Does MMA have a ranking system similar to WBC, WBA & IBF in boxing?

Question

What is interesting in boxing the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF have the power to rank opponents and determine a champion.
In MMA is there even similar organizations? Pride and UFC have champions but they are not independent ranking systems. They are the promoting organization.

Granted the boxing ranking systems are not necessarily a good thing with corruption. But the boxing ranking system at least in theory insures a good fighter is given a chance. I mean if you are 30-0 in boxing you are guaranteed to be ranked and earn a title shot.
If you were in MMA and were winning but didn't want to sign an a multifight exclusive agreement with UFC or Pride you might not get a fair shot to prove yourself.

I couldn't even tell you if there is a sanctioning body in MMA.

So does MMA have a ranking system to insure fair treatment of good fighters who have proven themselves in the cage?

Answer 1

They do but it's more like MMA Weekly's ranking according to them, and other MMA magazines follow suit, much like RINGS Magazine has a recognized title belt in boxing. You won't see inter-promotional fights anytime soon but organizations that don't have exclusive contracts with their fighters can be seen fighting for other organizations. Example, Fedor fighting on a Bodog PPV while he's still the Pride FC champ

Answer 2

No. MMA is still a growing sport. As MMA evolves I think you will see fighters earning more and more, events sanctioned under multiple organizations, more titles, more classes.

Answer 3

Yeah it has a ranking system, it's called "Fedor" and "everybody not Fedor".