is it actually possible for a heavyweight to ever be the p4p #1??

[Dave Hughey]

The reason why heavyweights are dominated by lower weights in the P4P list is based on the assumption that they can rely more on strength, power and the vast differences in height, weight and reach that can be found in their division and that if they could not rely on these attributes in a hypothetical fight with the lower weight fighters at the same weight class than they would ave more of a chance of losing.

Rather than guess how the P4P rankings are arrived at, why don't you just consult the formula used?

It should read:

P4P = {(FW - FL) / TF} X WO / WF
ARO


Where:

P4P = pound for pound rating
FW = fights won
FL = fights lost
TF = total fights
WO = weight of opponent (at weigh-in)
WF = weight of fighter being rated.
ARO = average ranking of opponents fought

Individual opponent ranking is figured as:

The individual opponent's ranking in his weight class X the average weight of the class of the opponent. (for instance, the light heavyweight division is 160 -175 pounds. That divided by 2 equals 167.5). The heavyweight division rating is set at an estimated average of all the ranked heavyweights. This is usually set at 220 pounds these days. (I guess it is considered legitimate to forget about Valuev, LOL).