No movement in the HW rankings in April. Several Top 10 heavyweights will be in action in May. Number 1 ranked Junior Dos Santos will defend his UFC HW title against 6^th ranked Frank Mir on May 26 at UFC 146. 2^nd ranked Cain Velasquez will face 8^th ranked Antonio Silva also at UFC 146. 4^th ranked Josh Barnett will face 5^th ranked Daniel Cormier on May 19 in the Strikeforce HW Grand Prix final.

Heavyweights- 207-265 lbs.

1. Junior Dos Santos (14-1, UFC HW champion) Last fight: KO win over Cain Velasquez on November 12, 2011 to win UFC HW title. Next Fight: defending UFC HW title versus Frank Mir on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146

2. Cain Velasquez (9-1) Last fight: KO loss to Junior Dos Santos on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: versus Antonio Silva on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146.

3.Alistair Overeem (36-11-1) Last fight: TKO win over Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

4. Josh Barnett (31-5) Last fight:  submission win over Sergei Kharitonov on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Daniel Cormier on May 19, 2012 for Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Finale

5. Daniel Cormier (9-0) Last fight: KO win over Antonio Silva on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Josh Barnett on May 19, 2012 for Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Finale

6. Frank Mir (16-5) Last fight: submission win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: versus Junior Dos Santos for UFC HW title on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146.

7. Fabricio Werdum (15-5-1) Last fight: UD win Roy Nelson on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Mike Russow on June 23, 2012 at UFC 147

8. Antonia Silva (16-3) Last fight: KO loss to Daniel Cormier on September 10, 2012. Next fight: versus Cain Velasquez on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146

9. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1-1) Last fight: submission loss to Frank Mir on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: versus Cheick Kongo at UFC 149 on July 21, 2012

10. Shane Carwin (12-2) Last fight: UD loss to Junior Dos Santos on June 11, 2011. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Sergei Kharitonov, Mark Hunt, Fedor Emelianenko, Cheick Kongo, Shane Carwin, Gabriel Gonzaga, Mike Russow, Travis Browne, Ben Rothwell

No movement in the LHW division this month despite number 1 ranked Jon Jones decision victory over 5^th ranked Rashad Evans. No Top 10 LHW fighting is scheduled for competition in May.

Light-Heavyweights- 205 lbs.

1. Jon Jones (16-1, UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over versus Rashad Evans to retain UFC LHW title on April 21, 2012. Next fight: defending UFC LHW title versus Dan Henderson in August or September 2012

2. Dan Henderson (29-8) Last fight: UD win over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Jon Jones for UFC LHW title in August or September 2012

3. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (20-6) Last Fight: UD loss to Dan Henderson on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Thiago Silva on July 21, 2012 at UFC 149

4. Lyoto Machida (17-3) Last fight: submission loss to Jon Jones on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: versus Ryan Bader at UFC on Fox 4 on August 4, 2012

5. Rashad Evans (17-2-1D) Last fight: Unanimous Decision loss to Jon Jones for UFC LHW title at UFC 145 on April 21, 2012.  Next fight: TBA

6. Phil Davis (9-1) Last fight: UD loss to Rashad Evans on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: TBA

7. Alexander Gustafsson (13-1) Last fight: Unanimous decision win over Thiago Silva on April 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

8. Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Ovince St-Preux on December 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

9. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5) Last fight: TKO win over Tito Ortiz on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: TBA

10. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-10) Last fight: UD loss to Ryan Bader on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante, Forrest Griffin, Ryan Bader, Tito Ortiz

No movement in the MW rankings this month. No Top 10 MW fighters are scheduled for competition in May.

Middleweights- 185 lbs.

1. Anderson Silva (31-4, UFC Middleweight Champion) Last fight: TKO win over Yushin Okami on August 27, 2011. Next fight: defending UFC MW title versus Chael Sonnen on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

2. Chael Sonnen (27-11-1D) Last fight: Unanimous decision win over Michael Bisping on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next Fight: versus Anderson Silva on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148 for UFC MW title

3. Mark Munoz (12-2) Last fight: TKO win over Chris Leben on November 5, 2011. Next fight: versus Chris Weidman at UFC on Fuel 4 on July 11, 2012

4. Vitor Belfort (21-9) Last fight: submission win over Anthony Johnson at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: versus Wanderlei Silva on June 23, 2012 at UFC 147 in Brazil.

5. Michael Bisping (22-4) Last fight: UD loss to Chael Sonnen on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: versus Tim Boetsch on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148

6. Yushin Okami (26-7) Last fight: TKO loss to Tim Boetsch on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: versus Luiz Cane on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150

7. Demian Maia (15-4) Last fight: UD loss to Chris Weidman on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next Fight: versus Dong Hyun Kim in first WW fight on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148

8. Brian Stann (11-4) Last fight: KO win over Alessio Sakara on April 14, 2012. Next fight: versus Hector Lombard on August 4, 2012 at UFC on Fox 4

9. Luke Rockhold (9-1, Strikeforce MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Keith Jardine on January 8, 2012 at Strikeforce: Rockhold v. Jardine. Next fight: TBA

10. Hector Lombard (31-2-1-1NC, Bellator MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Trevor Prangley on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Brian Stann on August 4, 2012 at UFC on Fox 4.

Honourable mentions: Mamed Khalidov, Jorge Santiago, Rousimar Palhares, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Wanderlei Silva, Chris Weidman, Tim Boetsch

No movement in the WW division this month. 3^rd ranked Josh Koscheck will face 9^th ranked Johny Hendricks on May 5 at UFC on FOX 3.

Welterweights- 170 lbs.

1. Georges St-Pierre (22-2 UFC Welterweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Jake Shields on April 30, 2011 Next fight: TBA

2. Carlos Condit (28-5) Last fight: UD win over Nick Diaz on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship. Next fight: TBA

3. Josh Koscheck (17-5) Last fight: SD win over Mike Pierce on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Johny Hendricks at UFC on Fox 3 on May 5, 2012.

4. Nick Diaz (26-8-1D) Last fight: UD loss to Carlos Condit on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship. Next fight: TBA

5. Jon Fitch (23-4-1NC-1D) Last fight: KO loss to Johny Hendricks on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

6. Jake Shields (27-6-1D) Last fight: UD win over Yoshihiro Akiyama on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: expected to be at MW in August 2012

7. Jake Ellenberger (27-5) Last fight: UD win over Diego Sanchez on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 1. Next fight: versus Martin Kampmann on June 1, 2012 at TUF 15 finale

8. B.J. Penn (16-8-2) Last fight: UD loss to Nick Diaz on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: TBA

9. Johny Hendricks (12-1) Last fight: KO win over Jon Fitch on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Josh Koscheck at UFC on Fox 3 on May 5, 2012.

10. Rory MacDonald (12-1) Last fight: TKO win over Che Mills on April 21, 2012. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Martin Kampmann, Dong Hyun Kim, John Hathaway, Charlie Brenneman, Thiago Alves, Rick Story, Diego Sanchez, Tyron Woodley.

Shinya Aoki’s KO loss to Eddie Alvarez on April 20 takes him out of the 7^th spot on April 1 and into an honorable mention for this month’s rankings. Nate Diaz moves up from 8^th to take Aoki’s place in 7^th. Jim Miller moves from 9^th to 8^th, Donald Cerrone moves from 10^th to 9^th and undefeated Bellator champion Michael Chandler enters the Top 10 at number 10.

Lightweights- 155 lbs.

