Light Heavyweight
1. Jon Jones (20-1)
When 2013 “Fight of the Year” foil Alexander Gustafsson tore his meniscus, the MMA world was still promised an electric fight between “Jonny Bones” and unbeaten two-time Olympian Daniel Cormier. While their press tour got started with a bang -- including their now-infamous press conference shoving match and off-air ESPN flame war -- the hype quickly fizzled out amidst the worst of circumstances: Jones tore his meniscus and injured his ankle while sparring with Alistair Overeem. The much-anticipated Jones-Cormier fight is now penciled in for UFC 182 on Jan. 3.2. Alexander Gustafsson (16-2)
Gustafsson was set to have his chance at revenge on Jon Jones after nearly taking the UFC light heavyweight title from him in Toronto in the “Fight of the Year” for 2013. However, a torn meniscus forced “The Mauler” out of the bout and put him on the shelf. With Jones now dialed into a new feud with Daniel Cormier, Gustafsson waits on the sideline.3. Rashad Evans (19-3-1)
It had been more than two years between stoppage wins for Evans, but he fixed that with a first-round finish at UFC 167. The former champion blew the doors off of fellow Fox Sports analyst Chael Sonnen, smashing the loud-mouthed Oregonian with ground punches and keeping Evans’ name in the discussion as one of the division’s elite. “Suga” was expected to welcome Daniel Cormier to the 205-pound division at UFC 170, but a knee injury will likely keep the Blackzilians member on the shelf until early 2015.4. Daniel Cormier (15-0)
Luck was on Cormier’s side when Alexander Gustafsson suffered a torn meniscus, thrusting "DC" into a light heavyweight title bout with Jon Jones. However, after a heated and well-publicized start to their fight promotion, Jones suffered a torn meniscus of his own in addition to an ankle injury. Fortunately for Cormier, he will still retain his challenger status and figures to meet Jones for the 205-pound mantle at UFC 182 on Jan. 3.5. Anthony Johnson (18-4)
Johnson was a heavy favorite going into his July 26 bout with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, but few expected the walloping that “Rumble” put on his veteran opponent. The Blackzilians representative used vicious uppercuts to deal Nogueira a 44-second knockout and propel himself to contender status. In September, Johnson was placed on indefinite suspension by the UFC after multiple allegations of domestic violence, but the suspension was lifted in early November, when the civil suit against him was dropped.6. Phil Davis (13-2, 1 NC)
Davis used his high-caliber wrestling to ground Glover Teixeira at UFC 179, negating the dangerous Brazilian’s heavy hands en route to a lopsided unanimous decision. With four wins in his last five outings, most figured Davis to be on the path to a potential title shot; instead, “Mr. Wonderful” surprised all by calling for a fight with former middleweight ruler Anderson Silva.7. Glover Teixeira (22-4)
Teixeira struggled to find his range and to stay upright against Phil Davis at UFC 179, succumbing to multiple takedowns and chippy range striking from the former NCAA Division I wrestling champion over the course of a three-round decision loss. After racking up 20 straight wins between 2006 and 2013, Teixeira has now suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time in his career.8. Ryan Bader (18-4)
Takedowns and clinch work were once again the weapons of choice for the former NCAA All-American wrestler, who made a quick turnaround from his June win over Rafael Cavalcante to meet Ovince St. Preux on Aug. 16 in Maine. In capturing a unanimous decision against “OSP,” Bader picked up his third straight win and proved himself capable of going five full rounds.9. Emanuel Newton (25-7-1)
Newton’s grit and strong cardio helped him overcome an early scare and fend off British challenger Linton Vassell on Oct. 24. Just six weeks after knocking out Joey Beltran, “The Hardcore Kid” retained his Bellator title once more by tapping Vassell with a fifth-round rear-naked choke. After a 3-0 run in 2014, Newton is expected to defend his belt against tournament winner Liam McGeary early next year.10. Ovince St. Preux (17-6)
Fighting on less than two weeks’ notice before a hostile crowd who backed a bona fide MMA icon, “OSP” scored the biggest win of his career in shocking fashion. On Nov. 8, St. Preux needed only 34 seconds to punch Mauricio “Shogun” Rua senseless and send the Brazilian faithful home stunned.Other Contenders: Rafael Cavalcante, Dan Henderson, Muhammed Lawal, Jimi Manuwa, Attila Vegh.
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