Cindy Dandois shocked the world at last Friday’s RIZIN FF event, earning a split decision win over the previously undefeated King Reina to become the new number-one women’s lightweight fighter in the world.

Dandois (10-3-0) is a veteran of the sport who has been fighting professionally since 2009. Born in Belgium, Dandois was a dominant force in the women’s featherweight division before recently deciding to move up to lightweight. She owns notable victories over Megan Anderson and Marloes Coenen. Her most recent win over Reina only cements her position as one of the best fighters in the world.

WMMA Rankings takes a look at the four women who could be next in line for a shot at the new 155-pound queen, Cindy “Battlecat” Dandois.

King Reina (7-1-0)

The most likely first challenger for Dandois’ lightweight crown is the former number-one, King Reina. The 21-year-old lost a split decision to Dandois at the recent RIZIN event, the first loss of her entire career. She has made it known that she does not agree with the result and vows for revenge in a rematch which she is hoping to receive as soon as possible. Due to Reina’s long-streak at the top of the division, as well as the split result of the first fight, it’s very possible a rematch could be granted.

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Bobbi-Jo Dalziel (3-0-0)

Despite only being three fights into her professional career, Dalziel is already the number-three ranked lightweight fighter in the world thanks to notable wins over top-ten ranked contenders, Jozette Cotton, Andria Wawro and Tamikka Brents. The 6 foot Canadian has ended two of her three victories by way of brutal knockouts, one via head kick, and the other being knees from the clinch. Dalziel believes she is the best in the world and is keen to prove it this year, whilst adding more highlight reel performances for MMA fans to enjoy.

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Jozette “The #1 Headbusta” Cotton (8-1-0)

Cotton, a former Bellator MMA star, is by far one of the most well-known faces of the lightweight division. “The #1 Headbusta” is the reigning Dynasty Combat Sports lightweight champion. She has a very Diaz-esque vibe about her and is not afraid to say what she thinks. Cotton has been involved in public feuds against the likes of Cris Cyborg, Gabi Garcia, Charmaine Tweet, Brittney Elkin and Sarah Patterson. The 29-year-old suffered the first loss of her career in 2016, a decision to the previously mentioned Dalziel. However, she successfully rebounded in 2017, continuing to show improvements to her game by taking out Sarah Patterson and Jennifer Norris.

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Moriel “The Mo-chine” Charneski (3-4-0)

Moriel Charneski enters 2018 on a huge high after picking up the upset over former top-five ranked lightweight fighter, Sarah Patterson, at this past Friday’s RCC 14 event. The victory put Charneski at number-five in the WMMA lightweight world rankings. The Mo-Chine was very confident leading into the bout, her first in 16 months, following a period in which she was competing in kickboxing and BJJ competitions. The 28-year-old has put on size and strength and believes 155-pounds is the weight-class in which she can show her true potential. She recently told the press that a fight against Dandois is “definitely on my radar”.

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WMMA Lightweight World Rankings

Dandois on social media: Twitter – Facebook – Instagram

Fight fans, who would you like to see Dandois fight next? Let us know in the comments section below.

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