The UFC rankings often change after each and every week’s fight night. On this occasion, following UFC Vegas 69, there were two clear stand-out performances and both of the fighters in these fights have gone on to progress in the rankings.
We broke down UFC Vegas 69 and the brilliant performance of Erin Blanchfield on this week’s MMASucka podcast, which can be seen here:
UFC Rankings Updates
In the men’s divisions, no one has changed positions. There were no ranked male fighters on the card so logically no one changed positions. There were two key movements in the women’s divisions, however.
Women’s Flyweight
In the main event, #10 ranked Erin Blanchfield submitted #3 ranked Jessica Andrade by second-round submission after a very competitive first round which took place on the feet, which came as a surprise to many. Once Blanchfield decided to take the fight to the ground, however, which she did with a beautiful inside trip, the night didn’t last too much longer. She passed the Brazillian’s guard with ease and wrapped up the neck.
With the victory, Blanchfield shot up the rankings. She is now ranked #3, gaining a huge seven places and overtaking her Saturday night foe, Andrade, who herself drops a single spot to #4. The only two women ahead of Blanchfield are former title challenger, Talia Santos and Manon Fiorot. Upcoming title contender, Alexa Grasso drops a place to #6 in a surprising turn. Another confusing turn see’s Miranda Maverick become ranked at #15 alongside fellow #15 ranked, Amanda Ribas making the top 15, a top 16… confusing.
Blanchfield is also now ranked in the women’s P4P rankings, debuting at #8, oddly above Talia Santos (who is ahead of her in the flyweight rankings)… again, confusing.
Women’s Bantamweight
In the women’s 135lbs division, there is only a single change. Mayra Bueno Silva goes up two places and replaces the opponent she defeated on Saturday night, Lina Lansberg. Silva is now ranked #12 and Lansberg is #14. Expect Silva to get a top-10-ranked opponent next possibly either Macy Chiasson or Pannie Kianzad, who are ranked #8 and #7.
