The lightweight division may be the most combustible group in the UFC. A big knockout win in any given week could scramble the Top 10 and provide new contenders hungry for their title shot.
Michael Johnson is the latest 155-pounder to shake up the division.
“The Menace” finished Dustin Poirier by KO in the first round of their Fight Night Hidalgo main event and moved up four spots to No. 6 in the lightweight division.
After the big finish Johnson said he has his eyes set on the title and he wants big fights as he continues trying to KO opponents.
“I’m just coming in here and showing people that I’m serious in this division,” Johnson said. “Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz are getting that money and they’re out here scraping and having a sparring match. I come to finish fights and go for the kill. Pay me baby, what’s up?”
In other movement at 155, Poirier fell three spots to No. 10 after the loss that ended a four-fight winning streak for “The Diamond.” Edson Barboza dropped one spot to No. 5 from a tie with Nate Diaz at No. 4, Donald Cerrone fell a spot to No. 7 and Evan Dunham, fresh off a win in Texas, jumped ahead of Rashid Magomedov to No. 14.
In the middleweight division, Brunson’s first-round TKO win against Uriah Hall in the co-main event jumped him up two spots to No. 8 at 185 pounds. Hall fell to No. 10 and Gegard Mousasi, set to face Vitor Belfort in England at UFC 204, fell a spot to No. 9.
Rankings are revealed every week on UFC Tonight on FS1.
Matt Parrino is a digital producer and writer for UFC.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MattParrinoUFC
Fans voices come first
Favorite athlete? Fantasy match-ups? Comments? Leave 'em here!
