TLDR
- Dustin Jacoby entered UFC rankings at #14 after three straight knockout wins, fulfilling champion Alex Pereira’s public request
- Rizvan Kuniev jumped from unranked to #6 in heavyweight division after defeating #1 contender Jailton Almeida
- Pereira had publicly campaigned for Jacoby to be ranked, praising his “incredible work” in recent fights
- Almeida suffered his second consecutive UFC loss and announced plans to return to light heavyweight
- The rankings update followed UFC Vegas 113 and represents one of the largest single-event jumps in recent history for Kuniev
Sources: Bloody Elbow | Cageside Press | MMA Fighting
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira’s public campaign to get Dustin Jacoby ranked has officially paid off. The UFC updated its rankings following UFC Vegas 113, placing Jacoby at #14 in the light heavyweight division.
Jacoby earned his spot after winning three consecutive fights by knockout. The recognition from Pereira came after the champion publicly called for Jacoby to be added to the rankings.
Heavyweight Fighter Makes Historic Jump
The biggest rankings move of the week came in the heavyweight division. Rizvan Kuniev rocketed from unranked all the way to #6 after defeating top-ranked Jailton Almeida at UFC Vegas 113.
Kuniev’s victory over Almeida represents one of the largest single-event jumps in recent UFC rankings history. Almeida entered the fight as the #1 ranked heavyweight contender.
The loss was Almeida’s second consecutive defeat inside the Octagon. Following the setback, Almeida announced plans to return to the 205-pound light heavyweight division.
Pereira’s Public Support for Jacoby
Pereira had been vocal about his belief that Jacoby deserved to be ranked. The champion praised Jacoby’s recent performances and argued that his knockout streak warranted official recognition.
“Place him in the rankings,” Pereira said about Jacoby’s “incredible work” following his latest victory. The UFC rankings panel apparently agreed with the champion’s assessment.
Jacoby’s three-fight winning streak has revitalized his career in the light heavyweight division. All three victories came by way of knockout, demonstrating the power that caught Pereira’s attention.
The fighter had previously competed in the UFC but fell out of contention before his current run. His return to ranked status opens up new matchmaking possibilities in the division.
UFC Vegas 113 featured several fighters who impressed enough to earn consideration for future ranked matchups. Mario Bautista and Kyoji Horiguchi also picked up victories at the event.
The rankings update reflects the UFC’s effort to keep the competitive hierarchy current based on recent performances. Both Kuniev and Jacoby will now face tougher competition as ranked fighters.
For Kuniev, the jump to #6 puts him in immediate title contention in the heavyweight division. His victory over Almeida established him as a legitimate threat to the division’s elite.
Jacoby’s entry at #14 gives him a foothold in the rankings that he can build upon. With Pereira as champion and apparently a fan of his work, Jacoby could find himself in high-profile matchups.
The next step for both fighters will be determined by the UFC matchmakers. Kuniev’s position at #6 likely means a fight against another top-10 opponent, while Jacoby will look to climb higher from his #14 position.
