Well now, you wanna know about them UFC rankings from 2021, huh? Let me tell you, it’s a real rollercoaster, especially after them big fights that happened that year. The UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship as they call it, has been puttin’ on some real shows, and every year they update their list of the best fighters, so folks know who’s top dog in each weight class. And lemme tell you, some of these rankings don’t come easy, ‘cause them fighters are throwin’ fists and takin’ hits just to make it to the top.
The UFC started this ranking system back in 2013, so it’s been goin’ for a good while now. They rank fighters in each division, from lightweight all the way up to heavyweight. They also got what they call pound-for-pound rankings, where they list the best fighter overall, no matter the weight class. Now, back in 2021, some real big changes happened in them rankings, especially after them fights like UFC 268.
Lightweight Division: The Big Boys of the 155 lbs
First off, let’s talk about the lightweight division. That’s where all them fast and nimble fighters go, weighin’ around 155 pounds. In 2021, there was a real star who shone through – Islam Makhachev. This young man from Russia, with a record of 26-1, was on a tear. He ended up takin’ that lightweight title and made a real name for himself. And don’t forget, folks, the UFC’s lightweight class has been one of the toughest to crack, so Makhachev’s rise wasn’t no easy feat.
Heavyweight Division: Big Strong Men, Big Fights
Now, the heavyweight division – that’s where them big ol’ fellas go. If you’re over 200 pounds, you’re in that heavyweight division. In 2021, there was a lotta talk about the new interim heavyweight champ, who was crowned after a big fight in August 2021 at UFC 265. That man’s name is Ciryl Gane. He made quite the statement, and folks were talkin’ about him all over the place. There’s always a big ol’ spotlight on the heavyweight division ‘cause them fights are wild, with all that power and strength bein’ thrown around.
Middleweight Division: Who’s Next?
Then there’s the middleweight division. These fellas are fightin’ at 185 pounds. There’s been some big changes here too, especially with Khamzat Chimaev makin’ waves. In 2021, he jumped up 10 spots in the rankings, takin’ that No. 2 spot, just behind the champion Israel Adesanya. Chimaev’s rise was a bit like a whirlwind. He came outta nowhere and just started knockin’ folks out left and right. That’s what happens when you got the right skills and a bit of luck on your side.
Women’s Divisions: The Ladies Are Steppin’ Up
And don’t forget about the women’s divisions. In 2021, we saw some fierce fights in the women’s bantamweight and flyweight divisions. Amanda Nunes, the bantamweight and featherweight champ, she held onto her titles that year, showin’ the world that the ladies ain’t no slouches. She’s one of the greatest to ever do it, no doubt. And in the flyweight division, Valentina Shevchenko was still reignin’ supreme, takin’ down challengers left and right. Them women fighters get the job done, and don’t let anyone tell ya different.
What’s in the Future for UFC Rankings?
Now, lookin’ ahead to the future, the UFC rankings are always changin’. It’s like a big ol’ game of musical chairs – one minute you’re on top, the next minute you’re slidin’ down the ranks. Some of these fighters, they work their whole careers just to get a shot at the title. And when they do, it’s a big deal, and the whole world’s watchin’ them. In 2022, we saw some new stars comin’ up, and it looks like we got some big fights ahead. Who knows? Maybe in the next few years, some of these new fighters might just knock the old champions outta their spots.
So that’s the deal with UFC rankings in 2021. It’s all about competition, hard work, and them big ol’ fights. Whether you’re watchin’ ‘em on TV or followin’ the rankings online, you can bet that the UFC is always puttin’ on a show, and the rankings are there to show us who’s boss. But remember, the rankings ain’t set in stone. One good fight can change everything, and a lotta times, it’s the underdogs who rise to the top. That’s the beauty of the UFC.
Tags：[UFC, UFC Rankings, MMA, Ultimate Fighting Championship, Fighters, Lightweight, Heavyweight, Middleweight, Women’s UFC, 2021 UFC Rankings, UFC Champions, UFC Fighters]
