1. Frankie Edgar (12-1) – Rhino Fight Team
Edgar accomplished the unthinkable when he outlasted BJ Penn at UFC 112. It was a very close fight but Edgar was easily the busier of the two and took home UFC gold for his efforts. Rumors have circulated that an immediate rematch could be in order but there are a lot of possibilities right now.
2. Gilbert Melendez (18-2) – Cesar Gracie
Melendez proved to be the superior fighter over Aoki in his title defense. He was more physical of the two and with his wrestling ability was able to keep the fight standing where Aoki stood no chance. The rumor is that Melendez/Aoki will be a trilogy with the next fight taking place in DREAM where Aoki could have more in his favor fighting in a ring.
3. BJ Penn (15-6-1) – BJ Penn MMA
Well, Penn had previously looked unbeatable at LW but not anymore and you can likely forget about seeing him return to welterweight anytime soon. Penn is campaigning for an immediate rematch with Edgar but anything is possible in that division now. After losing at LW for the first time in years, I’d hate to be Penn’s next opponent.
4. Kenny Florian (13-4) – Florian MMA
Florian completely outclassed Takanori Gomi at UFC Fight Night Live. Frankie Edgar winning the title could be the best thing to happen for Florian as he will be looking for any way to get another title shot. He was rumored to have been facing Gray Maynard in Boston but it’s up in the air at this point.
5. Shinya Aoki (23-5, 1NC) – Nippon Top Team
Aoki was dominated by Melendez in his first Strikeforce fight but will look to even the score with a rematch in DREAM.
6. Eddie Alvarez (19-2) – Fight Factory
Eddie’s got the perfect blend of hand speed, knockout power, and submission skills to test anyone in the LW division. He’s been involved in some of the division’s all time greatest fights. His next fight is TBA.
7. Tatsuya Kawajiri (26-5-2) – T-Blood
Kawajiri had a great 2009 racking up four wins. His next fight is TBA.
8. Benson Henderson (11-1) – MTX MMA
Henderson won the WEC Lightweight title in 2009 and started off 2010 with a submission of Jamie Varner. His next fight will be in April in a rematch with Donald Cerrone.
9. Gray Maynard (9-0, 1NC) – Xtreme Couture
Maynard is certainly in the mix at the top of the LW division of those campaigning for a title shot since he does have a win over the current champion. Rumored next fight is against Florian, still up in the air.
10. George Sotiropoulos (12-2) - Xtreme Couture
Against Joe Daddy, George proved how dangerous he is on the ground and more than capable standing as well. Next up for him is TBA