Exclusion of Nurmagomedov and Tokov

The UFC's decision to stop trying to organize the 30th anniversary fight with the participation of Khabib Nurmagomedov had a huge impact not only on the development of the lightweight division of the promotion, but also on the rating of Russian fighters according to RT.

The former champion in the category up to 70 kg was excluded from the ranks of the strongest representatives of both his weight category and the summary table of ranks.

Taking into account the fact that in both the Eagle took first place, his exclusion seriously affected the position of the rest.

It would seem that the absence of Nurmagomedov should have given a chance to all the rest of the current representatives of the rating not only to maintain, but also to strengthen their positions.

However, in reality, not everyone succeeded.

In addition to Khabib, the third number of Bellator middleweight Anatoly Tokov dropped out of the top 10 Russian athletes according to RT.

True, in this case, this is due to the long downtime, which has already been 17 months.

It is possible that soon the fighter, if he does not get a chance to compete for the title with Geghard Musasi, will at least take part in the “eliminator” for the title of the first contender.

But while the pupil of Fedor Emelianenko continues to wait, more active competitors bypass him. 

Takeoff of Bibulatov and Khasbulaev

The departure of Nurmagomedov and Tokov led to the fact that the newly-made ACA champions in the bantamweight and featherweight were included in the consolidated rating.

Magomed Bibulatov and Magomedrasul Khasbulaev became one of the main characters of the past month, taking over the bright champions from Brazil.

Moreover, the manner in which the titles were won deserves special mention.

The first for five rounds surpassed Daniel de Almeida, and the second completely “strangled” Felipe Froes.

And this is taking into account the fact that the latter approached the fight, albeit with a slight, but an advantage, which could have affected both in the standing position and in the parterre.

As a result, both Russians were among the strongest MMA fighters according to RT.

At the same time, Bibulatov turned out to be a little higher, having a more impressive track record.

His recent triumph has allowed him to become the first ever fighter to win titles in ACA, ACB, WFCA and WSOF.

    Simple Magomedsharipova

    By and large, Ali Isaev could have followed Tokov's path, but the status of the reigning PFL champion and the fight scheduled for May allowed him to defend his position in the ranking.

    Thanks to the exclusion of Nurmagomedov, he moved up one line to eighth.

    At the same time, Zabit Magomedsharipov is located higher, having lost two positions at once.

    In March, he was fifth, but the success of competitors, long downtime and uncertainty about the future played a role.

    It is not yet known for certain when to expect the return of the stellar featherweight and whether it will happen at all.

    Last year, coach Mansur Uchakaev talked about his student's motivation problems, and it does not seem that they have been resolved.

    The loss of Magomedsharipov's positions benefited Askar Askarov, Magomed Ankalaev and Islam Makhachev.

    Each of them rose not one, but two lines, and they occupied the places from the fourth to the sixth.

    At the same time, the heir of Khabib Nurmagomedov could have turned out to be higher.

    He showed himself extremely well at UFC 259 and won early, but that was not enough.

    Yet Ankalaev is not only one of the ten strongest light heavyweights of the Absolute Fighting Championship, but also recently took over a more serious opponent.

    Leadership of Nemkov

    A month ago, Peter Yan was in second place in the overall rating and was considered the strongest Russian fighter after Khabib Nurmagomedov.

    By and large, even the result of the battle with Aljamain Sterling did not cast doubt on his skill and talent, but such behavior still could not go unnoticed.

    It does not matter what led to the infliction of the forbidden kick, the team corners or the passion for the fight, but the fact remains.

    The fighter broke the rules and suffered his first defeat in the UFC, while losing his champion status.

    Under these conditions, the first place in the rating went to Vadim Nemkov, the only Russian champion in the top promotions.

    After the departure of John Jones, the Bellator light heavyweight division is able to compete with the UFC, so do not underestimate the merits of the pupil Fedor Emelianenko.

    Ian moved to second place, and one of the leaders of the heavyweight championship, Alexander Volkov, became the third.