: TBA
With every new Cain Velasquez injury, Werdum’s grasp on the title seems to tighten just a little bit. Rumor has it that he’ll be facing Stipe Miocic instead of Velasquez, although an official announcement has yet to be made. It’s not a great matchup for Werdum, but it’s time to stop doubting the Brazilian.
No. 9: Robbie Lawler
Men’s welterweight champion
Next fight: TBA
Lawler cannot sustain a championship run with epic five-round wars where both fighters are beaten to respective pulps. It’s physically impossible, or is it? That’s two straight title defenses were he was minutes away from losing his belt, which doesn’t inspire much confidence in a prolonged title reign.
No. 10: Daniel Cormier
Men’s light heavyweight champion
Next fight: UFC 197, April 23
Daniel Cormier +260 vs. Jon Jones -340
You know what sucks for Daniel Cormier? He’s clearly better than everybody at 205, except for Jon Jones. And Bones is clearly better than Cormier. The writing’s on the wall for DC, which keeps him at No. 10.
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