Lightweights
1. Frankie Edgar (13-1) 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. The rematch was even more decisive. Edgar now will get his chance to redeem the lone loss of his career against Gray Maynard at some point next year, likely in Janurary.
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. Next is TBA.
3. Gray Maynard (10-0, 1NC) Xtreme Couture
Maynard got skipped over for a title shot in favor of Frankie Edgar who proved to be worthy as he beat Penn twice in a row. Maynard however earned himself a title elimination bout with perennial contender Kenny Florian and dominated Florian for three rounds. Maynard will look to repeat what he did against Edgar once before but this time for the title when they meet early next year.
4. Shinya Aoki (23-5, 1NC) Nippon Top Team
Aoki was dominated by Melendez in his first Strikeforce fight but rebounded nicely with a quick submission of top ten fighter Tatsuya Kawijiri. Next for Aoki is TBA.
5. BJ Penn (15-7-1) BJ Penn MMA
It’s strange seeing Penn this far down the list but what can you do, the guy has lost two fights in a row. I still think Penn beats everyone in the division except Edgar but to me the more intriguing matchups are outside the UFC. I’d love to see Penn go up against Aoki, Melendez, and Alvarez.
6. Eddie Alvarez (20-2) 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. Next up is Huerta on 10/21.
7. Kenny Florian (13-5) Florian MMA
Florian was dominated by Gray Maynard in his latest attempt to get back to a title fight. He just didn’t seem to have any fire and certainly didn’t have an answer for the takedowns of Gray Maynard. Next up for Florian is TBA.
8. Evan Dunham (11-0) Xtreme Couture
Dunham is certainly making a name for himself in the lightweight division. After wins over notables Marcus Aurelio and Efrain Escudero, Dunham picked up a big one over Tyson Griffin. Next up for Dunham is another tough fight against Sean Sherk at the end of this month.
9. Benson Henderson (12-1) MMA Lab
Henderson’s rematch with Cerrone was a decisive one as Henderson utilized the guillotine choke for the second straight fight. Next up for Henderson is Anthony Pettis in December.
10. Tatsuya Kawajiri (26-6-2) T-Blood
Kawajiri had a great 2009 racking up four wins. He drops a bit dueto the fashion in which he lost to Aoki, but I can’t fault the guy too much for losing to one of the top LW’s in the world
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