Lightweight
1. Anthony Pettis (17-2)
Pettis needed five rounds and the remarkable “Showtime” kick to take the World Extreme Cagefighting belt from Benson Henderson in 2010, but he required far less time to earn his second victory over “Smooth” and become the lightweight king at UFC 164. The only thing that went wrong for Pettis, who submitted Henderson with a first-round armbar, was a knee injury he suffered while checking a kick. While the ailment was only diagnosed as a sprain, the Roufusport standout was forced to withdraw from a title defense against Josh Thomson when the knee did not heal as quickly as anticipated. After undergoing surgery, Pettis is likely out until mid-2014.2. Benson Henderson (19-2)
After seven consecutive triumphs to begin his UFC career, “Smooth” relinquished his lightweight crown to the same man who also snatched WEC gold from his clutches in December 2010: Anthony Pettis. The MMA Lab product had no answer for Pettis’ dynamic attack at UFC 164, as “Showtime” had Henderson reeling with a series of hard body kicks before finishing the fight with an armbar from guard in the opening frame. Henderson will return to the cage in January, when he confronts Josh Thomson in the UFC on Fox 10 headliner.3. Gilbert Melendez (21-3)
One bout removed from a narrow and controversial loss to then-lightweight champion Benson Henderson, “El Nino” teamed with Diego Sanchez to produce one of 2013’s most memorable fights at UFC 166. The former Strikeforce titlist ultimately survived a wild brawl in the third period to earn his first UFC triumph via unanimous decision. Recently, a rumored matchup with Khabib Nurmagomedov was nixed from the UFC 170 lineup.4. T.J. Grant (21-5)
The 29-year-old Canadian has been unstoppable in the Octagon since dropping to 155 pounds in 2011, notching five straight wins, three of them finishes -- including a first-round blowout of Gray Maynard at UFC 160. A concussion knocked Grant from a proposed meeting with then-champion Benson Henderson at UFC 164, and a slower-than-expected recovery has furthered delayed his return to the Octagon. Grant has not been guaranteed a title shot when he comes back.5. Eddie Alvarez (25-3)
At Bellator 106, Alvarez showed the world why the promotion fought so hard to retain his services by regaining the lightweight title he lost in November 2011 with a hard-fought split decision over Michael Chandler. The close nature of the victory virtually guarantees a third meeting between the two talented lightweights on a future Bellator card.6. Michael Chandler (12-1)
Despite suffering the first loss of his professional career to Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 106, Chandler did little to hurt his stock. The rematch of one of 2011’s best fights lived up to the hype -- and then some. In the end, Alvarez edged Chandler in a back-and-forth, split decision triumph, setting up a potential trilogy somewhere down the road.7. Josh Thomson (20-5, 1 NC)
When fully healthy, “The Punk” remains a formidable opponent for anyone in the lightweight division, as he proved by becoming the first person to stop the durable Nate Diaz with strikes at UFC on Fox 7. The former Strikeforce king was set to challenge reigning 155-pound champion Anthony Pettis at UFC on Fox 9 until “Showtime” withdrew from the bout. Thomson will instead face former champion Benson Henderson at UFC on Fox 10 on Jan. 25.8. Nate Diaz (17-9)
Diaz once again demonstrated his ability to entertain by avenging a 2010 loss to Gray Maynard at “The Ultimate Fighter 18” Finale. The Cesar Gracie disciple rocked Maynard with a left and kept “The Bully” on his heels with a flurry of accurate punches to earn a stoppage 2:38 into round one.9. Khabib Nurmagomedov (21-0)
With five consecutive Octagon triumphs under his belt, it is safe to say “The Eagle” has landed in the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion. The sambo specialist was in top form against veteran grinder Pat Healy at UFC 165, as he blended striking and takedowns beautifully to earn the nod from the cageside judges in Toronto. Another fight with a contender should be on the horizon, although a proposed UFC 170 clash with Gilbert Melendez never materialized.10. Rafael dos Anjos (20-6)
Dos Anjos has quietly reeled off five straight victories in the Octagon, including back-to-back triumphs over promotional mainstays Evan Dunham and Donald Cerrone in his last two outings. Up next is a UFC 170 showdown with surging Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts prospect Rustam Khabilov.Other Contenders: Edson Barboza, Donald Cerrone, Bobby Green, Rustam Khabilov, Jim Miller.
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