1. Benson Henderson (16-2, UFC Lightweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Frankie Edgar on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 for UFC LW title.  Next fight: defending UFC LW title versus Frankie Edgar on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150

2. Frankie Edgar (14-2-1) Last fight: UD loss to Benson Henderson on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 to lose UFC LW title. Next fight: versus Benson Henderson on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150 for UFC LW title

3. Gray Maynard (10-1-1D-1NC) Last fight: KO loss to Frankie Edgar on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: versus Clay Guida on June 22, 2012 at UFC on FX 4

4. Gilbert Melendez (20-2, Strikeforce LW champion) Last fight: UD win over Jorge Masvidal to defend Strikeforce LW title on December 17, 2011. Next fight: defending Strikeforce LW title versus Josh Thomson on May 19, 2012 at Strikeforce: Barnett v. Cormier  

5. Anthony Pettis (15-2) Last fight: KO win over Joe Lauzon on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

6. Clay Guida (29-12) Last fight: UD loss to Benson Henderson on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: versus Gray Maynard on June 22, 2012 at UFC on FX 4.

7. Nate Diaz (15-7) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Donald Cerrone on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Jim Miller on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3.

8. Jim Miller (21-3) Last Fight: submission win over Melvin Guillard on January 20, 2012 at UFC on FX 1. Next fight: versus Nate Diaz on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3.

9. Donald Cerrone (17-4-1) Last Fight: UD loss to Nate Diaz on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Jeremy Stephens on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3.

 10.  Michael Chandler (9-0, Bellator LW champion) Last fight: submission win over Eddie Alvarez to win Bellator LW title on November 19, 2011 at Bellator 58. Next fight: versus Akihiro Gono on May 4, 2012 at Bellator 67 in non-title bout.

Honourable mentions: Rafael Dos Anjos, Jorge Masvidal, Joe Lauzon, Edson Barboza, Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler, Takanori Gomi, Shinya Aoki

Previously 4^th ranked Diego Nunes’ loss to FW newcomer Dennis Siver on April 14 drops him down to 9^th overall. Mark Hominick’s loss to Eddie Yagin drops him from 5^th last month to 10^th this month. Erik Koch moves up from 6^th to 4^th, Charles Oliveira from 7^th to 5^th, Darren Elkins from 8^th to 6^th and Chan Sung Jung jumps from 10^th to 7^th. 8^th ranked Dustin Poirier is scheduled to face 7^th ranked Chan Sung Jung on May 15. 6^th ranked Darren Elkins is scheduled to face Diego Brandao on May 26.

Featherweights-145 lbs.

1. Jose Aldo (21-1, UFC Featherweight Champion) Last fight: KO win over Chad Mendes at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: defending UFC FW title versus Erik Koch on July 21, 2012 at UFC 149

2. Chad Mendes (11-1) Last fight: KO loss to Jose Aldo at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

3. Hatsu Hioki (26-4-2) Last fight: UD win over Bart Palaszewski on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: versus Ricardo Lamas on June 22, 2012 for UFC on FX 3.

4. Erik Koch (13-1) Last fight: UD win over Jonathan Brookins on September 17, 2011. Next fight: versus Jose Aldo on June 22, 2012 for UFC on FX 3 for UFC FW title.

5. Charles Oliveira (15-2-1) Last Fight: submission win over Eric Wisely on January 28, 2012. Next Fight: TBA

6. Darren Elkins (13-2) Last fight: UD win over Zhang Tiequan on    October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: versus Diego Brandao on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146.

7. Chan Sung Jung (12-3) Last fight: KO win over Mark Hominick on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: versus Dustin Poirier on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3.

8. Dustin Poirier (12-1) Last Fight: submission win over Max Holloway on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Chan Sung Jung on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3.

9. Diego Nunes (17-2) Last fight: UD win over Manvel Gamburyan on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Dennis Siver at UFC on Fuel TV 2 on April 14, 2012.

10. Mark Hominick (20-10) Last fight: KO loss to Chan Sung Jung on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: versus Eddie Yagin on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145. 

Honourable mentions: Joe Warren, Marlon Sandro, Bart Palaszewski, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Pat Curran, Yuri Alcantara, Cub Swanson, Ricardo Lamas, Jonathan Brookins, Kenny Florian (retired).

Michael McDonald’s KO win over Miguel Torres bumps him from 8^th overall last month to 6^th in this month’s rankings. Torres drops from 6^th to 8^th with the loss. There are no other changes and no Top 10 BW fighters are scheduled for action in May.

Bantamweights- 135 lbs.

1. Dominick Cruz (19-1, UFC Bantamweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Demetrious Johnson on October 1, 2011 to defend UFC BW title. Next fight: versus Urijah Faber for UFC BW title on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

2. Urijah Faber (26-5) Last fight: submission win over Brian Bowles on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Dominick Cruz for UFC BW title on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

3. Renan Barao (28-1-1) Last fight:  UD win over Scott Jorgensen on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Ivan Menjivar on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

4. Scott Jorgensen (13-5) Last fight: UD loss to Renan Barao on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Eddie Wineland on June 8, 2012 at UFC on FX 3.

5. Brian Bowles (10-2) Last fight: submission loss to Urijah Faber on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

6. Michael McDonald (14-1) Last fight: KO win over Miguel Torres on April 21, 2012. Next fight: TBA

7. Bibiano Fernandes (11-3) Last fight: UD win over Rodolfo Marques and TKO win over Antonio Banuelos to win DREAM BW Grand Prix on December 31, 2011 at DREAM New Year’s Eve 2011. Next fight: TBA

8. Miguel Torres (39-4) Last fight: KO loss to Michael McDonald on April 21, 2012. Next fight: TBA

9. Brad Pickett (20-6) Last fight: submission win over Damacio Page at UFC on Fuel 2 on April 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

10. Ivan Menjivar (24-8) Last fight: submission win over John Albert on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV. Next fight: versus Renan Barao on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

Honourable mentions: Eddie Wineland Antonio Banuelos, Yves Jabouin. John Dodson, Zach Makovsky, Nick Denis, Mike Easton, Takeya Mizugaki, Chris Cariaso, TJ Dillashaw

Click here to view previous month’s rankings

Daniel Cormier appeared on this episode to discuss his bout in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Finale against Josh Barnett on May 19.

UFC heavyweight Lavar Johnson also appeared on this episode and discussed his bout on FOX for the UFC on May 5 against Pat Barry.

Dave and Kevin talked about Anheuser-Busch’s statement concerning the behavior of the UFC and its fighters, Nick Diaz’ legal dispute with the Nevada State Athletic Commission and much more MMA on this 2-hour episode.

There were no changes this month in any of the Top 10 rankings as there were no Top 10 fighters in action in March. 

There are currently no Top 10 heavyweights scheduled for competition in April.

Heavyweights- 207-265 lbs.

1. Junior Dos Santos (14-1, UFC HW champion) Last fight: KO win over Cain Velasquez on November 12, 2011 to win UFC HW title. Next Fight: defending UFC HW title versus Alistair Overeem on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146

2. Cain Velasquez (9-1) Last fight: KO loss to Junior Dos Santos on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: versus Frank Mir on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146.

3.Alistair Overeem (36-11-1) Last fight: TKO win over Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next Fight: versus Junior Dos Santos on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146

4. Josh Barnett (31-5) Last fight:  submission win over Sergei Kharitonov on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Daniel Cormier on May 19, 2012 for Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Finale

5. Daniel Cormier (9-0) Last fight: KO win over Antonio Silva on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Josh Barnett on May 19, 2012 for Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Finale

6. Frank Mir (16-5) Last fight: submission win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: versus Cain Velasquez on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146.

