UFC Bantamweight Rankings: Sterling on Top
UFC 292 Holds the Key
The UFC bantamweight rankings have champion Aljamain Sterling at the top, but that could change in the next few weeks.
UFC tonight odds have Sterling favored to beat Sean O’Malley for the title, which could shake up the UFC rankings.
However, as it stands, Sterling leads a talented division, which also includes Merab Dvalishvili.
Sterling Fends Off Challengers
Sterling won the bantamweight title when beating Petr Yan in a controversial fashion, but he hasn’t looked back since.
The American won due to an illegal knee, but he won the rematch in fine fashion before beating the likes of T.J. Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo.
The most recent win against Cejudo came by a split decision, but he appeared to have done enough.
The current champion is at the top of the UFC bantamweight rankings, and he’s in the top six of the pound-for-pound rankings, which means the respect is there from the organization.
O’Malley Coming for Top Spot
We’re not sure why O’Malley has been treated so poorly by the UFC, but the incredible fighter finally gets his shot at the title and the top ranking.
He is one of the best UFC fighters in the company, and his only loss was due to being injured during the fight. He might be enigmatic and say what’s on his mind, but he’s pure gold for the UFC.
He fights Sterling at UFC 292, which could break viewership records in 2023. They have already engaged in a war of words.
“He’s been very vocal, he’s got some kind of bicep injury or something,” O’Malley said. “He said that before the last fight against Henry…It’s a built-in excuse”.
If O’Malley scores an upset win, he will become the top-ranked fighter in the bantamweight division and Sterling will move to two. However, if O’Malley loses, expect to see him fall below the likes of Cejudo and Cory Sandhagen.
What About Dvalishvili?
Dvalishvili is a grappling machine, and his win over Yan in March saw his ranking improve to the number two spot.
However, because of the timing of that fight, he doesn’t get his chance to win the title. However, he will likely face the winner of Sterling vs O’Malley, so he’s biding his time patiently.
The UFC bantamweight rankings are accurate because the Georgian is a star. He attempted 49 takedowns against Yan, which set the UFC record, and after starting 7-4 in his career, he has since rattled off nine consecutive victories.
With wins over Yan and Jose Aldo on his record, he is a force to be reckoned with, and it’s only a matter of time before he gets his hands on a title shot.
He will need to make a comeback from surgery, which could delay the fight. He could miss 6-8 weeks, and it’s unsure if the UFC will grant him a title fight straight away, or if he’ll have another lead-up fight.
For more UFC betting news, fighters stats, and odds visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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