Since the last update to the super lightweight rankings Josh Palmer has fallen off due to inactivity, and Gabriel Varga jumps up to the number three spot after his performances for K-1 and Glory. Sean Kearney steps into the number four spot, and after Justin Greskiewicz being moved over to the welterweight rankings, Hakeem Dawodu takes the number five spot.
1. Matt Embree (23-4)
Embree saw his first action of 2013 at Push Kick Promotions “World Stand Off” where he defeated Ben Yelle by unanimous decision. Known for his technical style, “Matics” is now set to fight American Kevin Ross at Lion Fight 10. This bout has been talked about for over a year now and will settle any debate about who the best 140lb North American fighter is.
Embree saw his first action of 2013 at Push Kick Promotions “World Stand Off” where he defeated Ben Yelle by unanimous decision. Known for his technical style, “Matics” is now set to fight American Kevin Ross at Lion Fight 10. This bout has been talked about for over a year now and will settle any debate about who the best 140lb North American fighter is.
2. Kevin Ross (17-8)
Ross returned from ACL surgery in January to take home a unanimous decision over Chris Kwiatkowski at Lion Fight 8. In his most recent at Lion Fight 9 he went the distance against Bernie Mendieta and pulled out a razor thin split decision. With two fights under his belt now Ross will take on Canada’s Matt Embree at Lion Fight 10 in July in a huge fight between two of North America’s top 140lb fighters.
Ross returned from ACL surgery in January to take home a unanimous decision over Chris Kwiatkowski at Lion Fight 8. In his most recent at Lion Fight 9 he went the distance against Bernie Mendieta and pulled out a razor thin split decision. With two fights under his belt now Ross will take on Canada’s Matt Embree at Lion Fight 10 in July in a huge fight between two of North America’s top 140lb fighters.
3. Gabriel Varga (7-2)
Gabriel Varga recently competed at Glory 8 in the featherweight tournament winning his first bout against Abdellah Ezbiri by decision before dropping a decision to eventual tournament winner Yuta Kubo in the semi-finals. Varga has been talked about for the last few years in the Muay Thai/Kickboxing circles as one of the sports next big things, but most fans have yet to witness the Canadian’s skill set. Hopefully now that he is under contract for Glory more fans can become aware of Varga’s skills.
Gabriel Varga recently competed at Glory 8 in the featherweight tournament winning his first bout against Abdellah Ezbiri by decision before dropping a decision to eventual tournament winner Yuta Kubo in the semi-finals. Varga has been talked about for the last few years in the Muay Thai/Kickboxing circles as one of the sports next big things, but most fans have yet to witness the Canadian’s skill set. Hopefully now that he is under contract for Glory more fans can become aware of Varga’s skills.
4. Sean Kearney (21-7)
Kearney made his U.S. debut against Malaipet Sasiprapa back in March dropping a close decision at Push Kick Promotions “World Stand Off”. Since then Kearney has gone back to Thailand and most recently won by (T)KO. He is expected to be in action on the June 14th Muaythai Superfight card in Bangkok, Thailand that will feature the debut of Riddick Bowe. He is currently set to fight Wan Mario Kaewsamrit at the event.
Kearney made his U.S. debut against Malaipet Sasiprapa back in March dropping a close decision at Push Kick Promotions “World Stand Off”. Since then Kearney has gone back to Thailand and most recently won by (T)KO. He is expected to be in action on the June 14th Muaythai Superfight card in Bangkok, Thailand that will feature the debut of Riddick Bowe. He is currently set to fight Wan Mario Kaewsamrit at the event.
5. Hakeem Dawodu (5-0)
Dawodu turned pro earlier this year after a stellar amateur career. Dawodu has pushed his pro record to 5-0 after winning an 8-man one night tournament in Trinidad & Tobago. Up next for Dawodu is a fight with Malaipet Sasiprapa at Lion Fight 10. A victory over the likes of Malaipet would be huge for Dawodu.
Rankings qualification - Muay Thai and Kickboxing bouts are all taken into consideration for the rankings. These rankings are not only based on Muay Thai Fights as many fighters compete in both full rules Muay Thai and Kickboxing bouts. Fighters are not to be inactive for any period longer than 12 months or they will be dropped from the rankings unless a fight is schedule within a month from the date they become ineligible. Fighters must be born in North America or permanently reside in North America and are active in the North American fight circuit are eligible for the rankings.
Dawodu turned pro earlier this year after a stellar amateur career. Dawodu has pushed his pro record to 5-0 after winning an 8-man one night tournament in Trinidad & Tobago. Up next for Dawodu is a fight with Malaipet Sasiprapa at Lion Fight 10. A victory over the likes of Malaipet would be huge for Dawodu.
Rankings qualification - Muay Thai and Kickboxing bouts are all taken into consideration for the rankings. These rankings are not only based on Muay Thai Fights as many fighters compete in both full rules Muay Thai and Kickboxing bouts. Fighters are not to be inactive for any period longer than 12 months or they will be dropped from the rankings unless a fight is schedule within a month from the date they become ineligible. Fighters must be born in North America or permanently reside in North America and are active in the North American fight circuit are eligible for the rankings.