7. Fabricio Werdum (15-5-1) Last fight: UD win Roy Nelson on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Mike Russow on June 23, 2012 at UFC 147

8. Antonio Silva (16-3) Last fight: KO loss to Daniel Cormier on September 10, 2012. Next fight: versus Roy Nelson on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146

9. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1-1) Last fight: submission loss to Frank Mir on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: TBA

10. Shane Carwin (12-2) Last fight: UD loss to Junior Dos Santos on June 11, 2011. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Sergei Kharitonov, Mark Hunt, Fedor Emelianenko, Cheick Kongo, Shane Carwin, Gabriel Gonzaga, Mike Russow

Number 1 ranked UFC LHW champion Jon Jones is scheduled to defend his title against 5th ranked Rashad Evans on the 21st of this month in Atlanta, Georgia. 7th ranked Alexander Gustafsson will headline UFC on Fuel 2 versus a returning Thiago Silva on the 14th in Gustafsson’s home country of Sweden.

Light-Heavyweights- 205 lbs.

1. Jon Jones (15-1, UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion) Last fight: submission win over Lyoto Machida on December 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Rashad Evans for UFC LHW title at UFC 145 on April 21, 2012.

2. Dan Henderson (29-8) Last fight: UD win over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

3. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (20-6) Last Fight: UD loss to Dan Henderson on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

4. Lyoto Machida (17-3) Last fight: submission loss to Jon Jones on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: TBA

5. Rashad Evans (17-1-1D) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Phil Davis on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: versus Jon Jones for UFC LHW title at UFC 145 on April 21, 2012.

6. Phil Davis (9-1) Last fight: UD loss to Rashad Evans on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: TBA

7. Alexander Gustafsson (13-1) Last fight: TKO win over Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next fight: versus Thiago Silva on April 14, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 2.

8. Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Ovince St-Preux on December 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

9. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5) Last fight: TKO win over Tito Ortiz on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: TBA

10. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-10) Last fight: UD loss to Ryan Bader on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante, Forrest Griffin, Ryan Bader, Tito Ortiz

8th ranked Brian Stann is the only Top 10 MW scheduled for competition in April. Stann will face Alessio Sakara at UFC on Fuel 2 on April 14.

Middleweights- 185 lbs.

1. Anderson Silva (31-4, UFC Middleweight Champion) Last fight: TKO win over Yushin Okami on August 27, 2011. Next fight: versus Chael Sonnen on June 23, 2012 at UFC 147 in Brazil.

2. Chael Sonnen (27-11-1D) Last fight: Unanimous decision win over Michael Bisping on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next Fight: versus Anderson Silva on June 23, 2012 at UFC 147 in Brazil.

3. Mark Munoz (12-2) Last fight: TKO win over Chris Leben on November 5, 2011. Next fight: TBA

4. Vitor Belfort (21-9) Last fight: submission win over Anthony Johnson at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: versus Wanderlei Silva on June 23, 2012 at UFC 147 in Brazil.

5. Michael Bisping (22-4) Last fight: UD loss to Chael Sonnen on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: versus Tim Boetsch on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148

6. Yushin Okami (26-7) Last fight: TKO loss to Tim Boetsch on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

7. Demian Maia (15-4) Last fight: UD loss to Chris Weidman on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next Fight: versus Dong Hyun Kim in first WW fight on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148

8. Brian Stann (11-4) Last fight: submission loss to Chael Sonnen on October 8, 2011. Next fight: versus Alessio Sakara on April 14, 2012 at UFC on FX 2

9. Luke Rockhold (9-1, Strikeforce MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Keith Jardine on January 8, 2012 at Strikeforce: Rockhold v. Jardine. Next fight: TBA

10. Hector Lombard (31-2-1-1NC, Bellator MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Trevor Prangley on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Mamed Khalidov, Jorge Santiago, Rousimar Palhares, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Wanderlei Silva, Chris Weidman, Tim Boetsch

10th ranked Rory MacDonald is the only Top 10 WW scheduled for competition this month. MacDonald will face Che Mills at UFC 145 on the 21st.

Welterweights- 170 lbs.

1. Georges St-Pierre (22-2 UFC Welterweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Jake Shields on April 30, 2011 Next fight: TBA

2. Carlos Condit (28-5) Last fight: UD win over Nick Diaz on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship. Next fight: TBA

3. Josh Koscheck (17-5) Last fight: SD win over Mike Pierce on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Johny Hendricks at UFC on Fox 3 on May 5, 2012.

4. Nick Diaz (26-8-1D) Last fight: UD loss to Carlos Condit on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship. Next fight: TBA

5. Jon Fitch (23-4-1NC-1D) Last fight: KO loss to Johny Hendricks on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

6. Jake Shields (27-6-1D) Last fight: UD win over Yoshihiro Akiyama on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: expected to be at MW in August 2012

7. Jake Ellenberger (27-5) Last fight: UD win over Diego Sanchez on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 1. Next fight: versus Martin Kampmann on June 1, 2012 at TUF 15 finale

8. B.J. Penn (16-8-2) Last fight: UD loss to Nick Diaz on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: TBA

9. Johny Hendricks (12-1) Last fight: KO win over Jon Fitch on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Josh Koscheck at UFC on Fox 3 on May 5, 2012.

10. Rory MacDonald (12-1) Last fight: TKO win over Mike Pyle on August 6, 2011 at UFC 133. Next fight: versus Che Mills on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.

Honourable mentions: Martin Kampmann, Dong Hyun Kim, John Hathaway, Charlie Brenneman, Thiago Alves, Rick Story, Diego Sanchez, Tyron Woodley.

7th ranked Shinya Aoki is the only Top 10 LW scheduled for competition this month. Aoki will face Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 66 on April 20.

Lightweights- 155 lbs.

1. Benson Henderson (16-2) Last fight: UD win over Frankie Edgar on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 for UFC LW title.  Next fight: versus Frankie Edgar in summer 2012

2. Frankie Edgar (14-2-1, UFC Lightweight Champion) Last fight: UD loss to Benson Henderson on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 to lose UFC LW title. Next fight: versus Benson Henderson in summer 2012

3. Gray Maynard (10-1-1D-1NC) Last fight: KO loss to Frankie Edgar on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: versus Clay Guida on June 22, 2012 at UFC on FX 4

4. Gilbert Melendez (20-2, Strikeforce LW champion) Last fight: UD win over Jorge Masvidal to defend Strikeforce LW title on December 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

5. Anthony Pettis (15-2) Last fight: KO win over Joe Lauzon on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

6. Clay Guida (29-12) Last fight: UD loss to Benson Henderson on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: versus Gray Maynard on June 22, 2012 at UFC on FX 4.

7. Shinya Aoki (30-5-1NC, DREAM LW champion) Last fight: UD win over Satoru Kitaoka to defend DREAM LW title on December 31, 2011 at DREAM New Year’s Eve 2011. Next fight: versus Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 66 on April 20, 2012

8. Nate Diaz (15-7) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Donald Cerrone on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Jim Miller on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3.

9. Jim Miller (21-3) Last Fight: submission win over Melvin Guillard on January 20, 2012 at UFC on FX 1. Next fight: versus Nate Diaz on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3.

 10. Donald Cerrone (17-4-1) Last Fight: UD loss to Nate Diaz on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Jeremy Stephens on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3.

