As we inch closer to the release of EA UFC 5, the top five bantamweights of the division have been revealed. UFC does their rankings on a star-based system instead of a numerical system in other sports titles. Either way, here are the top 5 bantamweights of UFC 5. Check out all we have covered on UFC 5 so far here.
? #UFC5 Ratings Week starts with Men’s Bantamweight @SugaSeanMMA on ? pic.twitter.com/LANwsjJ5dp
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UFC 5 Top Bantamweight Rankings Revealed
“Sugar” Sean O’Malley- 4.5 Star
The new bantamweight champ is starting us off. O’Malley’s meteoric rise to Bantamweight stardom started on Dana White’s Contender Series. He was an undefeated prospect with creative striking, precision, and power. Despite a setback to Marlon Vera, O’Malley rattled off consecutive wins to face former champ Petr Yan. After besting him, O’Malley punched his ticket to face the then-champ Aljamain Sterling. As they say, the rest is history.
Aljamain “Funk Master” Sterling- 4.5 Star
Aljamain Sterling has an argument at being the greatest bantamweight champ of all time. Despite his controversial title win, he defeated Yan in the rematch in dominant fashion. He then dominated former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw and defeated “Triple C” Henry Cejudo. He is campaigning for a rematch against O’Malley.
Cory Sandhagen- 4.5 Star
Cory Sandhagen is on the cusp of a title shot. Whether he will get it over Sterling remains to be seen. Sandhagen is the number four bantamweight contender coming off a dominant win over Marlon Vera. Though Sandhagen lost to Sterling a few years ago, styles make fights, and he may have a chance against O’Malley should he get the title fight.
Marlon “Chito” Vera- 4.5 Star
The Bantamweight has one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC. Marlon Vera may be ranked sixth in the division, but he can beat any people above him at any moment. “Chito” has fantastic striking ability with incredible jiu-jitsu to go along with it. He is the last man to beat Sean O’Malley.
Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili- 4.5 Star
Merab is in a very interesting spot in the bantamweight division. He currently sits at number two in the division but refused to fight his teammate Aljamain Sterling when he was champion. He was perfectly content with holding up a division not to fight his friend. Though one can appreciate the loyalty, it is inconvenient for the rest of the division. Merab is a cardio machine with fantastic wrestling ability. His pressure makes lesser fighters break. Now that O’Malley is the champ, he is making his stake for a shot at bantamweight champ.
Let us know how you’re feeling about the bantamweight rankings below. UFC 5 will be released on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on 10/27.