Deep Waters Shakes Up the UFC Pound‑for‑Pound Debate
In the latest episode of Deep Waters, hosts Jorge Masvidal, Rashad Evans, and Din Thomas delivered one of their sharpest, most opinionated breakdowns yet—this time tackling their updated UFC Pound‑for‑Pound Top 10 lists in the aftermath of UFC Freedom 250. With the dust still settling from the event, the trio dove into rankings, fighter aura, heavyweight chaos, and a potential showdown that has fans buzzing.
Rashad Evans Revisits His Rankings
Rashad Evans opened the discussion by revealing his updated P4P list, placing Islam Makhachev at #1. Evans admitted he may have undervalued Alexander Volkanovski, acknowledging that the former featherweight king deserved a higher placement based on his long-term dominance and resume. His list reflected a more traditional, résumé‑driven approach—one that sparked immediate debate among the hosts.
Din Thomas Shakes Up His Top 10
Din Thomas took a more fluid, recent‑performance‑based approach. His list also had Islam Makhachev at #1, with Alexander Volkanovski slotted at #2. The biggest shift came from Ilia Topuria, whose stock dropped following his loss at UFC Freedom 250. That opened the door for Justin Gaethje, whose championship victory elevated him back into Din’s elite tier. Din emphasized that momentum matters—and Gaethje has it.
Jorge Masvidal Makes a Bold Call With Carlos Ulberg
Jorge Masvidal’s list sparked the most conversation. He placed Carlos Ulberg at #8, praising the surging contender’s skill set, composure, and recent performances. Masvidal also explained why he excluded Ciryl Gane from his Top 10, citing inconsistency and recent setbacks in the heavyweight division. His rankings leaned heavily on eye test and trajectory—two things he believes Ulberg has in spades.
The Heavyweight Division Under the Microscope
The hosts then shifted to the state of the heavyweight division. With Tom Aspinall inactive and Alex Pereira coming off a tough loss at UFC Freedom 250, the division feels wide open. They questioned how inactivity, recent defeats, and shifting matchups should influence P4P consideration—especially when heavyweights often face fewer fights per year.
Does Aura Translate Across Weight Classes?
One of the most compelling debates centered on Alex Pereira and how his aura changed after moving from light heavyweight to heavyweight. At 205, Pereira’s power and presence intimidated opponents. At heavyweight, the hosts argued, fighters appear less shaken by his mystique. They discussed how size parity, durability, and stylistic matchups at heavyweight may neutralize some of Pereira’s psychological edge.
Predictions: Carlos Ulberg vs. Alex Pereira
The episode closed with a hypothetical matchup: Carlos Ulberg vs. Alex Pereira. Despite Masvidal’s high praise for Ulberg, all three hosts leaned toward Alex Pereira in the matchup. They cited Pereira’s championship experience, striking pedigree, and ability to rise to big moments—even after setbacks.
Citation Sources
- Deep Waters Podcast – Jorge Masvidal, Rashad Evans, Din Thomas
- UFC Freedom 250 coverage and post‑event analysis
Article Tags
UFC, Pound‑for‑Pound Rankings, Deep Waters Podcast, Jorge Masvidal, Rashad Evans, Din Thomas, Islam Makhachev, Alexander Volkanovski, Justin Gaethje, Ilia Topuria, Carlos Ulberg, Alex Pereira, UFC Freedom 250, MMA Analysis
