Behind the panel: A closer look at the UFC’s rankings system

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC Shane Burgos (pictured) saw his position in the official UFC rankings take a major hit after his loss to Josh EmmettIt’s every fighter’s goal to achieve success inside the octagon, with that success typically illustrated by two triangles.

Wake up one day and find a green triangle next to your name, which means you’re moving up in the UFC world. An inverted red triangle the opposite. The direction you’re heading determines any number of things: Who will be your next opponent? Where will you be placed on the card? How will your next contract look?

It’s up to the competitors, their coaches, the referee, and the judges to sort out the business on fight night. In the…