MMA Ratings Men’s Divisional Fighter Rankings attempt to illustrate who the best fighters are in each division based on their MMA fighting accomplishments, over THE ENTIRETY OF THEIR CAREERS. Unfortunately there are not always matchups that allow for objective analysis, and in these situations we have to make judgment calls. As fights occur, we will adjust the rankings to better illustrate who are the best fighters in each division. Ranking methodology details below.
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The quality of opponents takes precedence over the quantity of wins and losses. Secondary factors used in determining rank include recency and conclusiveness of defeats. In other words, the primary factor in ranking fighters is who they have beaten and who beat them. The recency and nature of those wins and losses are secondary factors. Titles and winning streaks are irrelevant.
Draws: A fight resulting in a draw is considered a tie. Note that prior to 2012 fights resulting in draws were not considered at all in terms of rankings.
Inactivity: Fighters who have not fought in the past 12 months are not eligible to be ranked, and will regain their eligibility the next time they fight.
Disciplinary Suspensions: We do not take disciplinary suspensions or drug test results into consideration.
Weight Divisions: Fighters are eligible to be ranked in any divisions in which they have competed in the last 12 months.
Catch Weight Fights: When fights are contested at weights that are in between the limits of the various weight classes, they are considered to be in the higher weight class. The weight limits for each weight class are listed at the top of the rankings for each weight class. This is subject to discretion when one fighter misses the planned contested weight.
These rankings contribute to the Independent World MMA Rankings.
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The capitalized phrase in your opening paragraph explains several of your rankings. While the career should be considered, the most recent results should obviously be weighted heavier since the ultimate goal of rankings imo should be about who is the best right now. GOAT and prospects should have their own lists.
That's interesting. That is a relatively new edition to the criteria, though overall wins and losses were always a factor. That does not mean that more recent wins are not considered appropriately.