MMA Ranking FAQ

1) Why Rank MMA Fighters?

One of the primary reasons to rank MMA fighters is to further understand MMA as a *SPORT*. Due to the nature of MMA many fighters will never directly fight each other. By ranking fighters we are able to get a better view of where they stand overall. The MMA ranking system used on this site can help us understand where fighters across different organizations and different weight classes stand.

2) Why these MMA Rankings?

The MMA ranking system used on this site is unbiased, consistent, and fair. All of those things are very important when talking about a legitimate sport. Sadly, most other MMA rankings fall short on at least one of those three. Additionally, the MMA ranking system used on this site is robust enough to support all MMA fighters (not just the top 10 or so from each weight class).

3) Are these MMA rankings for everyone?

Absolutely not. There are some that tune into NASCAR for five minutes every three weeks hoping to see a wreck. Obviously those people aren't concerned with a "chase for the championship" or where the #24 car is ranked compared to the #12. In much the same way, there are those that watch MMA as more of a spectecle.

For those that view MMA as a legitimate sport; rankings are very important. To the viewers that simply want to see a couple people fight...not so much. The beauty of it though is that just like with any other sport people can choose to ignore the rankings. Many viewers watch golf on TV and have no idea how the players are ranked (except for maybe Tiger being #1). In much the same way it's possible for some viewers to simply sit back and enjoy watching MMA.

4) What makes you think math can work for MMA?

This question is usually phrased more along the lines of, "MAHT CANT WERK FOR MMA!", but the basis of the question is the same. It seems some people don't think math can accurately reflect something as complex as MMA.

There is no doubt MMA is complex, but people need to understand that math is used everywhere. It is used in other sports, it is used in video games, and it is used throughout life. If insurance companies and other institutions can use math to get a better view of something as complex as a person's life, then it seems reasonable that we can find a way for math to help us get a better view of MMA.

5) Why look at performance instead of potential?

One of the most important things to keep in mind when looking at this site is that we are primarily focused on performance...not potential. There is no doubt that some new 1-0 fighter could be great, but we need to see them actually win a few more fights to prove they are great. Remember from above (and keep repeating to yourself) "MMA is a sport...MMA is a sport!".

Every year at the NFL draft we see "sure things" and "future probowlers" given money twice as high as some established pros. It is great that someone has potential, but MMA is a sport and as such that potential needs to be realized.

There are also fighters that simply have some rough spots. A fighter can be great, but loses have to matter (MMA IS A SPORT!). We can't guarantee the Patriots or the Mets a playoff spot because they "should" be there. We can't just hand Bolt and Phelps medals before the race starts.

6) Why is Fighter A ranked so high/low?

The simple and honest answer is because of their fight history. The system is very straight forward: when you win, you gain points, when you lose, you lose points. If an MMA fighter is "too high" it is because their opponents simply haven't beat them enough. If an MMA fighter is "too low" it's because they haven't won enough (or perhaps lost a bit too much). One of the many advantages of the MMA ranking system on this site is that everything is clear and consistent. You can look at any fighter on the site and track their progress throughout their entire career.

One thing to keep in mind while looking at a fighter's ranking is how recent fights can have a large impact. Even the best MMA fighters in the world lose a fight or two from time to time. During those periods it should be understood that their ranking may drop.

7) Why is a fighter ranked below someone they beat?

This concept is hard for some people to grasp in MMA, but almost taken for granted in other sports for some reason. Remember that although MMA is contested head to head the rankings have to be for the overall sport. In baseball it's not uncommon for a team with a winning record against a playoff team during the season to not make the playoffs. In the NFL we see similar cases where a team holds wins over one team, but their overall performances are lacking. In the NBA we see cases where a team can have won the majority of games throughout the season head to head against a team, but is still seeded lower in the playoffs.

In much the same way it is possible for an one MMA fighter to beat another MMA fighter and still be ranked lower than them. Please remember...this is MMA...This is *NOT* Highlander...MMA is a sport!

8) What if my question wasn't asked frequently enough to be included in this FAQ?

If you have a question on something or would like clarification on anything then please visit the forums. Also keep an eye on the Rants section.