Khamzat Chimaev enters in the UFC ranking after removal of Nate Diaz and Rafael dos Anjos

Khamzat Chimaev enters in the UFC ranking after removal of Nate Diaz and Rafael dos Anjos
Khamzat Chimaev enters the top 15

Khamzat Chimaev” has been a fan favourite lately due to his intriguing personality coupled with his fighting skills and his dominant performances on the Fight Island. After his devastating one-punch KO against Gerald Meerschaert, he was booked to headline a UFC card against #Rank 3: “Leon Edwards”.

On November 17th Chimaev featured in UFC Welterweight Rankings for the first time along with “Belal Muhammad”, both fighters have made it in the top 15. It does not really come as a surprise that Khamzat entered the rankings; it was inevitable. However, what does come as a shock is the reason behind the entry of Khamzat in the rankings.

Nate Diaz’s and Rafael dos Anjos’ removal from the Welterweight Rankings

 Nate Diaz and Rafael dos Anjos removed from the Welterweight rankings

The UFC and Diaz brothers have never really been on the best of terms. Dana White has famously remarked that Nate Diaz is not a needle mover, a statement which he did eventually change. Despite their problems, the fame of the Diaz brothers and superstardom of Nate is undeniable. However, seeing how Nate last fought and lost for the BMF belt against superstar Jorge Masvidal and his last win was all the way back in UFC 241, it is not that unexpected that he was removed from the rankings.

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As for former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos, in his most recent bout, he dropped down to Lightweight and won against Paul Felder.  It seems Rafael dos Anjos has decided to stick with fighting at Lightweight to perhaps reach his former glory making it a logical thing to remove him from the Welterweight rankings.

Both Nate and Rafael dos Anjos have bounced back and forth between Lightweight and Welterweight. It is undeniable that the main reason behind Khamzat entering the top 15 is due to his own skill and it was inevitable that he would soon become be a ranked fighter. With that said, the removal of these 2 fighters has certainly given that process a massive push.

Fans may argue the entry of Khamzat in the rankings so early despite his 9-0 as a pro and 3-0 UFC record. If he manages to score a win against Leon Edwards, he will certainly prove everyone doubting him wrong. 
What do you think about the updated rankings?

Also read: ‘He’s nothing special’ Jiri Prochazka comments on Khamzat Chimaev