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411’s MMA Rankings 10.04.16: Featherweight Division
The featherweight division has not so quietly taken over as the preeminent weight class in MMA. The heavyweights, middleweights, welterweights and lightweights cannot establish a dominant champion. Across any others that can like Dominick Cruz (135), Demetrious Johnson (125) or Joanna Champion (115), they don’t nearly take hold of imaginations quite like Conor McGregor and company. Ironically, McGregor will go more than a year without even competing at featherweight, but in that span he has only managed to increase his grip as the biggest star in the sport.
While he has had his sights focused at welterweight and now lightweight, the long list of quality contenders has bottlenecked with little relief in sight. Jose Aldo is clamoring for justice and is only going to be disappointed (unless they feed his ego by granting him an interim title fight with someone, say….), Max Holloway is immensely confident he can beat any fighter and few can argue otherwise at the moment, Anthony Pettis just burst onto the scene with an impressive win over Charles Oliveira, Jeremy Stephens is perhaps talking himself into the title picture with the help of his reputation and none of this even counts Frankie Edgar, or B.J. Penn.
Yes, B.J. is coming back this month, again.
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411’s MMA Ranking Rules
– Which fighters are eligible for these rankings? They must meet the following qualifications: fight at least once in the past 365 days or if not, be officially scheduled for an upcoming fight.
– A fighter serving a disciplinary suspension will not be ranked. They can return when they have served their suspension or in the event it is rescinded. This includes fighters who may disregard their suspension locally to fight overseas.
– If a fighter appears on just one single ballot, and in the top ten, five points will be deducted to balance between other fighters who may be ranked lower, but appear on a greater amount of ballots.
411’s Official MMA Rankings
Featherweight Division (145 lbs)
1) “Notorious” Conor McGregor (20-3)
Height: 5’8
Birthday: July 14, 1988
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Nate Diaz – Win via decision (split) – UFC 202 – August 20, 2016
– vs. Nate Diaz – Loss via submission (rear naked choke) – UFC 196 – March 5, 2016
– vs. Jose Aldo – Win via KO (punch) – UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor – December 12, 2015
– vs. Chad Mendes – Win via TKO (strikes) – UFC 189: McGregor vs. Mendes – July 11, 2015
– vs. Dennis Siver – Win via TKO (strikes) – UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Siver – January 18, 2015
Next scheduled appearance:
– vs. Eddie Alvarez – UFC 205 – November 12, 2016
Comment: The reigning featherweight champ, Conor McGregor bounced back from his March loss to Nate Diaz by winning the fight of the year. Their August rematch was a five round war and it was his most impressive performance of his career. Now, McGregor will attempt to become the first UFC fighter to hold two championships in different weight classes simultaneously. He’s challenging lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez in the main event of UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden.
2) Jose Aldo (26-2)
Height: 5’7
Birthday: September 9, 1986
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Frankie Edgar – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC 200: Cormier vs. Jones 2 – July 9, 2016
– vs. Conor McGregor – Loss via KO (punch) – UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor – December 12, 2015
– vs. Chad Mendes – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC 179: Aldo vs. Mendes 2 – October 25, 2014
– vs. Ricardo Lamas – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC 169: Barao vs. Faber 2 – February 1, 2014
– vs. Chan Sung Jung – Win via TKO (punches) – UFC 163: Aldo vs. Korean Zombie – August 3, 2013
Next scheduled appearance:
– Unknown
Comment: Aldo is pissed. He has his heart set on winning his old featherweight belt, but McGregor will be busy going after the lightweight title. So, instead of getting his rematch with McGregor, Aldo is being asked to either wait or fight someone else. He has come out publicly with a hard line stance of title fight or nothing, even bringing up retirement if he does not get his way. It’s unfortunate but you can bet Aldo will not force the UFC’s hand (nor should they cower to him).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j5XaxLNJSc
