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Each week, MMATorch Contributor David McGrath will give his rankings for one division in MMA. Disagree with Dave? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @MMATorch.
Heavyweight Rankings
10. Alexander Volkov
I couldn’t rank Volkov any higher than 10 after his loss to Derrick Lewis. Volkov was impressive in a win against Febricio Werdum prior and I expect Volkov to recover from the loss and beat some top 10 fighters again.
9. Junior dos Santos
Dos Santos was impressive in winning coming off losing to Stipe Miocic at UFC 211. Let’s look for Junior to have another top 10 fight and solidly himself back in the title picture.
8. Alistair Overeem
Overeem has been putting out social media posts about how the old “Reem” is back and such. Let’s hope, because he was completely unimpressive in his last fight against Curtis Blaydes, losing by TKO.
7. Fedor Emelianenko
I’m putting Fedor ahead of Volkov and Overeem based on his performance against Chael Sonnen in the semi finals of the Heavyweight Grand Prix. If Fedor can somehow beat Ryan Bader, he’s going to rocket up my top 10.
6. Francis N’Gannou
N’Gannou was hardly impressive in his decision loss to Derrick Lewis. He looked tentative, unsure and downright scared. He needs to show in his next bout that his confidence issues are behind him.
5. Curtis Blaydes
Coming off four impressive victories including wins over heavyweight legends Allistair Overeem and Mark Hunt, Blaydes should be in line for a top 4 fight.
4. Ryan Bader
Coming off an impressive victory in the semifinals of the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix over Matt Mitrone, Bader’s stock is high right now. I’m curious to see how Bader fares in finals against Fedor. Nonetheless, Bader has staked his claim as one of the best heavyweights in the world.
3. Stipe Miocic
Miocic has the most title defenses in heavyweight history and has been all over social media asking for a rematch with Daniel Cormier. Due to his resume of title defenses alone I’m assuming Miocic is next up if Lewis wins. If Cormier wins its murky with Brock Lesnar in the picture and the potential for a big payday looming for DC. Expect Miocic to fight one of the top three early next year.
2. Derrick Lewis
Lewis has fought his way up the rankings and into a heavyweight title shot on Saturday night. Beyond his electric personality, his right hand is fearsome and has earned him the #1 contender’s spot.
NEXT: UFC 230 EMBEDDED EPISODE 2 – DERRICK LEWIS GETS CRYOTHERAPY FOR HIS ‘HOT BALLS’
1. Daniel Cormier
The double champ has a huge test Saturday night in the form of Derrick Lewis. Coming off a very impressive knockout of Stipe Miocic in July, look for Cormier to stay far away from Lewis’s right hand and win a decision with his wrestling. Or, I could see a late knockout for the double champ.
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