Updated Bellator Rankings: April 10, 2021

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Since our inaugural set of Bellator rankings, the organization has produced two shows, both of which featured champions and Grand Prix matchups.

Both of these events have caused changes throughout Bellator’s rankings, with noticeable movement within respective divisions and pound-for-pound charts.

Women’s Flyweight (125 Pounds)

C. Juliana Velasquez (11-0-0)

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-1-0)
Denise Kielholtz (6-2-0)
Veta Arteaga (5-4-0)
Kana Watanabe (10-0-1)
Alejandra Lara (9-4-0)
Liz Carmouche (15-7-0)
Kate Jackson (11-5-1)
Bruna Ellen (5-3-0)
Vanessa Porto (22-9-0)
Ilara Joanne (9-5-0)

The highly experienced Vanessa Porto made her Bellator debut on April 9, dropping a unanimous decision to fellow veteran Liz Carmouche. Due to this, she enters the rankings at #9, whereas her opponent moves up a spot.

A week prior, Kana Watanabe edged past Alejandra Lara to claim the #4 position.

Bantamweight (135 pounds)

C. Juan Archuleta (26-2-0)

Sergio Pettis (20-5-0)
Patchy Mix (13-1-0)
Leandro Higo (20-5-0)
Raufeon Stots (15-1-0)
Josh Hill (20-3-0)
James Gallagher (11-1-0)
Magomed Magomedov (18-1-0)
Matheus Mattos (12-2-1)
Frans Mlambo (9-5-0)
Jornel Lugo (6-0-0)

Bellator 256, which took place on April 9, saw the undefeated Jornel Lugo move into the rankings as he shutout Cass Bell over the course of three rounds; Lugo displayed his composed striking ability and offensive grappling game.

Women’s Featherweight (145 pounds)

C. Cris Cyborg (23-2-1)

Julia Budd (14-3-0)
Arlene Blencowe (13-8-0)
Leslie Smith (13-8-1)
Sinead Kavanagh (7-4-0)
Olga Rubin (6-2-0)
Amanda Bell (7-7-0)
Janay Harding (6-4-0)
Jessica Miele (9-2-0)
Cat Zingano (12-4-0)
Talita Nogueira (8-2-0)

Talita Nogueira held onto her position in the rankings with a decision victory over Jessica Borga. On the same card, former UFC title challenger Cat Zingano made her second Bellator appearance, dispatching Olivia Parker to earn #9.

Featherweight (145 pounds)

C. Patricio Pitbull (32-4-0)

AJ McKee (17-0-0)
Emmanuel Sanchez (20-5-0)
Darrion Caldwell (15-4-0)
Daniel Weichel (40-12-0)
Adam Borics (17-1-0)
Henry Corrales (18-5-0)
Pedro Carvalho (11-4-0)
Aaron Pico (7-3-0)
Jay-Jay Wilson (6-0-0)
Jeremy Kennedy (16-3-1)

On April 3, champion Patricio “Pitbull” Friere rematched former foe Emmanuel Sanchez in the semi-final of Bellator’s featherweight Grand Prix. As well as a spot in the final up for grabs, the 145-pound strap would be on the line.

“Pitbull” would need less than a round to submit Sanchez with a nasty guillotine, rendering him unconscious to secure title defense number five. Neither man’s performance forced a change in the rankings; Patricio remains the champion, just as Sanchez retains his status of top contender.

Adam Borics moved up a spot following his decision victory over Jeremy Kennedy.

Lightweight (155 pounds)

C. Patricio Pitbull (32-4-0)

Brent Primus (10-1-0)
Benson Henderson (28-10-0)
Sidney Outlaw (15-4-0)
Dan Moret (15-6-0)
Goiti Yamauchi (25-5-0)
Myles Jury (19-5-0)
Keoni Diggs (9-0-0)
Patricky Pitbull (23-9-0)
Adam Piccolotti (12-4-0)
Soren Bak (14-1-0)

UFC vet Dan Moret made his Bellator debut against top ranked contender Goiti Yamauchi, a man many believed was in the running for a title fight. In a debated split decision, it was Moret who walked away the victor; he now sits at #4.

Welterweight (170 pounds)

C. Douglas Lima (32-8-0)

Michael Page (18-1-0)
Lorenz Larkin (22-7-1)
Yaroslav Amasov (25-0-0)
Jason Jackson (14-4-0)
Neiman Gracie (10-2-0)
Paul Daley (42-17-2)
Logan Storely (11-1-0)
Ross Houston (8-1-1)
Sabah Homasi (15-8-0)
Oliver Enkamp (10-2-0)

Jason Jackson was this weeks biggest winner, leapfrogging multiple spots to take #4. The Sanford MMA product is now likely one win away from a title fight with reigning King Douglas Lima.