By Nicholas Bailey (nbailey@mmaratings.net)
This month saw lots of small changes to the divisional top-ten rankings. That is lots of changes in the lighter weight classes. With the conclusion of Dream’s Featherweight Grand Prix and WEC 43, these fighters are moving around the rankings about as fast as they move around rings and cages.
At Lightweight, Shinya Aoki’s excellent victory over Joachim Hansen pushes him to the #2 spot from #3, putting Tatsuya Kawajiri into third. Similarly, Tyson Griffin’s outstanding performance against Hermes Franca brings him into the #10 slot, pushing out estranged WEC champ Jamie Varner.
Featherweight saw tons of moving and shaking, both from WEC fighters and the Dream tournament. Wagnney Fabiano’s mishap dropped from from #3 to #8, and Bibiano Fernandes charged into the rankings at #7 after his tournament wins over Warren and Takaya. Joe Warren drops back out of the rankings due to his failure to learn basics of avoid armbars in the guard. Finally, Raphael Assuncao switches places with Hatsu Hioki on the strength of his win over Yves Jabouin.
Bantamweight saw a little shuffling, with hard-luck Manny Tapia dropping yet another disappointing decision and falling out of the rankings from #7, and Scott Jorgensen monstering his way into the #10 spot.
