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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
MMA Junkie Staff

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Dec. 13: Ilia Topuria climbs at featherweight

UFC 282 had the potential to create some major moves in the light heavyweight division, but due to a split draw in the main event, a featherweight contender takes this week’s update spotlight.

In the main event of UFC 282, former champion Jan Blachowicz took on Magomed Ankalaev for the vacant light heavyweight title. The bout was a replacement for Glover Teixeira vs. Jiri Prochazka 2, which fell apart due to injury. Unfortunately, no new champion was crowned after the bout resulted in a split draw, but Ankalaev’s performance was strong enough to warrant a move up to No. 4 behind Blachowicz.

Arguably the most impressive performance at the promotion’s final pay-per-view of the year was turned in by UFC featherweight Ilia Topuria, who dominated the previously undefeated Bryce Mitchell. Topuria was unranked last week, but breaks in at the No. 11 spot after tapping Mitchell. The undefeated rising contender looks poised to make another big jump next time he competes.

Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings above.

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