Analysis of Recent Changes in Combat Sports Rankings and Fighter Moves

May 13, 2026, 13:40
EuropeSports

Introduction

Recent events in mixed martial arts have led to major changes in championship titles, fighter rankings, and professional contracts across several organizations.

Main Body

The UFC rankings have changed after several important fights. Joshua Van moved up to ninth place after knocking out Tatsuro Taira in the fifth round, which proved his skill after a previous win over Alexandre Pantoja was affected by an injury. Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev was removed from the top ten after losing to Sean Strickland. In the lighter weight classes, Islam Makhachev became a two-division champion by defeating Della Maddalena, extending his winning streak to sixteen. Furthermore, Ilia Topuria won the vacant lightweight title against Oliveira and is now scheduled to fight Gaethje. Significant changes also occurred in the heavier divisions. Tom Aspinall became the undisputed heavyweight champion after Jon Jones retired, although his first title defense ended in a 'no-contest' due to an accidental eye poke. Alex Pereira gave up his light heavyweight title after a rematch with Ankalaev and is now fighting Gane for the interim heavyweight title. In the bantamweight division, Petr Yan won the championship back by defeating Merab Dvalishvili, ending Dvalishvili's long winning streak. In the women's divisions, Valentina Shevchenko returned to the top spot globally after a strong win against Zhang Weili. Kayla Harrison is still rising in the UFC, but her title fight against Amanda Nunes was delayed because she needed neck surgery. Additionally, Mackenzie Dern won the strawweight title, while Cris Cyborg regained a championship in the PFL by beating Larissa Pacheco. Outside the UFC, Muhammad Mokaev has agreed to fight Jorge Calvo at the WOW 31 event in Spain after visa problems stopped his fight with Adriano Moraes.

Conclusion

The current state of the sport is defined by a redistribution of titles and the rise of new challengers across different weight classes and promotions.

Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Pivot': Moving from Simple to Complex Actions

At an A2 level, you describe things simply: "Joshua Van won. He is now ninth." To reach B2, you must connect cause, effect, and condition in a single flow. This is called syntactic complexity.

🔍 The Pattern: The "After/Due to" Bridge

Look at how the text connects a result to a reason. This is the secret to sounding professional and fluent.

1. The 'After' Sequence Instead of two short sentences, use [Result] + after + [Action].

  • A2 Style: Joshua Van knocked out Taira. He moved up to ninth place.
  • B2 Style: "Joshua Van moved up to ninth place after knocking out Tatsuro Taira."
  • Coach's Tip: Notice that "knocking" uses -ing. When you use after as a preposition, the following verb needs -ing.

2. The 'Due to' Logic Avoid saying "because of" every time. Use [Event] + ended in/was [Adjective] + due to + [Noun].

  • Example from text: "...his first title defense ended in a 'no-contest' due to an accidental eye poke."
  • Why this is B2: It removes the need for a subject and verb (like "because he poked the eye"), making the sentence denser and more academic.

🛠ī¸ Quick Upgrade Table

Instead of (A2)Try this (B2)Logic
Because of...Due to...More formal / Precise
And then...Furthermore...Adds a new layer of info
He won and...By defeating...Shows how the goal was reached

💡 Pro Insight: The "Still Rising" Nuance

"Kayla Harrison is still rising in the UFC"

An A2 student says "She is getting better." A B2 student uses a metaphor (rising) and a continuative adverb (still). This tells the reader that a process started in the past and is continuing toward a peak. Use this when describing careers, prices, or trends.

Vocabulary Learning

championship (n.)
A competition for a title or prize.
Example:The championship match was held in front of thousands of fans.
undisputed (adj.)
Accepted by everyone; not challenged or questioned.
Example:He is the undisputed leader of the team.
rematch (n.)
A second match after an initial one, usually to settle a dispute.
Example:After the close score, the fans demanded a rematch.
interim (adj.)
Serving temporarily; in the meantime.
Example:The interim manager will oversee the team until a permanent one is hired.
streak (n.)
A series of consecutive successes or failures.
Example:She has a winning streak of five games.
redistribution (n.)
The act of distributing again or differently.
Example:The redistribution of resources helped balance the budget.
challengers (n.)
People who compete against others, especially in sports.
Example:The challengers prepared for the upcoming tournament.
promotion (n.)
An organization that arranges or sponsors sporting events.
Example:The promotion organized a series of exhibitions.
weight class (n.)
A category of competitors divided by body weight.
Example:Athletes compete in different weight classes.
vacant (adj.)
Not occupied; empty or unfilled.
Example:The vacant chair attracted many applicants.
no-contest (n.)
A fight declared invalid and not counted in records.
Example:The match was declared a no-contest after an accidental injury.
top spot (n.)
The highest position in a ranking or list.
Example:He moved to the top spot in the rankings.
rising (adj.)
Increasing in rank, importance, or popularity.
Example:The rising star is gaining popularity.
agreed (v.)
To have a mutual decision or arrangement.
Example:They agreed to meet at noon.
visa (n.)
An official document allowing a person to enter a country.
Example:She applied for a visa to travel abroad.