Featherweight
1. Jose Aldo (24-1)
Aldo’s featherweight title defense at UFC 169 was far from dramatic, which is a testament to his dominance as champion. The Nova Uniao standout had his way with Ricardo Lamas for four rounds, landing multiple punching and kicking combinations, as well as a pair of late takedowns. A final salvo from Lamas in round five was not nearly enough as Aldo had his hand raised for the 17th consecutive time -- including six successful UFC title defenses. The toughest task of the Brazilian’s reign has been staying healthy, as Aldo recently withdrew from yet another title defense due to injury. His rematch with Chad Mendes has now been rescheduled for Oct. 25 in Brazil.2. Chad Mendes (16-1)
It was not as spectacular as some of his recent work, but “Money” nonetheless emerged with his fifth straight victory at UFC on Fox 9, as he earned a unanimous decision over fellow wrestler Nik Lentz. The win set up Mendes for a rematch with Jose Aldo at UFC 176 before the Brazilian was injured and pulled out of the bout. The title bout is now expected to take place at UFC 179 in Rio de Janeiro.3. Ricardo Lamas (14-3)
It was not always pretty, but Lamas rebounded from his failed February title bid against Jose Aldo, taking a unanimous verdict over Hacran Dias at UFC Fight Night in San Antonio. “The Bully” was able to grind out a victory over the Nova Uniao product thanks to his relentless wrestling, giving him his fifth win in six featherweight outings. Lamas will next face the surging Dennis Bermudez at UFC 180 in November.4. Cub Swanson (21-5)
Swanson made a strong case to be named the featherweight division’s No. 1 contender in waiting at UFC Fight Night San Antonio, capturing a unanimous verdict over Jeremy Stephens in the headliner. The Jackson-Wink MMA product displayed a versatile striking attack throughout the contest, most notably rocking “Lil Heathen” with a pair of thudding kicks to the body. Though nothing is certain, Swanson would seem to be the frontrunner to face winner of the Jose Aldo-Chad Mendes rematch.5. Frankie Edgar (17-4-1)
The first time Edgar beat B.J. Penn, it was a stunning and somewhat controversial upset. The second time, things were more clear-cut. The New Jersey native’s third win against “The Prodigy” was nothing short of a one-sided pounding, as Edgar beat Penn into retirement with third-round ground-and-pound. While irrelevant from a rankings perspective, the impressive win should guarantee Edgar a top-shelf opponent for his next outing at 145 pounds.6. Jeremy Stephens (23-10)
Stephens flashed his vaunted power on occasion in his UFC Fight Night showdown with Cub Swanson, but the Alliance MMA representative was never able to connect with a fight-altering blow. “Lil’ Heathen” would ultimately drop a five-round verdict, his first loss in four appearances since moving to featherweight.7. Nik Lentz (25-6-2, 1 NC)
After a hiccup against No. 1 contender Chad Mendes, Lentz returned to his winning ways at UFC Fight Night “Brown vs. Silva,” taking a unanimous verdict over Manny Gamburyan in Cincinnati. “The Carny” battered Gamburyan against the fence and landed several takedowns to clinch his fourth win in five featherweight outings. Lentz was scheduled to face Charles Oliveira in a rematch at a UFC Fight Night event on Sept. 5, but a viral infection forced the gifted Brazilian to withdraw.8. Dustin Poirier (16-3)
Poirier is not one to stay idle. While many believed his matchup with Akira Corassani at “The Ultimate Fighter Nations” finale to be a step down in competition, that perception did not prevent the American Top Team representative from providing another action-packed performance. “The Diamond” scored a technical knockout over Corassani 42 seconds into round two for his ninth win in his last 11 outings. Poirier is now set to face the division’s hottest prospect, Conor McGregor, at UFC 178.9. Dennis Bermudez (14-3)
Bermudez collected the most significant scalp of his five-year career on July 26, when he submitted the famously durable Clay Guida. “The Menace” has not lost since being submitted by Diego Brandao in the final of “The Ultimate Fighter 14” in 2011 and has looked increasingly impressive while running up a seven-fight winning streak. For his next outing at UFC 180, Bermudez will get a top-10 opponent in recent title challenger Ricardo Lamas.10. Patricio Freire (22-2)
Freire had to wait 10 months to cash in his Bellator Season 9 tournament win and get a rematch with Pat Curran, but once he got it, the “Pitbull” made the most of the opportunity. The Brazilian seized Bellator’s featherweight crown by employing a hard-hitting, high-volume offense and twice rocking Curran during their five-round duel on Sept. 5. Freire holds a 10-2 record inside the Bellator cage and has yet to be stopped in his 24-fight career.Other Contenders: Pat Curran, Darren Elkins, Conor McGregor, Charles Oliveira, Daniel Straus.
Continue Reading » Bantamweight