The recently concluded UFC Vegas 91 event featured some thrilling matchups, headlined by a flyweight clash where Alex Perez secured a decisive victory over Matheus Nicolau via second-round knockout.
Post this win, Perez has made a significant leap in the UFC flyweight rankings, advancing three places to claim the No.5 spot. His triumph reshuffled the rankings, with Muhammad Mokaev and Sumudaerji each moving up one spot to No.6 and No.14, respectively.
Conversely, Manel Kape and David Dvorak slipped one rank to No.7 and No.15, while Nicolau plummeted three places to No.8 following his defeat.
Bantamweight and Featherweight Division Shifts
In the UFC bantamweight category, Jonathan Martinez and Ricky Simon have each moved up a position to No.12 and No.14, respectively. On the flip side, Mario Bautista and Pedro Munhoz have each dropped one place to No.13 and No.15. Over in the featherweight ranks, Edson Barboza and Bryce Mitchell swapped places, with Barboza now at No.11 and Mitchell at No.12.
Significant Changes in Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Divisions
The co-main event featured a light heavyweight showdown, where Bogdan Guskov stunned Ryan Spann with a second-round TKO. Guskov’s impressive performance propelled him from outside the top 15 to claim the No.12 spot. Meanwhile, Spann’s defeat saw him slide four places to No.15, while Alonzo Menifield climbed one spot to No.11.
The heavyweight rankings also witnessed movement, as Curtis Blaydes and Stipe Miocic traded places, with Blaydes ascending to No.4 and Miocic dropping to No.5.
Women’s Flyweight Bout Impacts Rankings
In a women’s flyweight bout, Karine Silva emerged victorious via unanimous decision against Ariane Lipski Da Silva. This result triggered a change in their rankings, with Karine Silva rising to No.12 and Ariane Lipski Da Silva falling to No.13.
Matheus Nicolau’s Resilient Response
Despite his defeat, Matheus Nicolau remains resolute in his pursuit of championship glory. Nicolau acknowledged his disappointment in a heartfelt Instagram post, emphasizing his rigorous preparation and commitment to bounce back stronger.
“Last night I failed. I fell. What a bitter taste it has! I have prepared very well! … We lost the battle, but the war goes on!”
Following #UFCVegas91, @KillerKarine Silva moves up one spot, moving to No. 12 in the official UFC women's flyweight rankings, replacing the woman she beat, Ariane da Silva, who falls to No. 13. pic.twitter.com/qQSWquCjm2
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) April 30, 2024
Nicolau expressed gratitude to his team and supporters, emphasizing his determination to learn from the setback and continue pushing forward towards his goals.
