Israel Adesanya has jumped up to No 2 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings following his win over Robert Whittaker.
‘Stylebender’ put on a striking masterclass and was never forced to come out of third gear as he won a unanimous decision over his rival at UFC 271.
He overtakes featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, who slips back down to third but could move back up if he beats Chan Sung Jung on April 9.
Kamaru Usman remains in top spot but the Nigerian allegiance between the welterweight king and Adesanya means they are unlikely to fight.
Elsewhere, Tai Tuivasa has moved up to No 3 in the heavyweight division following his stunning KO win over Derrick Lewis in Houston.
In a compelling battle, with both men swinging for the fences, it was Tuivasa who absorbed the shots better before landing a devastating elbow of his own.
Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic were the only other fighters to move down the pound-for-pound list.
Jones is now ranked No 7 and has not competed for two years, while former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has been bumped down to No 11.
UFC MEN’S POUND FOR POUND LIST:
1. Kamaru Usman
2. Israel Adesanya +1
3. Alexander Volkanovski -1
4. Francis Ngannou
5. Charles Oliveira
6. Max Holloway +1
7. Jon Jones -1
8. Dustin Poirier
9. Petr Yan
10. Glover Teixeira
11. Stipe Miocic -1
12. Deiveson Figueiredo
13. Brandon Moreno
14. Robert Whittaker
15. Jan Blachowicz
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