“Shogun” underwent another knee surgery, stemming from an injury suffered in his May 8 title capture against Lyoto Machida. Recovery and rehab have postponed his bout with former champion Rashad Evans. Their encounter now looks as if it might be greenlit for March, as Rua and Evans could headline the proposed UFC 128 bill in the United Arab Emirates.
2. Lyoto Machida (16-1)
Despite his father, Yoshizo, announcing he would like to see his son retire, Machida will do just the opposite. Coming off his brutal knockout loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in May, Machida will get right back into the 205-pound fray later this year. He will face another former UFC champion, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, in the main event of UFC 123 on Nov. 20.
3. Rashad Evans (15-1-1)
The wait continues for the toe-tapping Evans, who will remain on the sidelines until Mauricio “Shogun” Rua fully rehabilitates his knee and allows the two stars to contest the UFC light heavyweight crown. It now appears they will collide in March, possibly at the rumored UFC 128 event in the United Arab Emirates.
4. Quinton Jackson (30-8)
Coming off a tough decision loss to rival Rashad Evans in May, Jackson will stay right in the hottest fires at 205 pounds. In the main event of UFC 123 on Nov. 20, Jackson will take on fellow former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida in a must-win bout for “Rampage.”
5. Forrest Griffin (17-6)
With his second book penned and injuries healed, Griffin is due for his return to the Octagon. He will take on former middleweight champion Rich Franklin at UFC 126 on Feb. 5 in what could be a highly entertaining affair at 205 pounds.
6. Ryan Bader (12-0)
It was not a thrilling victory, but at UFC 119 on Sept. 25, “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 8 winner earned a unanimous decision over well-established veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, the twin of his reality series coach. The win sets up Bader for a Feb. 5 showdown with fellow fast-riser Jon Jones at UFC 126.
7. Jon Jones (11-1)
The 23-year-old Jones seems destined for greatness. The next step in the evolution for “Bones” will be a major prospect-versus-prospect showdown come Super Bowl weekend. Jones expects to meet fellow blue chipper Ryan Bader at UFC 126 on Feb. 5.
8. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-4)
Nogueira made a sterling UFC debut back in November 2009 but has been lackluster in two subsequent bouts against Jason Brilz and Ryan Bader. Next up for “Minotoro” will be former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz in March, possibly at UFC 128 in the United Arab Emirates.
9. Rafael Cavalcante (10-2)
Cavalcante will defend his Strikeforce light heavyweight title for the first time in early 2011. He will get a look at his next contender on Dec. 4, when Dan Henderson and Renato Sobral square off in a de facto title eliminator. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has indicated the winner would be the first title challenger for “Feijao.”
10. Muhammed Lawal (7-1)
“King Mo” had his crown taken by Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante on Aug. 21 in Houston. A slow start and an overreliance on his stand-up skills saw Lawal play right into Cavalcante’s game. It got him stopped just 74 seconds into the third round, as he suffered the first loss of his MMA career.
Other contenders: Rich Franklin, Matt Hamill, Vladimir Matyushenko, Gegard Mousasi, Thiago Silva.