	In 2002, a cladistic analysis by Sereno "et al" found "Spinostropheus" to be the sister taxon of the Abelisauria. In this study only the data from specimen MNN TIG6 were considered. Subsequent studies have confirmed the original interpretation as a basal ceratosaur, outside of Neoceratosauria, more closely in the evolutionary tree to "Elaphrosaurus".