After a busy combat sports weekend featuring a number of important fights, there were a few big statements made by rising contenders.
Patchy Mix is one of those fighters who made an impact at Bellator 295, and is no longer just a contender, he’s an interim champion. Mix quickly knocked out Raufeon Stots in the Bellator bantamweight grand prix final, earning a piece of the division’s championship, and a $1 million to deposit in the bank. Entering the week at No. 15, Mix’s performance rises him up to the No. 10 spot in this week’s USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie bantamweight rankings.
UFC heavyweight Sergei Pavolovich also turned heads this past weekend. After making quick work of Curtis Blaydes in the main event of UFC Fight Night 222, the powerful Russian could find himself next in line for a title shot. This week, he moves up one spot to claim No. 3 in the heavyweight division.
Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings above.