Honourable mentions: Rafael Dos Anjos, Jorge Masvidal, Joe Lauzon, Edson Barboza, Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler, Takanori Gomi

4th ranked Diego Nunes will face newcomer to the FW division Dennis Siver on April 14 at UFC on Fuel 2. 5th ranked Mark Hominick will fight on April 21 at UFC 145 versus Eddie Yagin.

Featherweights-145 lbs.

1. Jose Aldo (21-1, UFC Featherweight Champion) Last fight: KO win over Chad Mendes at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: versus an opponent TBA on July 21, 2012 at UFC 149

2. Chad Mendes (11-1) Last fight: KO loss to Jose Aldo at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

3. Hatsu Hioki (26-4-2) Last fight: UD win over Bart Palaszewski on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

4. Diego Nunes (17-2) Last fight: UD win over Manvel Gamburyan on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Dennis Siver at UFC on Fuel TV 2 on April 14, 2012.

5. Mark Hominick (20-10) Last fight: KO loss to Chan Sung Jung on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: versus Eddie Yagin on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145. 

6. Erik Koch (13-1) Last fight: UD win over Jonathan Brookins on September 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

7. Charles Oliveira (15-2-1) Last Fight: submission win over Eric Wisely on January 28, 2012. Next Fight: TBA

8. Darren Elkins (13-2) Last fight: UD win over Zhang Tiequan on    October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: versus Diego Brandao on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146.

9. Dustin Poirier (12-1) Last Fight: submission win over Max Holloway on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Chan Sung Jung on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3.

10. Chan Sung Jung (12-3) Last fight: KO win over Mark Hominick on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: versus Dustin Poirier on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3.

Honourable mentions: Joe Warren, Marlon Sandro, Bart Palaszewski, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Pat Curran, Yuri Alcantara, Cub Swanson, Ricardo Lamas, Jonathan Brookins, Kenny Florian (retired).

9th ranked Brad Pickett will face Damacio Page on April 14 at UFC on Fuel 2. 6th ranked Miguel Torres will face 8th ranked Michael McDonald on April 21 at UFC 145.

Bantamweights- 135 lbs.

1. Dominick Cruz (19-1, UFC Bantamweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Demetrious Johnson on October 1, 2011 to defend UFC BW title. Next fight: versus Urijah Faber for UFC BW title on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

2. Urijah Faber (26-5) Last fight: submission win over Brian Bowles on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Dominick Cruz for UFC BW title on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

3. Renan Barao (28-1-1) Last fight:  UD win over Scott Jorgensen on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Ivan Menjivar on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

4. Scott Jorgensen (13-5) Last fight: UD loss to Renan Barao on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Eddie Wineland on June 8, 2012 at UFC on FX 3.

5. Brian Bowles (10-2) Last fight: submission loss to Urijah Faber on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

6. Miguel Torres (39-4) Last fight: UD win over Nick Pace on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Michael McDonald on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.

7. Bibiano Fernandes (11-3) Last fight: UD win over Rodolfo Marques and TKO win over Antonio Banuelos to win DREAM BW Grand Prix on December 31, 2011 at DREAM New Year’s Eve 2011. Next fight: TBA

8. Michael McDonald (14-1) Last fight: KO win over Alex Soto on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Miguel Torres on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.

9. Brad Pickett (20-6) Last fight: submission loss to Renan Barao on November 5, 2011. Next fight: versus Damacio Page at UFC on Fuel 2 on April 14, 2012.

10. Ivan Menjivar (24-8) Last fight: submission win over John Albert on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV. Next fight: versus Renan Barao on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

Honourable mentions: Eddie Wineland Antonio Banuelos, Yves Jabouin. John Dodson, Zach Makovsky, Nick Denis, Mike Easton, Takeya Mizugaki, Chris Cariaso, TJ Dillashaw

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Brock Lesnar’s retirement appears official and he is removed from the Top 10 this month. Antonio Silva moves up from 9^th in February to take Lesnar’s spot at 8^th this month. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira moves up from 10^th to 9^th and Shane Carwin enters the Top 10 at number 10. No Heavyweights in the Top 10 are scheduled for competition this month.

Heavyweights- 207-265 lbs.

1. Junior Dos Santos (14-1, UFC HW champion) Last fight: KO win over Cain Velasquez on November 12, 2011 to win UFC HW title. Next Fight: defending UFC HW title versus Alistair Overeem on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146

2. Cain Velasquez (9-1) Last fight: KO loss to Junior Dos Santos on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: versus Frank Mir in summer 2012

3.Alistair Overeem (36-11-1) Last fight: TKO win over Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next Fight: versus Junior Dos Santos on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146

4. Josh Barnett (31-5) Last fight:  submission win over Sergei Kharitonov on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Daniel Cormier in Strikeforce HW G.P. finals in 2012

5. Daniel Cormier (9-0) Last fight: KO win over Antonio Silva on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Josh Barnett in Strikeforce HW G.P. finals in 2012

6. Frank Mir (16-5) Last fight: submission win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: versus Cain Velasquez in summer 2012

7. Fabricio Werdum (15-5-1) Last fight: UD win Roy Nelson on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: TBA

8. Antonio Silva (16-3) Last fight: KO loss to Daniel Cormier on September 10, 2012. Next fight: TBA

9. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1-1) Last fight: submission loss to Frank Mir on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: TBA

10. Shane Carwin (12-2) Last fight: UD loss to Junior Dos Santos on June 11, 2011. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Sergei Kharitonov, Mark Hunt, Fedor Emelianenko, Cheick Kongo, Shane Carwin, Gabriel Gonzaga. Brock Lesnar (retired)

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s decision loss to Ryan Bader on February 25 drops him from 6^th to 10^th in the rankings. Phil Davis bumps up from 7^th to take Rampage’s spot at 6^th overall. Alexander Gustafsson jumps from 8^th to 7^th, Gegard Mousasi goes from 9^th to 8^th and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira goes from 10^th to 9^th. There are no Top 10 Light-Heavyweights scheduled for action in March.

Light-Heavyweights- 205 lbs.

1. Jon Jones (15-1, UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion) Last fight: submission win over Lyoto Machida on December 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Rashad Evans for UFC LHW title at UFC 145 on April 21, 2012.

2. Dan Henderson (29-8) Last fight: UD win over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

3. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (20-6) Last Fight: UD loss to Dan Henderson on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

4. Lyoto Machida (17-3) Last fight: submission loss to Jon Jones on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: TBA

5. Rashad Evans (17-1-1D) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Phil Davis on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: versus Jon Jones for UFC LHW title at UFC 145 on April 21, 2012.

6. Phil Davis (9-1) Last fight: UD loss to Rashad Evans on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: TBA

7. Alexander Gustafsson (13-1) Last fight: TKO win over Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next fight: versus Antonio Rogerio Nogueira on April 14, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 2.

8. Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Ovince St-Preux on December 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

9. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5) Last fight: TKO win over Tito Ortiz on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: versus Alexander Gustafsson on April 14, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 2.

10. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-10) Last fight: UD loss to Ryan Bader on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante, Forrest Griffin, Ryan Bader, Tito Ortiz

Yushin Okami’s TKO loss to Tim Boetsch on February 25 drops him from 3^rd to 6^th. Boetsch becomes an honorable mention and could enter the Top 10 with another impressive victory. Mark Munoz takes Okami’s spot at number 3 improving from 4^th last month. Vitor Befort goes from 5^th to 4^th and Michael Bisping from 6^th to 5^th.  No Top 10 middleweights will be in compeition in March.

