The men’s featherweight and welterweight divisions saw key names on the move following Bellator 277 and UFC on ESPN 34.
Patricio Freire reclaimed the Bellator featherweight title by handing A.J. McKee the first loss of his professional career. Freire’s calm and calculated approach helped him pick apart McKee over five rounds to win the title via unanimous decision. Entering the week at the No. 4 spot, ‘Pitbull’ climbed to No. 3, while McKee replaced him, falling two spots from No. 2 among featherweights. In addition, the fight had an impact on the pound-for-pound rankings, as McKee was completely removed and Freire jumped to the No. 8 slot.
Also making this climb this week was UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad, who defeated Vicente Luque in the main event of UFC on ESPN 34. It was an impressive showing from Muhmmad, who displayed an endless gas tank and well-timed wrestling to secure the unanimous decision victory. Luque falls to No. 8 among welterweights, while Muhammad takes his previous slot at No. 7.
Take a look at the full rankings below ahead of a busy week in combat sports that includes Bellator 278, Bellator 279, and UFC Fight Night 205.
