It might be an understatement to say the UFC has some questionable rankings. You would expect rankings to be questionable as they are subjective; however, in this column, I will point out rankings that I think are glaring mistakes. I will also analyze significant movement in the rankings that I agree with.
Editorial Commentary by Peter Parsons
Molly McCann was a noticeable entrant in this week’s UFC rankings. “Meatball” Molly entered the UFC flyweight rankings at No. 15 after defeating Hannah Goldy at the UFC event in her home country of England on July 23.
Molly McCann ranked No. 15 at women’s flyweight
On July 23, “Meatball” Molly brought her British fans to their feet for the second straight time with a spectacular knockout that involved a spinning back elbow. First it was a third round walk off spinning back elbow knockout over Luana Carolina in March, that still holds up as a knockout of the year candidate. On July 23, it was the spinning back elbow that was the beginning of the end for her opponent Hannah Goldy. McCann followed up with a barrage of punches to finish Goldy in the first round.
The 32-year-old Liverpool native has now won 3 fights in a row in the UFC and is one of the most popular female fighters in the promotion. I think it is the popularity that has got McCann the ranking as she has not defeated any top-level opponents thus far.
I would rank Miranda Maverick ahead of Molly McCann. Maverick is coming off a second-round, rear naked choke submission victory over Sabina Mazo in March. Maverick was coming off two straight losses going into the Mazo fight; however, the losses were against current No. 10 ranked Maycee Barber and current No. 13 Erin Blanchfield. The loss to Barber was a controversial split decision loss that, according to mmadecsions.com, all 20 media members who scored the fight saw it for Maverick. The 25-year-old Maverick started her UFC career with two straight victories including a unanimous decision over Gillian Robertson, who defeated McCann in McCann’s UFC debut.
Another fighter who I would rank ahead of McCann is Maryna Moroz. The Ukranian fighter had a memorable last fight shortly after the war in her home country started when she defeated Mariya Agapova by second round submission at UFC 272 in March. Like McCann, Moroz has now won three in a row at flyweight. Moroz is 3-0 at flyweight after coming up from strawweight. If you compare Moroz’ competition to McCann’s over their last three fight, it’s obvious that Moroz had faced the stronger competition. Moroz beat then undefeated Sabina Mazo, Mayra Buena Silva and Mariya Agapova, respectively.
McCann defeated Ariane Lipski, Luana Carolina, and Hannah Goldy in her last three. Hannah Goldy was 1-2 in the UFC with her only UFC victory coming against Emily Whitmire who was 4-4 overall. The UFC cleverly gave McCann an opponent she could shine against in front of her hometown fans. McCann did her job and delivered in the fight and on the mic as her star continues to rise.
I think it is great what Molly McCann has been able to accomplish in terms of her popularity along with her fellow Scouser Paddy Pimblett. She deserves a lot of credit for executing some great finishes in front of her raucous British fans as well as delivering entertaining post fight celebrations and interviews. McCann is quickly becoming one of the most popular female fighters in the UFC. However, the rankings should not be a popularity contest. I feel like “Meatball” Molly is one win away from establishing herself in the rankings.
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Upcoming Notable UFC Women’s Flyweight Fights
Aug 6 – Priscila Cachoeira vs. Ariane Lipski
Aug 13 – (6) Viviane Araujo vs. (5) Alexa Grasso
Aug 13 – (9-SW) Nina Nunes vs. (12) Cynthia Calvillo
Aug 20 – Shanna Young vs. Miranda Maverick
Sep 17 – Sijara Eubanks vs. Maryna Moroz
Sep 17 – Melissa Gatto vs. Gillian Robertson
Oct 22 – (7) Manon Fiorot vs. (1) Katlyn Chookagian
Dec 3 – (10-SW) Amanda Ribas vs. (14) Tracy Cortez
My rankings would look different than any other writer or fan who follows the sport closely. This is to be expected, as rankings are subjective. Rankings should be based primarily on results and not perceived potential or popularity.
Some people think rankings do not matter. Rankings do matter. They matter when it comes to matchmaking. They matter when it comes to contract negotiations.
Let’s keep the rankings conversation going. Do you agree or disagree with the above Ranking Review? Express your thoughts in the comments below.
UFC Rankings Review: Should Molly McCann Be Ranked at Flyweight?
