Moreno’s Victory Shakes Up Flyweight Division
UFC on ESPN: Moreno vs. Erceg delivered an exciting night of fights, with key performances leading to shifts in the rankings. Brandon Moreno reclaimed the #1 flyweight contender spot, while other divisions saw notable movements, including the debuts of Michel Pereira and Bryan Battle in their respective rankings.
Moreno Reclaims the #1 Flyweight Contender Spot
In the main event, Brandon Moreno edged out Steve Erceg in a technical striking battle, with his looping hooks proving more effective than Erceg’s crisp straight punches. While some believed Erceg deserved more than a single round on the scorecards, Moreno’s aggression and high-output striking earned him the victory. As a result, he moves up to #1 in the flyweight rankings, swapping places with Brandon Royval, who now sits at #2.
Melquizael Costa Cracks the Featherweight Rankings
An action-packed fight between Melquizael Costa and Christian Rodriguez saw Costa secure an impressive victory, leading to his debut in the featherweight rankings at #15. Cub Swanson drops out of the rankings as a result.
Paddy Pimblett Climbs in Lightweight
With a reshuffle in the lightweight rankings, Paddy Pimblett moves up one spot to #8, overtaking Ignacio Bahamondes. While Pimblett didn’t compete, the change reflects adjustments based on recent performances.
Michael Morales Gains in Welterweight; Bryan Battle Joins the Rankings
Rising welterweight Michael Morales continues his climb, moving up to #11 after another ranking reshuffle. Meanwhile, Bryan Battle makes his first appearance at #15, replacing Colby Covington, who slides out of the top 15.
Michel Pereira Breaks Into Middleweight Rankings
After making a statement in his recent performances, Michel Pereira enters the middleweight rankings at #13, joining a crowded group of contenders. His dynamic striking and finishing ability make him an exciting addition to the division.
Loopy Godinez Moves Up in Strawweight
A hard-fought victory over Julia Polastri in a thrilling three-round battle sees Loopy Godinez climb to #9 in the strawweight division, bumping Iasmin Lucindo and Angela Hill down a spot each.
Final Thoughts
While the event itself didn’t feature many top-ranked fighters, the aftermath saw several notable movements. Brandon Moreno’s win solidifies his case for another title shot, while rising names like Melquizael Costa, Bryan Battle, and Michel Pereira continue to climb. The rankings landscape continues to shift as new contenders emerge across multiple divisions.
Explore the Full Rankings
While these were the most notable changes from UFC on ESPN, the event contributed to adjustments across many divisions. For a detailed look at all updates, visit:
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