UFC Classifications: Heavyweight Overlooked After Commanding Victory at UFC 312
Revamped Perspective:
It seems the latest UFC rankings have stirred up a bit of controversy, with some contestants feeling left out after UFC 312. One such fighter, Tallison Teixeira, who demolished Justin Tafa in his main-event debut, finds himself on the sidelines, lacking a Top 15 spot.
Normally, I would agree that a fighter with eight professional fights and just one main-roster win is not quite deserving of a ranking. However, the UFC's heavyweight division leaves much to be desired, struggling to stand up against even the women's bantamweight division in terms of depth.
Teixeira's strengths might just help him gain an edge against a fair portion of this division, similar to how Kennedy Nzechukwu entered the fray at No. 14, with an idle Jhonata Diniz dropping out of the top-15. Don'Tale Mayes, whose presence in the rankings confuses me, has seen a drop from No. 14 to No. 15.
On the flip side, considering Teixeira's minimal experience, he may need an additional win before gaining a place in these prestigious standings. Mayes, who has an uneven 11-7 record, will soon face Valter Walker during UFC Vegas 102 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
If Mayes emerges victorious, he'll succeed in retaining his position while silencing critics like me. Conversely, if he loses, Walker is expected to step up and claim the spot, leaving Teixeira lingering on the outskirts. Fortunately, Teixeira's brief performance against Tafa, lasting only 35 seconds, has left him well-prepared for another swift return.
Come March or April, it's plausible we'll see Teixeira and Diniz lock horns in a heated match-up, keenly contested for a potential UFC 313 card. With only ten fights on the current UFC Vegas 102 card, such a captivating bout would undoubtedly add value.
Engaging Enrichment:
Interestingly, recent UFC heavyweight division rankings stand as follows:1. Jones2. Aspinall3. Gane4. Pavlovich5. Blaydes6. Almeida7. Spivac8. Tybura9. Lewis10. Tuivasa11. Gaziev12. Cortes-Acosta13. Parkin14. Mayes15. Diniz
Teixeira landing a spot in this midst is an intriguing prospect, given his ability to challenge top-ranked opponents.
Sources:1. UFC.com, "UFC Rankings," n.d., https://www.ufc.com/rankings/heavyweight
- Despite the controversy surrounding the UFC rankings after UFC 312, Tallison Teixeira's impressive performance against Justin Tafa in the main event has left fans questioning why he's not ranked among the UFC's top 15 heavyweights.
- With UFC 313 on the horizon, there's speculation that UFC heavyweight Tallison Teixeira could face Jhonata Diniz in a highly anticipated matchup, adding value to the currently sparse UFC Vegas 102 card.
- As UFC 312 kos (knockout) winner Tallison Teixeira waits for his next opportunity, fans and critics alike are keeping a close eye on the upcoming UFC 313 card to see if Teixeira will finally secure a spot in the official UFC rankings.
- With both Tallison Teixeira and Jhonata Diniz eyeing a place on the UFC 313 card, and UFC news constantly revealing shifts within the heavyweight division, it's an exciting time for heavyweight fans and fighters alike.
