1. Shinichi Kojima (Pictures) (9-3-4)
It took nearly two years, but Kojima finally did something champion-esque. After the undeserved draw in his March 2007 title defense against Yasuhiro Urushitani (Pictures) and his embarrassing, aborted run at 132 pounds, "BJ" was down two rounds to rival Mamoru Yamaguchi (Pictures) in their July 18 fight. Less than 90 seconds away from losing his title, Kojima locked in a tight guillotine and choked his foe unconscious to retain his title and his status as the sport's top flyweight.
Due to another dubious draw against Ryuichi Miki (Pictures) in May, Urushitani watched as a Shooto world title shot was awarded to Mamoru Yamaguchi (Pictures) -- a man he had defeated in September. With Kojima having downed Yamaguchi again, Urushitani will start his climb back to the title that many feel should be his when he takes on youngster Yuki Shoujou (Pictures) on Sept. 28.
3. Mamoru Yamaguchi (Pictures) (20-5-3)
Seeking to become the first man to lose and regain his Shooto world championship, Mamoru was less than two minutes from reclaiming his title before he was caught in a guillotine and choked out once again by Shinichi Kojima (Pictures). While still one of the best in the division, Mamoru's next move seems uncertain with recent losses to his rivals Kojima and Urushitani.
4. Yuki Shoujou (Pictures) (7-4-2)
In his first major step up in competition in February, Shoujou was outgunned against former Shooto champion Mamoru Yamaguchi (Pictures). Now, Shoujou will look to make a better account of himself in his second bout against top-flight competition when he meets Yasuhiro Urushitani (Pictures) on Sept. 28.
5. Ryuichi Miki (Pictures) (6-2-3)
Shooto's ultimate underdog, Miki defied the odds once again on May 3. Although it may not have been the most deserved draw in recent memory, Miki proved game and tough against the ultra-slick Yasuhiro Urushitani (Pictures) and did not back down for 15 minutes. His aggression was rewarded by the judges, who handed him the draw.