Zhang Weili: The Baddest Woman on the Planet
Zhang Weili’s second reign as the UFC strawweight champion has only reinforced her status as the most dominant fighter in the division. Her first championship run was marked by high-profile opponents like Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Jessica Andrade, along with her two losses to Rose Namajunas. However, this time around, Zhang is leaving no doubt about her supremacy. Her return to the top was emphatically marked by a one-sided victory over Carla Esparza, followed by a string of dominant decisions against Amanda Lemos, Yan Xiaonan, and most recently, Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312.
Suarez, who entered the bout undefeated and as the odds-on favorite, was no match for Zhang’s well-rounded game. The convincing nature of Zhang’s performance was so overwhelming that it has propelled her back to the No. 1 spot on the pound-for-pound list, breaking the near-deadlock with flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. Five of our six panelists now rank Zhang as the best female fighter in the world, with one holding out for Shevchenko. The upcoming bout between Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot could shake things up, but for now, Zhang’s recent dominance cannot be overlooked.
Zhang vs. Shevchenko: A Potential Superfight
While the pound-for-pound debate rages on, the most compelling solution would be for Zhang and Shevchenko to meet inside the octagon. Both champions have shown exceptional skill and resilience, and a fight between them would be a mouthwatering prospect for fans. Shevchenko, known for her precision and technical prowess, would provide a significant test for Zhang, who has been nearly untouchable in her recent performances. If the UFC can secure this superfight, it could be a defining moment in the careers of both fighters and a historic event for women’s MMA.
Dricus du Plessis: Climbing the Ranks
On the men’s side, Dricus du Plessis continues to make a case for his pound-for-pound credentials. His recent decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 312 not only secured his momentum but also knocked Strickland out of the rankings. Despite the win, du Plessis has yet to break into the top positions, as he remains behind champions Belal Muhammad and Merab Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili, in particular, has bolstered his standing with a sound defeat of the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. The panel is taking a cautious approach with Muhammad, who is expected to face Shavkat Rakhmonov next.
Du Plessis’ future in the rankings could hinge on his next bout. A high-profile match against middleweight stalwart Khamzat Chimaev could significantly boost his standing and push him into the top-5. For now, du Plessis remains a formidable presence in the middleweight division, and his performance against Chimaev will be a crucial test of his mettle.
Upcoming Bouts and Key Contenders
The UFC has several key bouts on the horizon that could affect the pound-for-pound rankings. On the women’s side, No. 11 Yan Xiaonan will face No. 18 Virna Jandiroba at UFC 314 on April 12. This matchup could provide valuable insights into the future of the strawweight division. Other notable contenders like Maycee Barber, Stamp Fairtex, and Macy Chiasson are also receiving votes, indicating their potential to challenge for higher rankings.
On the men’s side, No. 2 Alex Pereira will face Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8, and No. 12 Leon Edwards will square off against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC London on March 22. These bouts will be crucial for determining the pecking order in the light heavyweight and welterweight divisions. Fighters like Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, and Jiri Prochazka, while currently out of the rankings, could make a return with strong performances.
Ground Rules and Subjectivity in Rankings
The pound-for-pound rankings are a subjective measure, and our six-person voting panel, consisting of MMA Fighting staffers, strives to provide a balanced and informed perspective. The rankings are updated after every UFC pay-per-view, and fighters are removed from the list if they do not compete within 18 months of their most recent bout. If a fighter announces their retirement, the panel decides whether to immediately remove them or keep their position until further notice.
It’s important to remember that while the rankings provide a snapshot of the current state of the sport, they are ultimately a matter of opinion. Debates over whether someone like Sean Strickland should be ranked above Charles Oliveira will always exist, and that’s part of the allure of the sport. The rankings are not serious business, but they do offer a fun and engaging way to discuss and appreciate the talent in MMA.
Making Your Voice Heard
As always, we welcome your thoughts, questions, and concerns in the comments below. Whether you agree or disagree with our rankings, your input helps shape the conversation and keeping the community engaged. What fights would you like to see? Who do you think should be ranked higher? Share your opinions and help us continue to provide the best coverage and analysis of the sport.
