Overview

• Cruz told Demetrious Johnson’s MightyCast that a fighter’s latest contract dictates ranking placement more than recent results.
• He described renegotiations for short-notice or marquee bouts as a pathway to higher pay that can preserve status even after losses.
• He said matchmakers continue pairing highly paid athletes with top contenders to justify payouts rather than dropping them down the ladder.
• Recent examples cited in coverage include Max Holloway debuting at No. 8 at lightweight after knocking out Justin Gaethje, with Gaethje still ranked higher.
• Reports also note Islam Makhachev remaining in lightweight rankings after vacating the title, and they stress the UFC has not confirmed Cruz’s account despite longstanding criticism of the rankings panel.