Middleweights- 185 lbs.

1. Anderson Silva (31-4, UFC Middleweight Champion) Last fight: TKO win over Yushin Okami on August 27, 2011. Next fight: versus Chael Sonnen on June 16, 2012 at UFC 147 in Brazil.

2. Chael Sonnen (27-11-1D) Last fight: Unanimous decision win over Michael Bisping on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next Fight: versus Anderson Silva on June 16, 2012 at UFC 147 in Brazil.

3. Mark Munoz (12-2) Last fight: TKO win over Chris Leben on November 5, 2011. Next fight: TBA

4. Vitor Belfort (21-9) Last fight: submission win over Anthony Johnson at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: versus Wanderlei Silva on June 16, 2012 at UFC 147 in Brazil.

5. Michael Bisping (22-4) Last fight: UD loss to Chael Sonnen on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: TBA

6. Yushin Okami (26-7) Last fight: TKO loss to Tim Boetsch on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

7. Demian Maia (15-4) Last fight: UD loss to Chris Weidman on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next Fight: TBA

8. Brian Stann (11-4) Last fight: submission loss to Chael Sonnen on October 8, 2011. Next fight: versus Alessio Sakara on April 14, 2012 at UFC on FX 2

9. Luke Rockhold (9-1, Strikeforce MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Keith Jardine on January 8, 2012 at Strikeforce: Rockhold v. Jardine. Next fight: TBA

10. Hector Lombard (31-2-1-1NC, Bellator MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Trevor Prangley on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: rumoured to be facing Mamed Khalidov on May 10, 2012 for KSW 19 in Poland.

Honourable mentions: Mamed Khalidov, Jorge Santiago, Rousimar Palhares, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Wanderlei Silva, Chris Weidman, Tim Boetsch

Carlos Condit jumps from 4^th to 2^nd overall with a unanimous decision over Nick Diaz on February 4 for the UFC interim welterweight title. Nick Diaz drops from 2^nd to 4^th. Jake Shields’ decision victory over Yoshihiro Akiyama on February 25 is enough to bring him up from 7^th to 6^th. B.J. Penn remains inactive and possibly retired and drops from 6^th to 8^th. Jake Ellenberger’s decision victory over Diego Sanchez on February 15 helps him go from 8^th in February to 7^th overall in March. No Top 10 Welterweights are scheduled for action this month.

Welterweights- 170 lbs.

1. Georges St-Pierre (22-2 UFC Welterweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Jake Shields on April 30, 2011 Next fight: TBA

2. Carlos Condit (28-5) Last fight: UD win over Nick Diaz on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship. Next fight: TBA

3. Josh Koscheck (17-5) Last fight: SD win over Mike Pierce on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Johny Hendricks at UFC on Fox 3 on May 5, 2012.

4. Nick Diaz (26-8-1D) Last fight: UD loss to Carlos Condit on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship. Next fight: TBA

5. Jon Fitch (23-4-1NC-1D) Last fight: KO loss to Johny Hendricks on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

6. Jake Shields (27-6-1D) Last fight: UD win over Yoshihiro Akiyama on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

7. Jake Ellenberger (27-5) Last fight: UD win over Diego Sanchez on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 1. Next fight: TBA

8. B.J. Penn (16-8-2) Last fight: UD loss to Nick Diaz on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: TBA

9. Johny Hendricks (12-1) Last fight: KO win over Jon Fitch on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Josh Koscheck at UFC on Fox 3 on May 5, 2012.

10. Rory MacDonald (12-1) Last fight: TKO win over Mike Pyle on August 6, 2011 at UFC 133. Next fight: versus Che Mills on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.

Honourable mentions: Martin Kampmann, Dong Hyun Kim, John Hathaway, Charlie Brenneman, Thiago Alves, Rick Story, Diego Sanchez, Tyron Woodley.

Benson Henderson’s decision victory over Frankie Edgar gave him the UFC Lightweight championship and moves him from 4^th last month to 1^st overall in March. Frankie Edgar drops from 1^st to 2^nd. Gray Maynard drops from 2^nd to 3^rd and Gilbert Melendez goes from 3^rd to 4^th. Anthony Pettis’ KO victory over Joe Lauzon on February 25 is enough for him to jump from 6^th to 5^th, dropping Clay Guida from 5^th down to 6^th. No Top 10 Lightweights are scheduled for competition in March.

Lightweights- 155 lbs.

1. Benson Henderson (16-2) Last fight: UD win over Frankie Edgar on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 for UFC LW title.  Next fight: TBA

2. Frankie Edgar (14-2-1, UFC Lightweight Champion) Last fight: UD loss to Benson Henderson on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 to lose UFC LW title. Next fight: TBA

3. Gray Maynard (10-1-1D-1NC) Last fight: KO loss to Frankie Edgar on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: TBA

4. Gilbert Melendez (20-2, Strikeforce LW champion) Last fight: UD win over Jorge Masvidal to defend Strikeforce LW title on December 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

5. Anthony Pettis (15-2) Last fight: KO win over Joe Lauzon on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

6. Clay Guida (29-12) Last fight: UD loss to Benson Henderson on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

7. Shinya Aoki (30-5-1NC, DREAM LW champion) Last fight: UD win over Satoru Kitaoka to defend DREAM LW title on December 31, 2011 at DREAM New Year’s Eve 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 66 on April 20, 2012

8. Nate Diaz (15-7) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Donald Cerrone on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Jim Miller on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3.

9. Jim Miller (21-3) Last Fight: submission win over Melvin Guillard on January 20, 2012 at UFC on FX 1. Next fight: versus Nate Diaz on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3.

 10. Donald Cerrone (17-4-1) Last Fight: UD loss to Nate Diaz on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Jeremy Stephens on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3.

Honourable mentions: Rafael Dos Anjos, Jorge Masvidal, Joe Lauzon, Edson Barboza, Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler, Takanori Gomi

Zero movement in the Featherweight division this month, no Top 10 Featherweights scheduled for action in March.

Featherweights-145 lbs.

1. Jose Aldo (21-1, UFC Featherweight Champion) Last fight: KO win over Chad Mendes at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

2. Chad Mendes (11-1) Last fight: KO loss to Jose Aldo at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

3. Hatsu Hioki (26-4-2) Last fight: UD win over Bart Palaszewski on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

4. Diego Nunes (17-2) Last fight: UD win over Manvel Gamburyan on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Dennis Siver at UFC on Fuel TV 2 on April 14, 2012.

5. Mark Hominick (20-10) Last fight: KO loss to Chan Sung Jung on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: versus Eddie Yagin on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145. 

6. Erik Koch (13-1) Last fight: UD win over Jonathan Brookins on September 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

7. Charles Oliveira (15-2-1) Last Fight: submission win over Eric Wisely on January 28, 2012. Next Fight: TBA

8. Darren Elkins (13-2) Last fight: UD win over Zhang Tiequan on    October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: rumoured to be versus Diego Brandao on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146.

9. Dustin Poirier (12-1) Last Fight: submission win over Max Holloway on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Chan Sung Jung on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3.

10. Chan Sung Jung (12-3) Last fight: KO win over Mark Hominick on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: versus Dustin Poirier on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3.

Honourable mentions: Joe Warren, Marlon Sandro, Bart Palaszewski, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Pat Curran, Yuri Alcantara, Cub Swanson, Ricardo Lamas, Jonathan Brookins, Kenny Florian (retired).

