In one of the more dramatic change-of-weight-class debuts in recent history, Anthony Pettis made a major splash in the featherweight division with his third-round submission win against jiu-jitsu ace Charles Oliveira in Vancouver.
Pettis debuts at No. 6 in the this week’s official rankings release, taking Oliveira’s spot and re-emerging after a three-fight losing streak at lightweight as a serious title contender at 145 pounds.
Oliveira drops two spots down to No. 8 and former No. 8 Dennis Bermudez and the rest of the top 15 take a one spot drop to make room for Pettis on the list.
It may be hard to believe but Pettis’ master performance may have only been the second-best one north of the border. Paige VanZant returned after her stint on Dancing with the Stars in dramatic fashion, landing a highlight-reel switch kick to the head against Bec Rawlings.
VanZant jumps two spots to No. 8 in the strawweight division behind No. 6-ranked Jessica Andrade and No. 7-ranked Joanne Calderwood, who fight at UFC 203 in Cleveland on Sept. 10.
Valerie Letourneau, who is hoping to move up to 125 pounds should a new division emerge, and Maryna Moroz both fall one spot behind VanZant at No. 9 and 10 respectively.
