Walter Walker rises in the UFC heavyweight rankings after asking to be removed; see the changes

Valter Walker makes weight and confirms fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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The UFC did not grant Valter Walker 's request . Last Saturday (25), in Abu Dhabi (UAE), the Brazilian secured his fourth consecutive first-round victory by submitting newcomer Louie Sutherland and surprised everyone by asking to be removed from the top-15 of the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). However, this Tuesday (28), in the ranking update released by the company, the athlete's wish had the opposite effect.

Before fighting at UFC 321, Valter was ranked 15th in the division. With the victory, the Brazilian moved up one spot in the rankings, becoming number 14. With Valter's rise, Tallison Teixeira lost a position, falling to 15th place.

Mackenzie on the rise

Mackenzie backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

UFC 321 was wonderful for Mackenzie Dern . With her victory over Virna Jandiroba , the athlete became the strawweight champion (up to 52,2 kg), taking the throne from Zhang Weili. Furthermore, the Brazilian, who was not previously ranked in the company's pound-for-pound rankings, has already entered the sixth position.

Virna celebrates her UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

With her tough loss at UFC 321, Virna dropped two spots in the strawweight rankings, falling to third. In the pound-for-pound rankings, the Brazilian also dropped two spots, landing at 11th.

Russian rise

Murzakanov focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Keep an eye on Azamat Murzakanov . At the event, the Russian knocked out Aleksandar Rakic ​​in the first round, defended his undefeated record in MMA, and secured his sixth UFC victory. As a result, he gained three positions in the light heavyweight rankings (up to 93 kg), moving from tenth to seventh place.

Rakic ​​before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

On the other hand, Rakic ​​lost his fourth consecutive fight and dropped into the top 15. The Austrian dropped from seventh to tenth in his weight class and was now in serious danger of being cut.

Umar celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Another Russian fighter who did well at UFC 321 was Umar Nurmagomedov . With his victory over Mario Bautista , Khabib's cousin climbed one spot in the bantamweight rankings (up to 61,2 kg), becoming number one, leaving behind Sean O'Malley and Petr Yan . Therefore, the former title challenger is only below champion Merab Dvalishvili.

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