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 -- including six successful UFC title defenses. The toughest task of the Brazilian’s reign has been staying injury-free, as Aldo recently withdrew from yet another title defense due to injury. Upon his return, Aldo is expected to rematch Team Alpha Male standout Chad Mendes.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 win set up Mendes for a rematch with Jose Aldo at UFC 176 before the Brazilian was injured and pulled out of the bout. The title bout is expected to be rescheduled for a later date.3. Ricardo Lamas (14-3)
It was not always pretty, but Lamas rebounded from his failed February title bid against Jose Aldo, taking a unanimous verdict over Hacran Dias at UFC Fight Night in San Antonio. “The Bully” was able to grind out a victory over the Nova Uniao product thanks to his relentless wrestling, giving him his fifth win in six featherweight outings.4. Cub Swanson (21-5)
Swanson made a strong case to be named the featherweight division’s No. 1 contender in waiting at UFC Fight Night San Antonio, capturing a unanimous verdict over Jeremy Stephens in the headliner. The Jackson-Wink MMA product displayed a versatile striking attack throughout the contest, most notably rocking “Lil Heathen” with a pair of thudding kicks to the body. Though nothing is certain, Swanson would seem to be the frontrunner to face winner of the Jose Aldo-Chad Mendes rematch.5. Frankie Edgar (17-4-1)
The first time Edgar beat B.J. Penn, it was a stunning and somewhat controversial upset. The second time, things were more clear-cut. The New Jersey native’s third win against “The Prodigy” was nothing short of a one-sided pounding, as Edgar beat Penn into retirement with third-round ground-and-pound. While irrelevant from a rankings perspective, the impressive win should guarantee Edgar a top-shelf opponent for his next outing at 145 pounds.6. Jeremy Stephens (23-10)
Stephens flashed his vaunted power on occasion in his UFC Fight Night showdown with Cub Swanson, but the Alliance MMA representative was never able to connect with a fight-altering blow. “Lil’ Heathen” would ultimately drop a five-round verdict, his first loss in four appearances since moving to featherweight.7. Nik Lentz (25-6-2, 1 NC)
After a hiccup against No. 1 contender Chad Mendes, Lentz returned to his winning ways at UFC Fight Night “Brown vs. Silva,” taking a unanimous verdict over Manny Gamburyan in Cincinnati. “The Carny” battered Gamburyan against the fence and landed several takedowns to clinch his fourth win in five featherweight outings. Lentz will next face gifted Brazilian Charles Oliveira in a rematch at a UFC Fight Night event on Sept. 5.8. 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. Nearly a year later, he remains sidelined.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. A calf strain forced “Paddy Mike” to withdraw from his scheduled June defense, but Curran has since recovered and will finally rematch Patricio Freire at Bellator 123 on Sept. 5.Other Contenders: Dennis Bermudez, Darren Elkins, Patricio Freire, Charles Oliveira, Daniel Straus.
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