Renan Barao’s decision victory over Scott Jorgensen on February 4 bumps him up from 6^th to 3^rd overall. Scott Jorgensen drops from 2^nd to 4^th. Urijah Faber moves up from 3^rd to 2^nd overall. Takeya Mizugaki’s decision loss to Chris Cariaso on February 25 drops him out of the Top 10. Ivan Menjivar’s submission win over John Albert on February 15 helps him enter the Top 10 at tenth overall. No Top 10 Bantamweights are scheduled for action this month.

Bantamweights- 135 lbs.

1. Dominick Cruz (19-1, UFC Bantamweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Demetrious Johnson on October 1, 2011 to defend UFC BW title. Next fight: expected to face Urijah Faber for UFC BW title on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

2. Urijah Faber (26-5) Last fight: submission win over Brian Bowles on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: expected to face Dominick Cruz for UFC BW title on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

3. Renan Barao (28-1-1) Last fight:  UD win over Scott Jorgensen on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: TBA

4. Scott Jorgensen (13-5) Last fight: UD loss to Renan Barao on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: TBA

5. Brian Bowles (10-2) Last fight: submission loss to Urijah Faber on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

6. Miguel Torres (39-4) Last fight: UD win over Nick Pace on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Michael McDonald on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.

7. Bibiano Fernandes (11-3) Last fight: UD win over Rodolfo Marques and TKO win over Antonio Banuelos to win DREAM BW Grand Prix on December 31, 2011 at DREAM New Year’s Eve 2011. Next fight: TBA

8. Michael McDonald (14-1) Last fight: KO win over Alex Soto on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Miguel Torres on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.

9. Brad Pickett (20-6) Last fight: submission loss to Renan Barao on November 5, 2011. Next fight: versus Damacio Page at UFC on Fuel 2 on April 14, 2012.

10. Ivan Menjivar (24-8) Last fight: submission win over John Albert on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Eddie Wineland Antonio Banuelos, Yves Jabouin. John Dodson, Zach Makovsky, Nick Denis, Mike Easton, Takeya Mizugaki, Chris Cariaso, TJ Dillashaw

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No movement in the Heavyweight division this month. We have given Brock Lesnar a month to remain inactive for his retirement to become official and remove him from the top 10 rankings. 7^th ranked Fabricio Werdum will be in action this month against honorable mention Roy Nelson.

Heavyweights- 207-265 lbs.

1. Junior Dos Santos (14-1, UFC HW champion) Last fight: KO win over Cain Velasquez on November 12, 2011 to win UFC HW title. Next Fight: defending UFC HW title versus Alistair Overeem in summer 2012

2. Cain Velasquez (9-1) Last fight: KO loss to Junior Dos Santos on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

3.Alistair Overeem (36-11-1) Last fight: TKO win over Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next Fight: versus Junior Dos Santos in summer 2012

4. Josh Barnett (31-5) Last fight:  submission win over Sergei Kharitonov on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Daniel Cormier in Strikeforce HW G.P. finals in 2012

5. Daniel Cormier (9-0) Last fight: KO win over Antonio Silva on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Josh Barnett in Strikeforce HW G.P. finals in 2012

6. Frank Mir (16-5) Last fight: submission win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: TBA

7. Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1) Last fight: UD loss to Alistair Overeem on June 18. Next fight: versus Roy Nelson on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

8. Brock Lesnar (5-3) Last fight: TKO loss to Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next Fight: TBA, Lesnar announced retirement following last fight.

9. Antonio Silva (16-3) Last fight: KO loss to Daniel Cormier on September 10. Next fight: TBA

10. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1-1) Last fight: submission loss to Frank Mir on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Sergei Kharitonov, Roy Nelson, Fedor Emelianenko, Cheick Kongo, Shane Carwin, Gabriel Gonzaga

No movement in the light-heavyweight division despite 5^th ranked Rashad Evans victory over 7^th ranked Phil Davis. Only 6^th ranked Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will be in action this month, taking on Ryan Bader in Saitama, Japan.

Light-Heavyweights- 205 lbs.

1. Jon Jones (15-1, UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion) Last fight: submission win over Lyoto Machida on December 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Rashad Evans for UFC LHW title at UFC 145 on April 21, 2012.

2. Dan Henderson (29-8) Last fight: UD win over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

3. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (20-6) Last Fight: UD loss to Dan Henderson on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

4. Lyoto Machida (17-3) Last fight: submission loss to Jon Jones on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: TBA

5. Rashad Evans (17-1-1D) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Phil Davis on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: versus Jon Jones for UFC LHW title at UFC 145 on April 21, 2012.

6.Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-9) Last fight: submission loss to Jon Jones on September 24, 2011. Next fight: vs. Ryan Bader on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144.

7. Phil Davis (9-1) Last fight: UD loss to Rashad Evans on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: TBA

8. Alexander Gustafsson (13-1) Last fight: TKO win over Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next fight: versus Antonio Rogerio Nogueira on April 14, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 2.

9. Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Ovince St-Preux on December 17, 2011. Next fight: versus Mike Kyle on March 3, 2012 at Strikeforce: Tate v. Rousey.

10. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5) Last fight: TKO win over Tito Ortiz on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: versus Alexander Gustafsson on April 14, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 2.

Honourable mentions: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante, Forrest Griffin

Demian Maia’s decision loss to Chris Weidman drops him from 5^th to 7^th overall. Vitor Belfort moves up from 6^th in January to 5^th in February. Despite Michael Bisping’s loss, his impressive performance against 2^nd ranked Chael Sonnen was enough to bump him from 7^th to 6^th.

Middleweights- 185 lbs.

1. Anderson Silva (31-4, UFC Middleweight Champion) Last fight: TKO win over Yushin Okami on August 27, 2011. Next fight: versus Chael Sonnen rumoured for June 2, 2012 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

2. Chael Sonnen (27-11-1D) Last fight: Unanimous decision win over Michael Bisping on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next Fight: versus Anderson Silva rumoured for June 2, 2012 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

3. Yushin Okami (26-6) Last fight: TKO loss to Anderson Silva on August 27, 2011. Next fight: vs. Tim Boetsch on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144

4. Mark Munoz (12-2) Last fight: TKO win over Chris Leben on November 5, 2011. Next fight: TBA

5. Vitor Belfort (21-9) Last fight: submission win over Anthony Johnson at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: versus Wanderlei Silva rumoured for June 2, 2012 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

6. Michael Bisping (22-4) Last fight: UD loss to Chael Sonnen on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: TBA

7. Demian Maia (15-4) Last fight: UD loss to Chris Weidman on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next Fight: TBA

8. Brian Stann (11-4) Last fight: submission loss to Chael Sonnen on October 8, 2011. Next fight: versus Alessio Sakara on April 14, 2012 at UFC on FX 2

9. Luke Rockhold (9-1, Strikeforce MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Keith Jardine on January 8, 2012 at Strikeforce: Rockhold v. Jardine. Next fight: TBA

10. Hector Lombard (31-2-1-1NC, Bellator MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Trevor Prangley on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Mamed Khalidov, Jorge Santiago, Rousimar Palhares, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Wanderlei Silva, Chris Weidman.

No movement in the welterweight division this month as no Top 10 welterweight competed in January 2012. February will see 2^nd ranked Nick Diaz face 4^th ranked Carlos Condit for the UFC interim title. 3^rd ranked Josh Koscheck will face Mike Pierce and 7^th ranked Jake Shields will fight Yoshihiro Akiyama. 8^th ranked Jake Ellenberger will face 10^th ranked Diego Sanchez on February 15 in a month of February that should be very interesting in the welterweight division.

