MMA Rankings Shake-Up: Sean Brady’s Rise and the Fall of Leon Edwards

Sean Brady’s Dominant Performance Shakes Up Welterweight Rankings

In the world of mixed martial arts, climbing the rankings often requires a fighter to take down someone ranked above them. This past weekend, Sean Brady did just that, delivering a stunning victory over former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards. This win catapulted Brady to No. 4 in ESPN’s 170-pound top 10 rankings.

Brady’s victory at the UFC Fight Night in London was not just a win; it was a statement. Fighting in Edwards’ home territory, Brady showcased a dominant performance, culminating in a fourth-round submission. The stats from Round 2 tell the story: Brady secured a takedown right at the start and maintained top position for an impressive 4 minutes and 57 seconds, leaving Edwards with only 3 seconds of freedom. During this time, Brady landed 76 strikes, 19 of which were significant, while Edwards failed to land any. This overwhelming performance resulted in Edwards, previously ranked No. 2, dropping out of ESPN’s top five.

But Brady wasn’t the only fighter making waves at Saturday’s event. Light heavyweight Carlos Ulberg also emerged victorious, defeating former champion Jan Blachowicz and moving up in the division’s top 10 rankings. The event also saw the removal of two fighters from the rankings due to extended inactivity: lightweight Beneil Dariush and women’s flyweight Maycee Barber.

For those interested in the broader landscape of MMA, ESPN provides a comprehensive pound-for-pound MMA rankings and a list of current UFC champions across all weight classes. These rankings are current as of March 25, and to be eligible, a fighter must have competed in the past 12 months or have an upcoming fight scheduled. Fighters dropped for inactivity can only be reinstated after they compete.

Heavyweight Division Highlights

• 1. Tom Aspinall – UFC interim champion with a record of 15-3. Last win was a TKO1 against Curtis Blaydes on July 27.
• 2. Francis Ngannou – PFL Super Fights champion with a record of 18-3. Last win was a KO1 against Renan Ferreira on Oct. 19.
• 3. Jon Jones – UFC champion with a record of 28-1, 1 NC. Last win was a TKO3 against Stipe Miocic on Nov. 16.

These fighters continue to dominate the heavyweight division, with Tom Aspinall leading the pack as the interim champion. Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones remain formidable contenders, each with impressive records and recent victories.

Light Heavyweight Division Highlights

• 1. Magomed Ankalaev – UFC champion with a record of 21-1-1, 1 NC. Last win was a UD against Alex Pereira on March 8.
• 2. Alex Pereira – UFC fighter with a record of 12-3. Last loss was a UD against Magomed Ankalaev on March 8.
• 3. Jirí Procházka – UFC fighter with a record of 31-5-1. Last win was a TKO3 against Jamahal Hill on Jan. 18.

Magomed Ankalaev continues to hold the top spot in the light heavyweight division, with Alex Pereira and Jirí Procházka close behind. Carlos Ulberg’s recent victory over Jan Blachowicz has also shaken up the rankings, highlighting the dynamic nature of this division.

As the MMA landscape continues to evolve, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and shifts in rankings. With fighters like Sean Brady and Carlos Ulberg making significant strides, the competition remains fierce and unpredictable.