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UFC Rankings Under Fire: Dana White Agrees with Criticism

Sunrise, Florida, USASaturday, January 10, 2026
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Controversial Placements Spark Debate

The UFC's ranking system is facing intense scrutiny, with even Dana White admitting its flaws. The latest update has ignited debates, particularly surrounding Colby Covington's placement.

Colby Covington's Ranking Questioned

Covington, who hasn't secured a win since March 2022, remains 14th in the welterweight division. His last two fights resulted in losses, raising eyebrows about his current ranking.

Robbie Fox from Barstool Sports questioned Dana White about this discrepancy. White acknowledged the valid point, highlighting the broader issues within the ranking system.

Shavkat Rakhmonov's Sudden Rise

The controversy isn't limited to Covington. Shavkat Rakhmonov, who hasn't fought since December 2024, is now ranked 2nd, pushing Ian Garry to 3rd. Garry recently defeated Belal Muhammad, making Rakhmonov's jump even more questionable.

Criticism of the Current System

The UFC rankings are currently decided by journalists and media members. This system has faced criticism for some time, and its credibility is diminishing. Dana White is exploring a new ranking system, possibly AI-based, to address these issues.

Covington's Next Move

Meanwhile, Covington is focusing on a fight outside the UFC. He is set to face Luke Rockhold at Real American Freestyle (RAF) 05. Despite the size difference, Covington is confident, planning to use his wrestling skills to overcome Rockhold and end his losing streak.

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