Lightweight
1. Rafael dos Anjos (24-7)
Dos Anjos put on the performance of his career at UFC 185, dominating Anthony Pettis for five rounds to sweep the judges’ scorecards and claim the UFC lightweight title. The 30-year-old Brazilian took a longer path to gold than any other fighter in UFC history, earning the belt in his 18th Octagon appearance. Recovering from an MCL tear, dos Anjos does not expect to defend his title until December.2. Anthony Pettis (18-3)
The main event of UFC 185 saw Pettis dominated like never before. The former UFC and World Extreme Cagefighting titleholder lost his belt to Rafael dos Anjos after 25 lopsided minutes in which “Showtime” was forced to fight off his back and never truly looked competitive. The defeat was Pettis’ first since his 2011 Octagon debut, where he was similarly ground out by Clay Guida. The Roufusport fighter was slated for July 25 showdown with the once-beaten Myles Jury in Chicago, but an injury has forced him to the sidelines yet again.3. Donald Cerrone (28-6, 1 NC)
Cerrone did not get the top-10 opponent for which he was hoping, but the UFC’s busiest lightweight nonetheless collected another victory on May 23. “Cowboy” engaged in a standup battle with replacement foe John Makdessi at UFC 187 until late in the second round, where a head kick caused Makdessi to ask out of the bout, giving Cerrone his eighth win in 18 months. With Khabib Nurmagomedov out of the picture for the time being, Cerrone seems to be the clear-cut top contender to Rafael dos Anjos’ title.4. Gilbert Melendez (22-4)
The former Strikeforce lightweight ace started strong at UFC 181, but “El Nino” quickly found out what many have before him: Anthony Pettis is a hard man to beat. Melendez dropped to 1-2 in the Octagon and failed in his bid for UFC gold, as he tapped out to a second-round guillotine choke. The Skrap Pack leader will take part in the co-main event of UFC 188 in Mexico City, where he will tangle with ex-Bellator MMA champ Eddie Alvarez.5. Benson Henderson (22-5)
Less than one month removed from his controversial decision loss to Donald Cerrone, the former UFC and WEC lightweight champion made a short-notice move up to 170 pounds to take on Brandon Thatch. “Smooth” overcame a five-inch height disparity and utilized his speed advantage on the feet before taking Thatch to the ground and securing a fourth-round rear-naked choke. Henderson’s next move remains unclear, though he was briefly linked to a July 12 clash with Michael Johnson.6. Will Brooks (16-1)
Just two years after joining Bellator MMA as a relative unknown, “Ill Will” has ascended to the throne of the promotion’s lightweight division, compiling an 8-1 record inside the circular cage along the way. Brooks’ latest triumph came in his April 10 title defense against Dave Jansen, who managed to steal round one from the champ but was outworked in all four frames thereafter. The 28-year-old American Top Team fighter’s record includes wins over veteran names like John Alessio and Satoru Kitaoka, as well as a pair of victories against ex-titlist Michael Chandler.7. Eddie Alvarez (25-4)
The grit and technical capabilities that made Alvarez a hot commodity during his Bellator run were on full display at UFC 178. Unfortunately for the Philadelphian, he was up against one of the lightweight division’s toughest outs in Donald Cerrone, who spoiled Alvarez’s long-awaited Octagon debut and earned a unanimous decision by way of punishing leg kicks and body work. At UFC 188, Alvarez will take on Gilbert Melendez in a long-discussed showdown of former champions.8. Michael Johnson (16-8)
Toiling in the UFC’s most competitive division since 2010, Johnson has finally broken away from the pack with a four-fight winning streak against quality opposition. The onetime “Ultimate Fighter” finalist put together his most impressive showing to date in a Feb. 22 unanimous decision over Edson Barboza, adding the dangerous Brazilian’s name to a record which includes wins over Tony Ferguson, Gleison Tibau and Joe Lauzon. Johnson will return to the cage against divisional upstart Beneil Dariush on Aug. 8.9. Tony Ferguson (18-3)
Ferguson put on an impressive showing at UFC 184, roughing up Gleison Tibau on the feet before becoming the first man since 2008 to submit the durable veteran. “El Cucuy” has emerged victorious from eight of his nine Octagon appearances, with his only setback coming against the man ranked directly above him, Michael Johnson. Ferguson will take on former Strikeforce champion Josh Thomson at a UFC Fight Night event on July 15.10. Beneil Dariush (11-1)
Dariush has quickly transformed from unknown prospect to hot commodity, racking up a 5-1 record in the UFC’s toughest division after just 15 months competing inside the Octagon. Currently riding a four-fight winning streak, the Rafael Cordeiro pupil recently scored wins over Jim Miller and Daron Cruickshank in the span of 36 days. Dariush will look to continue his climb against Michael Johnson on Aug. 8.Other Contenders: Justin Gaethje, Bobby Green, Al Iaquinta, Myles Jury, Jorge Masvidal.
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