1. Anderson Silva (26-4) – Black House
Silva’s title defense against Maia at UFC 112 was more than disappointing. Despite being probably the best fighter in the world, Silva has managed to turn the MW division into a mockery and put up three of the lamest title defenses in memory. Next up is Chael Sonnen.

2. Jake Shields (25-4-1) – Cesar Gracie
Shields took many by surprise by dominating Dan Henderson over the course of the final four rounds of their title fight. Shields made a remarkable comeback after getting dropped twice in the first round and was able to get mount position on Hendo on numerous occasions. Not sure what’s next for Shields as he could be in contract limbo waiting to see if Strikeforce picks up his one fight option or if they can agree on an extension. If not, you could possibly see Shields in the UFC.

3. Chael Sonnen (25-10-1) – Team Quest
Count me as one person who wouldn’t have thought you’d see Sonnen this high on a rankings list but with wins over Okami and Marquardt you simply can’t deny him. After the Silva debacle Sonnen has been vocal and will be rewarded with the next title shot.

4. Nate Marquardt (29-9-2) – Jackson’s MMA
Since losing his title shot to Silva, Marquardt has been derailed twice now on his road back- first losing to Thales Leites after being deducted two points and then losing a decision to Chael Sonnen. His next fight is Alessio Sakara in August.

5. Dan Henderson (25-8) – Team Quest
Hendo looked to be in peak form in the first round against Shields as he dropped the champion twice but couldn’t finish him. Shields bounced back and proceeded to dominate Henderson for the remaining four rounds and earn the decision. Henderson hadn’t been dominated like that in a long time. He’s slipping fast because his only two recent wins in the division are over Palhares and Bisping recently.

6. Demian Maia (12-2) – Wand Fight Team
Maia made the effort at UFC 112 which is more than Anderson Silva can say. Next up for him is TBA.

7. Jorge Santiago (22-8) - EMF
Since his departure from the UFC over three years ago Santiago has been on a tear. He had a nine fight win streak halted at the end of last year at the hands of a Khalidov TKO but was able to avenge that loss with a hard fought decision victory over Khalidov at the Sengoku Raiden Championships 12. Next up is TBA.

8. Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1, 1NC) – Wand Fight Team
Silva’s first fight in the division was a success as he unanimously defeated Michael Bisping at UFC 110. Wand has now had two solid fights in a row as he was narrowly defeated by Rich Franklin at UFC 99. Next up for Wand is Akiyama on 7/3.

9. Yushin Okami (24-5) - Team Quest
After the loss to Sonnen, Okami sought to fix the weaknesses in his game and joined up with Team Quest. He was last seen earning a TKO over Lucio Linhares.  Next up for Okami will be a tough matchup against Mark Munoz. 

10. Vitor Belfort (19-8) – Xtreme Couture
Vitor drops due to inactivity and a lack of fights in the division, however I believe he poses the biggest threat to Silva because of his dangerous striking and hand speed. With Sonnen due up next for a title shot it’s unclear what’s next on the plate for Vitor.