UFC 251 was the biggest card of the year so far and it had significant implications to the top of multiple weight classes.
The main event, of course, saw [autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag] (17-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC) hold on to his top spot in the welterweight division with a successful title defense against [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] (35-14 MMA, 12-7 UFC), who came into the fight on short notice. Nevertheless, the loss cost “Gamebred” his previous position at 170 pounds.
In addition, featherweight champ [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag] (22-1 MMA, 9-0 UFC) defended his title while [autotag]Petr Yan[/autotag] (15-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) claimed the vacant bantamweight belt. As a result, both men left the card with the No. 1 rankings in their respective weight classes.
That’s jus the tip of the iceberg of everything that happened, though. The results of the card in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi caused movement for both the key winners and losers.
[lawrence-related id=535160,534345,534351]
How do we make sense of it all?
Fortunately, MMA Junkie’s “Gorgeous” George Garcia and Brian Garcia are here to sort out all the complicated dynamics for the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings. So make sure to watch the video above to catch up with the aftermath of the UFC’s big “Fight Island” debut.
[vertical-gallery id=533809]
[vertical-gallery id=533806]