Welterweights- 170 lbs.

1. Georges St-Pierre (22-2 UFC Welterweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Jake Shields on April 30, 2011 Next fight: TBA

2. Nick Diaz (26-7-1D) Last fight: UD win over BJ Penn on October 29, 2011. Next fight: versus Carlos Condit on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship

3. Josh Koscheck (16-5) Last fight: KO win over Matt Hughes on September 24, 2011. Next fight: vs. Mike Pierce on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

4. Carlos Condit (27-5) Last fight: KO win over Dong Hyun Kim on July 2, 2011. Next fight: vs. Nick Diaz on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship

5. Jon Fitch (23-4-1NC-1D) Last fight: KO loss to Johny Hendricks on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

6. B.J. Penn (16-8-2) Last fight: UD loss to Nick Diaz on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: TBA

7. Jake Shields (26-6-1D) Last fight: KO loss to Jake Ellenberger on September 17, 2011. Next fight: vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144.

8. Jake Ellenberger (26-5) Last fight: KO win over Jake Shields on September 17, 2011. Next fight: vs. Diego Sanchez on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 1.

9. Johny Hendricks (12-1) Last fight: KO win over Jon Fitch on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

10. Diego Sanchez (23-4) Last Fight: UD win over Martin Kampmann on March 3, 2011. Next Fight: vs. Jake Ellenberger on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 1.

Honourable mentions: Martin Kampmann, Dong Hyun Kim, John Hathaway, Charlie Brenneman, Thiago Alves, Rick Story, Rory MacDonald, Tyron Woodley.

Jim Miller’s impressive victory over Melvin Guillard on January 20 bumps him from 10^th to 9^th, moving Donald Cerrone down from 9^th to 10^th. Number 1 ranked Frankie Edgar is set to defend his UFC Lightweight title versus 4^th ranked Benson Henderson this month while 6^th ranked Anthony Pettis is set to face Joe Lauzon on the same card.

Lightweights- 155 lbs.

 1.Frankie Edgar (14-1-1, UFC Lightweight Champion) Last fight: KO win over Gray Maynard on October 8, 2011 to defend UFC LW title. Next fight: vs. Benson Henderson on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 for UFC LW title.

 2.Gray Maynard (10-1-1D-1NC) Last fight: KO loss to Frankie Edgar on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: TBA

 3.Gilbert Melendez (20-2, Strikeforce LW champion) Last fight: UD win over Jorge Masvidal to defend Strikeforce LW title on December 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

 4. Benson Henderson (15-2) Last fight: UD win over Clay Guida on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: vs. Frankie Edgar on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 for UFC LW title.  

 5. Clay Guida (29-12) Last fight: UD loss to Benson Henderson on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

 6. Anthony Pettis (14-2) Last fight: SD win over Jeremy Stephens at UFC 136 on October 8, 2011. Next fight: vs. Joe Lauzon on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144.

 7.Shinya Aoki (30-5-1NC, DREAM LW champion ) Last fight: UD win over Satoru Kitaoka to defend DREAM LW title on December 31, 2011 at DREAM New Year’s Eve 2011. Next fight: TBA

8. Nate Diaz (15-7) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Donald Cerrone on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Jim Miller on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3.

9. Jim Miller (21-3) Last Fight: submission win over Melvin Guillard on January 20, 2012 at UFC on FX 1. Next fight: versus Nate Diaz on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3.

10. Donald Cerrone (17-4-1) Last Fight: UD loss to Nate Diaz on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Rafael Dos Anjos, Jorge Masvidal, Joe Lauzon, Edson Barboza, Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler.

Previously 5^th ranked Kenny Florian is removed from this month’s list due to inactivity and an announcement that he will go back to the lightweight division or possibly retire. Previously 6^th ranked Mark Hominick benefits from Florian’s departure and bumps up to 5^th overall. Erik Koch bumps up from 7^th to 6^th. Charles Oliveira’s first fight at featherweight with a submission of the night victory over Eric Wisely on January 28 puts him in the Top 10 at number 7. 3^rd ranked Hatsu Hioki is set to face honorable mention Bart Palaszewski this month in his home country of Japan. 9^th ranked Dustin Poirier is scheduled to fight Max Holloway on February 4.

Featherweights-145 lbs.

1. Jose Aldo (21-1, UFC Featherweight Champion) Last fight: KO win over Chad Mendes at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

2.Chad Mendes (11-1) Last fight: KO loss to Jose Aldo at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

 3.Hatsu Hioki (25-4-2) Last fight: SD win over George Roop on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: vs. Bart Palaszewski on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144.

 4.Diego Nunes (17-2) Last fight: UD win over Manvel Gamburyan on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: versus Dennis Siver at UFC on Fuel TV 2 on April 14, 2012.

 5. Mark Hominick (20-10) Last fight: KO loss to Chan Sung Jung on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: versus Eddie Yagin on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145

6. Erik Koch (13-1) Last fight: UD win over Jonathan Brookins on September 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

7. Charles Oliveira (15-2-1) Last Fight: submission win over Eric Wisely on January 28, 2012. Next Fight: TBA

8. Darren Elkins (13-2) Last fight: UD win over Zhang Tiequan on    October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: TBA

9. Dustin Poirier (11-1) Last Fight: submission win over Pablo Garza on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: vs. Max Holloway on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143.

10. Chan Sung Jung (12-3) Last fight: KO win over Mark Hominick on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Joe Warren, Marlon Sandro, Bart Palaszewski, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Pat Curran, Yuri Alcantara, Cub Swanson, Ricardo Lamas, Kenny Florian (retired).

Takeya Mizugaki enters the Top 10 at number 10 after an injury bumps Eddie Wineland out due to inactivity. 2^nd ranked Scott Jorgensen is set to face 6^th ranked Renan Barao on February 4 while Takeya Mizugaki will be in action on the 25^th against Chris Cariaso.

Bantamweights- 135 lbs.

1. Dominick Cruz (19-1, UFC Bantamweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Demetrious Johnson on October 1, 2011 to defend UFC BW title. Next fight: expected to face Urijah Faber for UFC BW title in 2012

2. Scott Jorgensen (13-4) Last fight: UD win over Jeff Curran on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: versus Renan Barao on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

3. Urijah Faber (26-5) Last fight: submission win over Brian Bowles on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: expected to face Dominick Cruz for UFC BW title in 2012.

4. Brian Bowles (10-2) Last fight: submission loss to Urijah Faber on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

5. Miguel Torres (39-4) Last fight: UD win over Nick Pace on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Michael McDonald on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.

6. Renan Barao (27-1-1) Last fight: submission win over Brad Pickett on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: versus Scott Jorgensen on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

7. Bibiano Fernandes (11-3) Last fight: UD win over Rodolfo Marques and TKO win over Antonio Banuelos to win DREAM BW Grand Prix on December 31, 2011 at DREAM New Year’s Eve 2011. Next fight: TBA

8. Michael McDonald (14-1) Last fight: KO win over Alex Soto on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Miguel Torres on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.

9. Brad Pickett (20-6) Last fight: submission loss to Renan Barao on November 5, 2011. Next fight: versus Damacio Page at UFC on Fuel 2 on April 14, 2012.

10. Takeya Mizugaki (15-6-2) Last fight: TKO win over Cole Escovedo on September 24, 2011 at UFC 135. Next fight: versus Chris Cariaso on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144.

Honourable mentions: Eddie Wineland Antonio Banuelos, Yves Jabouin. John Dodson, Zach Makovsky, Nick Denis, Mike Easton.

