Light Heavyweight
1. Jon Jones (20-1)
The UFC worked hard to build Glover Teixeira as Jones’ most dangerous challenger to date. Once the Octagon doors closed, however, “Bones” put on yet another clinic, battering his Brazilian foe with a variety of strikes and devastating clinch work to earn a lopsided unanimous verdict in the UFC 172 headliner. A highly anticipated rematch with Alexander Gustafsson appears to be next for the reigning 205-pound king.2. Alexander Gustafsson (16-2)
After narrowly missing out on UFC gold in his September unanimous decision loss to Jon Jones, Gustafsson was clearly hungry to prove himself worthy of a rematch. “The Mauler” made his case by blasting undefeated British puncher Jimi Manuwa with heavy strikes in a decisive second-round knockout and then calling out Jones in his post-fight interview at a UFC Fight Night event on March 8.3. 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 keep the Blackzilians member on the shelf for a minimum of six months.4. Glover Teixeira (22-3)
Teixeira did his best to bring the fight to Jon Jones at UFC 172, but in the end, the hard-hitting Brazilian simply lacked the diversity to truly threaten the champion. While a five-round decision defeat to Jones ended Teixeira’s 20-fight unbeaten streak, the 34-year-old still figures to be a handful for the rest of the light heavyweight division.5. Anthony Johnson (17-4)
Once upon a time, “Rumble” was a supersized 170-pounder who consistently made weigh-ins an adventure. Now, following a clear-cut unanimous verdict over Phil Davis at UFC 172, Johnson is a legitimate contender at light heavyweight. The Blackzilians member showcased an improved gas tank to go along with his customary power and athleticism against “Mr. Wonderful,” giving a largely stagnant division a much-needed fresh face.6. Dan Henderson (30-11)
Henderson once again proved that it is never wise to count him out, as he weathered an early storm from Mauricio Rua before rallying to score a third-round knockout in their UFC Fight Night clash in Brazil. With another spectacular knockout win on his resume, “Hendo” will attempt to derail Daniel Cormier’s title hopes when they square off at UFC 175.7. Phil Davis (12-2, 1 NC)
Trash talking with Jon Jones seemed to be Davis’ main priority leading up to UFC 172. Perhaps his focus should have been on Anthony Johnson. “Rumble” bullied the former NCAA-All American wrestler for three rounds in the co-main event, landing heavy punches on the feet and thwarting all of Davis’ takedown attempts. “Mr. Wonderful” now has some serious work to do before he can be considered as a challenger for Jones again.8. Ryan Bader (16-4)
Bader once again proved how dominant he can be against middle-of-the-road competition at UFC Fight Night “Hunt vs. Bigfoot,” as “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 8 winner overwhelmed 41-year-old Anthony Perosh for three rounds en route to a unanimous decision victory. The Power MMA Team member returns to the Octagon in June against Rafael Cavalcante at UFC 174.9. Emanuel Newton (23-7-1)
It was not pretty, but Newton unified Bellator’s light heavyweight crown with a split decision triumph over Attila Vegh at Bellator 113. “The Hardcore Kid” relied on superior output and aggression during exchanges to get the better of his opponent. He will defend his title against the winner of the May 17 showdown between Quinton Jackson and Muhammed Lawal.10. Chael Sonnen (28-14-1)
Sonnen’s sudden and surprising return to prominence at 205 pounds came to an abrupt halt at the hands of Rashad Evans in the co-main event of UFC 167. After being taken down by his “UFC Tonight” broadcast partner, Sonnen succumbed to rough ground-and-pound toward the end of an opening round which never seemed competitive. “The Gangster From West Linn” will remain in the limelight, however, as his coaching stint opposite Wanderlei Silva on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3” will conclude with a bout against his rival at UFC 175.Other Contenders: Jan Blachowicz, Daniel Cormier, Jimi Manuwa, Mauricio Rua, Attila Vegh.
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