Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

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Nassourdine Imavov made his championship case at Israel Adesanya’s expense.

“The Sniper” sent the former middleweight king to his third straight defeat in the UFC Saudi Arabia headliner, winning via technical knockout 30 seconds into Round 2 at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. While Adesanya appears to be an all-time great in decline, Imavov may just be reaching his peak. With a resume that includes recent triumphs over Adesanya, Brendan Allen, Jared Cannonier and Roman Dolidze, the 29-year-old Frenchman climbs to No. 4 in the latest 185-pound rankings. Perhaps a title shot could be on the horizon for Imavov.

While Sergei Pavlovich snapped a two-bout skid with a three-round verdict against Jairzinho Rozenstruik in a featured heavyweight bout, the performance wasn’t reminiscent of the feared knockout artist who finished six consecutive UFC opponents inside of a round. Pavlovich remains ranked sixth behind the last man to defeat him, Alexander Volkov.

Elsewhere, Jasmine Jasudavicius continued her ascent at flyweight, as she cruised to a three-round verdict over former bantamweight title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva. The Canadian has won three straight at 125 pounds and five of her last six overall in the weight class. That allows her to surpass Jessica Andrade for the No. 15 spot in the latest women’s flyweight divisional rankings. Finally, Ayaka Watanabe exits the atomweight poll due to inactivity in her weight class. She’s replaced on the bubble by Jeong Eun Park.

Note: Previous rankings listed in brackets.