---

Featherweight

1. Jose Aldo (21-1)

Injuries derailed planned Aldo fights against Erik Koch and Frankie Edgar in the second half of 2012. Barring any unforeseen setback, the UFC’s 145-pound ruler will put his 14-fight winning streak on the line against former lightweight king Edgar at UFC 156 on Feb. 2.

2. Pat Curran (17-4)

It seems like forever ago since Curran viciously took the Bellator featherweight title from Joe Warren in March. After injury setbacks in 2012, Curran will finally defend his strap against Patricio “Pitbull” Freire at Bellator 85 in Irvine, Calif.

3. Chad Mendes (13-1)

Though originally scheduled for more meaningful action against Nova Uniao product Hacran Dias at the UFC on FX 6, Mendes made the best of things against late replacement Yaotzin Meza. “Money” needed less than two minutes to get a picture-perfect knockout, his second straight since losing his title challenge to Jose Aldo in January.

4. Ricardo Lamas (12-2)

Lamas earned the biggest victory of his career at UFC on FX 4, where he took a unanimous decision over the highly regarded Hatsu Hioki. The Chicagoan will attempt to continue his ascent up the divisional ladder against fellow title hopeful Erik Koch at UFC on Fox 6 at Chicago’s United Center.

5. Hatsu Hioki (26-5-2)

The former Shooto world champion appeared to be on the brink of challenging Jose Aldo before an upset loss to Ricardo Lamas in June knocked him from his perch as the No. 2 featherweight in the world. The Japanese fighter will welcome Clay Guida to 145 pounds at UFC on Fox 6.

6. Dennis Siver (21-8)

In his second 145-pound outing, Dennis Siver was simply overwhelming. The German-based Russian pulverized Nam Phan at the UFC on Fox 5. The impressive win instantly got Siver rebooked, as he will return at UFC on Fuel TV 7 to meet streaking featherweight Cub Swanson.

7. Diego Nunes (18-3)

In his Oct. 5 outing against Bart Palaszewski, “The Gun” showed his heaviest artillery to date, absolutely destroying the battle-tested veteran with a bevy of knockdowns and spinning strikes. The Brazilian will try to build upon that performance in his home country when he squares off with Nik Lentz at UFC on FX 7.

8. Erik Koch (13-1)

Koch was to have faced Jose Aldo twice in 2012: at UFC 149 and at UFC 153. Of course, the injury gods had other ideas. Now, “New Breed” will have to earn his way back to the No. 1 contender’s spot, beginning with a pivotal bout against Ricardo Lamas at UFC on Fox 6 in January.

9. Chan Sung Jung (13-3)

“The Korean Zombie” lived up to his name by walking through everything Dustin Poirier had to offer on May 15 before relieving the American of his consciousness with a fourth-round brabo choke. With his third straight win, Jung put himself into legitimate featherweight contention, emerging as more than just an “action fighter.”

10. Dustin Poirier (13-2)

In May, Dustin Poirier had a “Fight of the Year” candidate against Chan Sung Jung but came out the loser in their four-round war. However, in his first bout since -- and in his first bout with American Top Team -- “The Diamond” shone like crazy by dispatching Jonathan Brookins in consummate fashion at “The Ultimate Fighter 16” Finale.

Other contenders:

Darren Elkins, Hacran Dias, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Daniel Straus, Cub Swanson.

Continue Reading » MMA Bantamweight Rankings