Seika Izawa showcases her dominance in MMA’s lightest weight division with a devastating victory. Read about the top fighters in the pound-for-pound rankings and the retirement of Amanda Nunes.
Seika Izawa, the undefeated 25-year-old fighter, showcased her dominance in the MMA’s lightest weight division at Super Rizin 2 in Saitama, Japan. In a stunning display of skill and power, Izawa secured a victory over Claire Lopez in just 64 seconds with a ninja choke.
Izawa’s victory not only defended her Rizin super atomweight title but also solidified her position as the top fighter in the division worldwide. With an impressive career record of 11-0, Izawa has established herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Despite the willingness of other promotions to co-promote or loan talent, Rizin may struggle to find fresh challengers for Izawa. Her dominance raises the question of how she can further prove her mettle in the division.
MMA’s Pound-for-Pound Rankings
In addition to her victory, Izawa’s performance has earned her the 12th spot in the pound-for-pound poll. Let’s take a look at the current top fighters in the rankings:
| Rank | Fighter | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amanda Nunes | UFC |
| 2 | Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino | Bellator |
| 3 | Alexa Grasso | UFC |
Amanda Nunes: A Legendary Career
Amanda Nunes, the UFC fighter with a record of 23-5, holds the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. Nunes recently announced her retirement from mixed martial arts after a dominant unanimous decision victory over Irene Aldana in the UFC 289 headliner. With wins over notable fighters like Cristiane Justino, Valentina Shevchenko, Ronda Rousey, and Holly Holm, Nunes leaves the sport as one of the most accomplished female fighters of all time.
Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino’s Reign in Bellator
Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino, the reigning featherweight queen in Bellator, continues to assert her dominance in the division. With a record of 26-2, 1 NC, Justino recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Arlene Blencowe in the Bellator 279 main event. Having won six straight fights since her loss to Amanda Nunes in 2018, Justino is set to defend her crown against Cat Zingano in the near future.
Alexa Grasso’s Upset Victory
Alexa Grasso, a rising star in the UFC, delivered one of the biggest upsets of 2023. In a co-headlining encounter at UFC 285, Grasso submitted Valentina Shevchenko in the fourth round, extending her winning streak to five. Grasso now holds the title of the third female flyweight title holder in UFC history. A rematch with Shevchenko could be on the horizon for Grasso’s first title defense.
