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. Pettis will coach opposite Gilbert Melendez on Season 20 of “The Ultimate Fighter” before defending his title against “El Nino” later this year.2. Benson Henderson (20-2)
In case anyone forgot, the former lightweight champion is a master of the high-wire act. Henderson proved it once again, taking a hotly contested -- and controversial -- split verdict over Josh Thomson in the UFC on Fox 10 headliner. “Smooth” is now 3-0 in UFC bouts that result in split decisions, with triumphs over Thomson, Gilbert Melendez and Frankie Edgar to his credit. Henderson will attempt to add a more decisive victory to his resume when he squares off with surging Jackson-Wink MMA product Rustam Khabilov in Albuquerque, N.M., on June 7.3. 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. Melendez recently flirted with a move to Bellator MMA before re-signing with the UFC. He will coach opposite lightweight champion Anthony Pettis on Season 20 of “The Ultimate Fighter” before challenging “Showtime” for his title later this year.4. 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 rubber match between the two lightweights was expected to take place at Bellator’s May 17 pay-per-view card, but Alvarez withdrew from the bout after suffering a concussion in training.5. Josh Thomson (20-6, 1 NC)
Thomson was supposed to get a title shot. Instead, in the minds of many, he was robbed by the cageside judges in a UFC on Fox 10 meeting with ex-champion Benson Henderson. Shortly after his controversial split decision setback, “The Punk” began contemplating the end of a career that has been marred by injury. Fortunately, those plans changed, and Thomson is now set to lock horns with Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox 12.6. Khabib Nurmagomedov (22-0)
Nurmagomedov continues to look like the next big thing in the UFC’s lightweight division. “The Eagle” dismantled fellow contender Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 11, grinding down his adversary through takedowns, clinches and ground-and-pound. The surging Dagestani has won six straight bouts inside the Octagon.7. 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. Diaz recently made headlines for a rant regarding his current contract with the UFC, asking for more money or to be released.8. Rafael dos Anjos (20-6)
Dos Anjos saw his five-fight winning streak come to a screeching halt at UFC on Fox 11. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt had no answer for the grappling prowess of Khabib Nurmagomedov, as he mounted next to nothing offensively en route to dropping a unanimous decision against the highly touted Dagestani. Dos Anjos returns to action against Jason High at UFC Fight Night “Henderson vs. Khabilov” on June 7.9. Will Brooks (14-1)
Brooks went from slightly-under-the-radar prospect to Bellator interim lightweight champion in a span of 25 minutes. While the final verdict was somewhat contentious, there was no question that “Ill Will” was the stronger fighter down the stretch in his Bellator 120 clash with Michael Chandler. Brooks’ unlikely triumph sets the stage for an eventual showdown with reigning 155-pound king Eddie Alvarez.10. Michael Chandler (12-2)
Chandler did not get the expected trilogy with Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 120. Instead, the former champion found himself in yet another memorable encounter, this time with late replacement Will Brooks. Brooks was able to pull the upset and capture the promotion’s interim crown, potentially throwing a monkey wrench into the Chandler-Alvarez 3 plans.Other Contenders: Donald Cerrone, Bobby Green, Myles Jury, Rustam Khabilov, Jim Miller.
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