3) Frankie Edgar (20-5-1)
Height: 5’6
Birthday: October 16, 1981
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 6 fights:
– vs. Jose Aldo – Loss via decision (unanimous) – UFC 200: Cormier vs. Jones 2 – July 9, 2016
– vs. Chad Mendes – Win via KO (punches) – UFC TUF Finale – December 11, 2015
– vs. Urijah Faber – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Faber – May 16, 2015
– vs. Cub Swanson – Win via submission (neck crank) – UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Swanson – November 22, 2014
– vs. B.J. Penn – Win via TKO (strikes) – UFC TUF Finale – July 6, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– vs. Jeremy Stephens – UFC 205 – November 12, 2016
4) Max Holloway (16-3)
Height: 5’11
Birthday: December 4, 1991
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Ricardo Lamas – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping – June 4, 2016
– vs. Jeremy Stephens – Win via decision (unanumous) – UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor – December 12, 2015
– vs. Charles Oliveira – Win via TKO (injury) – UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Oliveira – August 23, 2015
– vs. Cub Swanson – Win via submission (guillotine choke) – UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold – April 18, 2015
– vs. Cole Miller – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch – February 14, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– Unknown
5) Cub Swanson (23-7)
Height: 5’7
Birthday: November 2, 1983
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC Fight Night – August 6, 2016
– vs. Hacran Dias – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC on Fox: Teixeira vs. Evans – April 16, 2016
– vs. Max Holloway – Loss via submission (guillotine choke) – UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold – April 18, 2015
– vs. Frankie Edgar – Loss via submission (neck crank) – UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Swanson – November 22, 2014
– vs. Jeremy Stephens – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens – June 28, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– Unknown
6) “Showtime” Anthony Pettis (19-5)
Height: 5’9
Birthday: January 27, 1987
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Charles Oliveira – Win via submission (guillotine choke) – UFC on Fox – August 27, 2016
– vs. Edson Barboza – Loss via decision (unanimous) – UFC 197 – April 23, 2016
– vs. Eddie Alvarez – Loss via decision (split) – UFC Fight Night – January 17, 2016
– vs. Rafael dos Anjos – Loss via decision (unanimous) – UFC 185: Pettis vs. dos Anjos – March 14, 2015
– vs. Gilbert Melendez – Win via submission (guillotine choke) – UFC 181: Hendricks vs. Lawler 2 – December 6, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– Unknown
Comment: Pettis had a great featherweight debut over the summer, choking out Charles Oliveira. It was his first win in nearly two years and with his new life at 145-pounds, hopefully consistent health comes with it.
7) Ricardo Lamas (16-5)
Height: 5’8
Birthday: May 21, 1982
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Max Holloway – Loss via decision (unanimous) – UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping – June 4, 2016
– vs. Diego Sanchez – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC Fight Night – November 21, 2015
– vs. Chad Mendes – Loss via TKO (strikes) – UFC Fight Night: Mendes vs. Lamas – April 4, 2015
– vs. Dennis Bermudez – Win via submission (guillotine choke) – UFC 180: Hunt vs. Werdum – November 15, 2014
– vs. Hacran Dias – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens – June 28, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– vs. B.J. Penn – UFC Fight Night – October 15, 2016
Comment: Ricardo Lamas has a unique opportunity coming up in less than two weeks. He will headline the UFC’s return to the Philippines where he’ll fight returning legend B.J. Penn. The same Penn who has not won a fight in nearly six years who was last seen in July 2014 being destroyed by Frankie Edgar.
8) Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira (21-6, 1 NC)
Height: 5’10
Birthday: October 17, 1989
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Anthony Pettis – Loss via submission (guillotine choke) – UFC on Fox – August 27, 2016
– vs. Myles Jury – Win via submission (guillotine choke) – UFC on Fox – December 19, 2015
– vs. Max Hollloway – Loss via TKO (injury) – UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Oliveira – August 23, 2015
– vs. Nik Lentz – Win via submission (guillotine choke) – UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Alves – May 30, 2015
– vs. Jeremy Stephens – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC TUF Finale – December 12, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– Unknown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3kX-52IS40
8) Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens (25-12)
Height: 5’9
Birthday: May 26, 1986
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Renan Barao – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC Fight Night – May 29, 2016
– vs. Max Holloway – Loss via decision (unanimous) – UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor – December 12, 2015
– vs. Dennis Bermudez – Win via KO (flying knee) – UFC 189: McGregor vs. Mendes – July 11, 2015
– vs. Charles Oliveira – Loss via decision (unanimous) – UFC TUF Finale – December 12, 2014
– vs. Cub Swanson – Loss via decision (unanimous) – UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens – June 28, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– vs. Frankie Edgar – UFC 205 – November 12, 2016
10) Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (25-4)
Height: 5’5
Birthday: July 7, 1987
Currently Fighting With: Bellator MMA
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Benson Henderson – Loss via TKO (leg injury) – Bellator 160 – August 26, 2016
– vs. Henry Corrales – Win via submission (guillotine choke) – Bellator 153 – April 22, 2016
– vs. Daniel Straus – Loss via decision (unanimous) – Bellator 145 – November 6, 2015
– vs. Daniel Weichel – Win via KO (punch) – Bellator 138 – June 19, 2015
– vs. Daniel Straus – Win via submission (rear naked choke) – Bellator 132: Pitbull vs. Straus 2 – January 16, 2015
Next scheduled appearance:
– Unknown
11) Daniel Straus (25-6)
Height: 5’8
Birthday: July 27, 1984
Currently Fighting With: Bellator MMA
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Pitbull Freire – Win via decision (unanimous) – Bellator 145 – November 6, 2015
– vs. Henry Corrales – Win via submission (guillotine choke) – Bellator 138 – June 19, 2015
– vs. Pitbull Freire – Loss via submission (rear naked choke) – Bellator 132: Pitbull vs. Straus 2 – January 16, 2015
– vs. Justin Wilcox – Win via KO (left hook) – Bellator 127 – October 3, 2014
– vs. Pat Curran – Loss via submission (rear naked choke) – Bellator 112 – March 14, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– Unknown
12) Brian Ortega (11-0, 1 NC)
Height: 5’10
Birthday: February 21, 1991
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Clay Guida – Win via KO (knee) – UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping – June 4, 2016
– vs. Diego Brandao – Win via submission (triangle choke) – UFC 195: Lawler vs. Condit – January 2, 2016
– vs. Thiago Tavares – Win via TKO (strikes) – UFC Fight Night – June 6, 2015
– vs. Mike De La Torre – No Contest (Win by Ortega overturned for failed drug test) – UFC on Fox – July 26, 2014
– vs. Keoni Koch – Win via decision (split) – RFA 12 – January 24, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– Unknown
13) Daniel “The Weasel” Weichel (37-9)
Height: 5’10
Birthday: November 22, 1984
Currently Fighting With: Bellator MMA
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Emmanuel Sanchez – Win via decision (split) – Bellator 159 – July 22, 2016
– vs. Georgi Karakhanyan – Win via decision (unanimous) – December 4, 2015
– vs. Pitbull Freire – Loss via KO (punch) – Bellator 138 – June 19, 2015
– vs. Pat Curran – Win via decision (split) – Bellator 133 – February 13, 2015
– vs. Desmond Green – Win via submission (rear naked choke) – Bellator 119 – May 9, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– Unknown
14) Pat Curran (22-7)
Height: 5’9
Birthday: August 31, 1987
Currently Fighting With: Bellator MMA
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Georgi Karakhanyan – Win via decision (unanimous) – Bellator 155 – May 20, 2016
– vs. Emmanuel Sanchez – Win via decision (unanimous) – Bellator 139 – June 26, 2015
– vs. Daniel Weichel – Loss via decision (split) – Bellator 133 – February 13, 2015
– vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Friere – Loss via decision (unanimous) – Bellator 123: Curran vs. Pitbull 2 – September 5, 2014
– vs. Daniel Straus – Win via submission (rear naked choke) – Bellator 112 – March 14, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– Unknown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8MKvBEwb7A
15) Yair Rodriguez (8-1)
Height: 5’11
Birthday: October 6, 1992
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
– vs. Alex Caceres – Win via decision (split) – UFC Fight Night – August 6, 2016
– vs. Andre Fili – Win via KO (flying head kick) – UFC 197 – April 23, 2016
– vs. Dan Hooker – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC 192 – October 3, 2015
– vs. Charles Rosa – Win via decision (split) – UFC 188 – June 13, 2015
– vs. Leonardo Morales – Win via decision (unanimous) – UFC 180 – November 15, 2014
Next scheduled appearance:
– Unknown
Comment:
Final Notes: No other fighter received additional votes.
