Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

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Featherweight

1. Jose Aldo (24-1)

Aldo’s featherweight title defense at UFC 169 was far from dramatic, which is a testament to his dominance as champion. The Nova Uniao standout had his way with Ricardo Lamas for four rounds, landing multiple punching and kicking combinations, as well as a pair of late takedowns. A final salvo from Lamas in round five was not nearly enough, as Aldo had his hand raised for the 17th consecutive time.

2. Chad Mendes (16-1)

It was not as spectacular as some of his recent work, but “Money” nonetheless emerged with his fifth straight victory at UFC on Fox 9, as he earned a unanimous decision over fellow wrestler Nik Lentz. The long-term goal remains the same for Mendes: a chance to avenge the only loss of his professional career against reigning featherweight king Jose Aldo.

3. Ricardo Lamas (13-3)

It was a case of too little, too late for Lamas at UFC 169, as the Chicagoan’s furious fifth-round barrage of ground-and-pound against Jose Aldo did little to alter the outcome of their featherweight title clash. That was because Aldo pitched a shutout on the scorecards for the first four frames, racing out to an advantage that Lamas had no hope of overcoming. It was still a game effort from “The Bully,” who will remain a difficult out for most anyone in the division.

4. Cub Swanson (20-5)

Swanson has established himself as one of the division’s top contenders during a five-fight tear that includes wins over Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier and Dennis Siver. The Jackson-Wink product returns to the cage following nearly a year-long hiatus to face Jeremy Stephens at UFC Fight Night in San Antonio on June 28.

5. Frankie Edgar (16-4-1)

Footwork and accurate punching combinations allowed Edgar to secure his first featherweight victory against a game Charles Oliveira at UFC 162. The “Fight of the Night”-winning performance came in the New Jersey export’s first non-title bout since 2009. The Toms River, N.J., native will turn back the clock when he squares off with B.J. Penn -- the man he defeated to first capture lightweight gold -- for a third time in 2014. First, the rivals will coach opposing teams on “The Ultimate Fighter 19.”

6. Jeremy Stephens (23-9)

A move from lightweight to featherweight has proven fruitful for Stephens, who is 3-0 since changing divisions. “Lil’ Heathen” earned his most significant 145-pound triumph on Jan. 26, outpointing Darren Elkins at UFC on Fox 10 in Chicago. The hard-hitting Stephens will attempt to continue his ascent when he locks horns with Cub Swanson on June 28.

7. Nik Lentz (24-6-2, 1 NC)

Lentz’s grind-it-out approach carried him to three victories in as many 145-pound outings, but he found the going tougher against Chad Mendes at UFC on Fox 9. Although the Minnesotan survived a ferocious volley of power punches in round one, he was unable to mount enough offense in the final two frames to get the nod from the cageside judges. Lentz will attempt to get back on the winning track when he faces Manny Gamburyan in Cincinnati on May 10.

8. Chan Sung Jung (13-4)

The popular “Korean Zombie” returned after more than a year-long absence to challenge Jose Aldo for the featherweight title at UFC 163. While it was surgery on Jung’s left shoulder that had sidelined him since his pivotal win over Dustin Poirier in May 2012, it was his right shoulder that led to his demise against the 145-pound king. Jung dislocated his shoulder after an errant overhand right in the fourth round, which allowed Aldo to up his aggression and secure a TKO finish two minutes into the frame. He will be sidelined until the injury heals.

9. Dustin Poirier (16-3)

Poirier is not one to stay idle. While many believed his matchup with Akira Corassani at “The Ultimate Fighter Nations” Finale to be a step down in competition, that did not prevent the American Top Team representative from providing another action-packed performance. “The Diamond” scored a technical knockout over Corassani 42 seconds into round two for his ninth win in his last 11 outings.

10. Pat Curran (20-5)

Curran reclaimed the Bellator featherweight title in dramatic fashion on March 14, submitting Daniel Straus via rear-naked choke with only 14 seconds left on the clock. “Paddy Mike” will next defend his belt against top contender Patricio Freire; should Curran win that bout, a fourth fight with Straus could be in the cards.

Other Contenders: Dennis Bermudez, Darren Elkins, Patricio Freire, Dennis Siver, Daniel Straus.

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