Bantamweight
1. Dominick Cruz (21-1)
Two years after being stripped of his UFC bantamweight title, Cruz returned to claim the belt he never lost. “The Dominator” looked as though he never lost a step in his Jan. 17 encounter with T.J. Dillashaw, using his flashy footwork and lightning counterstrikes to earn a split decision after five rounds. Cruz has now won 12 straight and has not lost since a 2007 defeat to Urijah Faber at featherweight.2. T.J. Dillashaw (12-3)
Dillashaw’s reign as undisputed bantamweight champion ended on Jan. 17 in Boston, where he was outpointed across five rounds by Dominick Cruz, despite a late push from the Duane Ludwig pupil. The defeat marked Dillashaw’s first “L” since October 2013, when he dropped a contentious split decision against Raphael Assuncao.3. Renan Barao (33-3, 1 NC)
One fight removed from his shocking title loss, Barao attempted to reclaim the UFC bantamweight belt from T.J. Dillashaw on July 25 in Chicago. The Brazilian fared no better in the rematch, as Dillashaw’s speedy and precise striking caused Barao to fade before the championship rounds and ultimately succumb to punishment in the fourth frame.4. Urijah Faber (33-8)
Following a May loss to Frankie Edgar at featherweight, Faber returned to 135 pounds and picked up a hard-fought decision over Frankie Saenz at UFC 194. “The California Kid” now wants a shot at the UFC bantamweight title, a claim aided by Faber’s built-in storylines with old rival Dominick Cruz.5. Aljamain Sterling (12-0)
Sterling showed why he is one of the 135-pound division’s hottest prospects by strangling tough Brazilian veteran Johnny Eduardo on Dec. 10 in Las Vegas. Having completed the final fight on his UFC contract, “The Funk Master” will now test the waters of free agency, though Sterling mentioned after his win that he still has eyes on the UFC bantamweight belt.6. Takeya Mizugaki (21-9-2)
Following the first back-to-back losses of his Zuffa career, Mizugaki on Sept. 27 scored a much-needed win before a partisan crowd in Saitama, Japan. It did not come easy, but the former World Extreme Cagefighting contender outworked 6-foot-1 George Roop to snatch a unanimous decision in a clinch-filled three-rounder.7. Marlon Moraes (15-4-1)
Moraes remained the first and only World Series of Fighting bantamweight champion on Aug. 1, when he floored previously undefeated Sheymon Moraes and followed him to the ground for a third-round rear-naked choke submission. While he may not be facing elite competition, Moraes continues to defeat all challengers to the WSOF throne. He is now 8-0 in the organization with two knockouts and two submissions. Moraes will next face the once-beaten Joseph Barajas at WSOF 28 on Feb. 20.8. Thomas Almeida (20-0)
The hottest prospect in the 135-pound division continues to churn out thrilling performances with each Octagon appearance. On Nov. 7, it was Anthony Birchak who fell victim to Almeida’s devastating striking -- namely, a vicious right cross late in the first round. The unbeaten Brazilian has recorded knockouts in three of his four UFC outings and has stopped 19 of 20 opponents in his career.9. Jimmie Rivera (19-1)
Rivera on Jan. 30 collected his biggest scalp yet when he outworked crafty Brazilian vet Iuri Alcantara to claim a three-round unanimous decision. The victory extended the New Jerseyan’s impressive winning streak to 18 straight, including three in a row since joining the UFC in July.10. Frankie Saenz (11-3)
Saenz was game enough to overcome a near-knockout in round two of his UFC 194 bout with Urijah Faber, but he could not put away “The California Kid” down the stretch and ultimately dropped a unanimous decision. The defeat snapped a seven-fight winning streak which had seen Saenz best the likes of Iuri Alcantara and Sirwan Kakai.Other Contenders: Iuri Alcantara, Bryan Caraway, Rob Font, Marcos Galvao, John Lineker.
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