Jon Jones
IN PHOTO: Apr 26, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Jon Jones puts his arms in the air after the UFC light heavy weight championship fight against Glover Texeira at Baltimore Arena. Jones retained the light heavy weight championship by defeating Teixeria. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Times released a comprehensive list on the rankings of mixed martial arts fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC. Heavyweight fighter Cain Velasquez, women’s bantamweight Ronda Rousey and light heavyweight Jon Jones continue to hold steadfast in their claim in the best of the best of the sport as they were once again were tops in their respective divisions.

In the compiled list, fighters who will see action in the upcoming months include Jones and erstwhile sidelined middleweight champion Chris Weidman who are co-headlining UFC 187 on May 28 against separate foes. After injuring his wrist, Weidman will now finally battle Vitor Belfort after two delays while “Bones” will try to put the cocaine controversy behind him as he tackles surprising contender power puncher Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, which is being as one of the better underdog stories in recent months.

“The biggest light-heavyweight bout on the schedule is May’s title confrontation between UFC champion Jon Jones and challenger Anthony Johnson. It will be interesting to see how Jones can deal with Johnson’s striking power,” Todd Martin of the Los Angeles Times recently wrote in his updated MMA rankings.

In the women’s bantamweight division, Rousey continues her widen her gap against her challengers which can now be comparable to the Grand Canyon. After disposing number two contender Cat Zingano in a title fight record of 14 seconds, the 28-year-old champion has earned some comparisons to “Iron Mike” Tyson and has even jumpstarted conversation that she can beat 50% of male bantamweight talent in the UFC. Due to the loss to Rousey, the shell shocked Zingano drops to number two while Meisha Tate inches forward to the second spot.

It is unclear if UFC President Dana White will grant Tate a third showdown with “Rowdy” but her credential as the only challenger to get out of the first round against the current champion gives her some advantage. Other hopefuls for the women’s bantamweight title include Brazilians Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino and self-proclaimed conqueror of the Four Horsewomen, Bethe Correia.

Other notable movers in the said rankings include Anderson “the Spider” Silva who continues his descent in the list of the league’s best and Antonio “Big Foot Silva,” who is trying to resuscitate his career after tackling performance enhancing drugs controversy. In the lightweight division, Rafael dos Anjos is finally given the respect he deserves after he demolishes former pound-for-pound top fighter Anthony Pettis, quashing any immediate chances for super fight between Pettis and featherweight king Jose Aldo who is considering a move up in weight class.

For concerns on this story, contact the author at hidalgovincentpaul@gmail.com.

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