Click here to view previous month’s rankings

This is the February 1, 2012 episode of Ringside Report Radio hosted by Dave Simon and Kevin “Big Tuna” McKough.

Diamond Dallas Page appeared on this episode to discuss DDP Yoga and how it has helped pro athletes from all sports including mixed-martial arts. DDP also talked about his pro wrestling career in WCW and WWE and much more.

Dave and Kevin discussed the results from UFC on Fox 2 including Chael Sonnen’s victory over Michael Bisping and Rashad Evans win over Phil Davis.

Dave and Kevin also discussed the Ringside Report Official Top 10 MMA Rankings for February 2012.

All this and more on this 2-hour episode of Ringside Report Radio.

Brock Lesnar drops from 4^th in December to 8^th in January following first round TKO loss to Alistair Overeem on December 30. Overeem remains 3^rd overall with the victory. With Lesnar’s drop, Josh Barnett and Daniel Cormier move up from 5^th and 6^th last month to 4^th and 5^th in this month’s rankings. Frank Mir also improves from 9^th to 6^th with an impressive submission win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on December 10. Antonio Silva remains inactive with an injury and drops from 8^th to 9^th this month due to Mir’s upwards movement. Despite the loss, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira remains 10^th overall.

Heavyweights- 207-265 lbs.

1. Junior Dos Santos (14-1, UFC HW champion) Last fight: KO win over Cain Velasquez on November 12, 2011 to win UFC HW title. Next Fight: defending UFC HW title versus Alistair Overeem in summer 2012

2. Cain Velasquez (9-1) Last fight: KO loss to Junior Dos Santos on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: rumoured to be fighting Antonio Silva in April 2012

3.Alistair Overeem (36-11-1) Last fight: TKO win over Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next Fight: versus Junior Dos Santos in summer 2012

4. Josh Barnett (31-5) Last fight:  submission win over Sergei Kharitonov on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Daniel Cormier on March 3, 2012 in Strikeforce HW G.P. finals

5. Daniel Cormier (9-0) Last fight: KO win over Antonio Silva on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Josh Barnett on March 3, 2012 in Strikeforce HW G.P. finals

6. Frank Mir (16-5) Last fight: submission win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: TBA

7. Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1) Last fight: UD loss to Alistair Overeem on June 18. Next fight: versus Roy Nelson on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

8. Brock Lesnar (5-3) Last fight: TKO loss to Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next Fight: TBA, Lesnar announced retirement following last fight.

9. Antonio Silva (16-3) Last fight: KO loss to Daniel Cormier on September 10. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Cain Velasquez in April 2012

10. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1-1) Last fight: submission loss to Frank Mir on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Sergei Kharitonov, Roy Nelson, Fedor Emelianenko, Cheick Kongo, Shane Carwin

With impressive victories in December, Gegard Mousasi and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira knock the inactive Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante and Forrest Griffin out of the Top 10 rankings. Mousasi’s victory over Ovince St-Preux  on December 17 for Strikeforce puts him 9^th overall. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira scored a first round TKO over Tito Ortiz to place him at 10^th. Alexander Gustafsson improves from 10^th to 8^th with a first round TKO win over Vladimir Matyushenko on December 30. The Top 7 remain the same as last month’s rankings.

Light-Heavyweights- 205 lbs.

1. Jon Jones (15-1, UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion) Last fight: submission win over Lyoto Machida on December 10, 2011. Next fight: TBA

2. Dan Henderson (29-8) Last fight: UD win over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

3. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (20-6) Last Fight: UD loss to Dan Henderson on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

4. Lyoto Machida (17-3) Last fight: submission loss to Jon Jones on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: TBA

5. Rashad Evans (16-1-1D) Last fight: TKO win over Tito Ortiz on August 6, 2011. Next fight: versus Phil Davis on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2

6.Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-9) Last fight: submission loss to Jon Jones on September 24, 2011. Next fight: vs. Ryan Bader on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144

7. Phil Davis (9-0) Last fight: UD win over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira on March 26, 2011 Next fight: versus Rashad Evans on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2

8. Alexander Gustafsson (13-1) Last fight: TKO win over Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next fight: TBA

9. Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Ovince St-Preux on December 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

10. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5) Last fight: TKO win over Tito Ortiz on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140

Honourable mentions: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante, Forrest Griffin

No movement in the middleweight division this month. Very little middleweight action in December but January should be interesting with several big middleweight match-ups.

Middleweights- 185 lbs.

1. Anderson Silva (31-4, UFC Middleweight Champion) Last fight: TKO win over Yushin Okami on August 27, 2011. Next fight: TBA

2. Chael Sonnen (27-11-1D) Last fight: submission win over Brian Stann on October 8, 2011. Next fight: versus Mark Munoz on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2

3. Yushin Okami (26-6) Last fight: TKO loss to Anderson Silva on August 27, 2011. Next fight: vs. Tim Boetsch on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144

4. Mark Munoz (12-2) Last fight: TKO win over Chris Leben on November 5, 2011. Next fight: versus Chael Sonnen on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2.

5. Demian Maia (15-3) Last fight: UD win over Jorge Santiago on October 8, 2011. Next fight: versus Michael Bisping at UFC on Fox 2 on January 28, 2012.

6. Vitor Belfort (20-9) Last fight: KO win over Yoshihiro Akiyama on August 6, 2011. Next fight: versus Anthony Johnson at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012

7. Michael Bisping (22-3) Last fight: TKO win over Jason “Mayhem” Miller on December 3, 2011. Next fight: versus Demian Maia on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2

8. Brian Stann (11-4) Last fight: submission loss to Chael Sonnen on October 8, 2011. Next fight: versus Alessio Sakara on April 14, 2012 at UFC on FX 2

9. Luke Rockhold (9-1, Strikeforce MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Keith Jardine on January 8, 2012 at Strikeforce: Rockhold v. Jardine

10. Hector Lombard (31-2-1-1NC, Bellator MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Trevor Prangley on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Mamed Khalidov, Jorge Santiago, Rousimar Palhares, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Wanderlei Silva, Chris Weidman.

Johny Hendricks move from an honourable mention in December 2011 to 9^th in the world in January 2012 with a KO win over Jon Fitch on December 30. The Hendricks victory shook up the welterweight rankings. Jon Fitch drops from 3^rd to 5^th. Josh Koscheck bumps up from 4^th to 3^rd. Carlos Condit moves up from 6^th to 4^th. BJ Penn bumps up from 7^th to 6^th while Jake Shields drops from 5^th to 7^th. Rory MacDonald gets bumped out of the Top 10 with the inclusion of Hendricks.

Welterweights- 170 lbs.

1. Georges St-Pierre (22-2 UFC Welterweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Jake Shields on April 30, 2011 Next fight: TBA

2. Nick Diaz (26-7-1D) Last fight: UD win over BJ Penn on October 29, 2011. Next fight: versus Carlos Condit on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship

3. Josh Koscheck (16-5) Last fight: KO win over Matt Hughes on September 24, 2011. Next fight: vs. Mike Pierce on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

4. Carlos Condit (27-5) Last fight: KO win over Dong Hyun Kim on July 2, 2011. Next fight: vs. Nick Diaz on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship

5. Jon Fitch (23-4-1NC-1D) Last fight: KO loss to Johny Hendricks on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

6. B.J. Penn (16-8-2) Last fight: UD loss to Nick Diaz on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: TBA

7. Jake Shields (26-6-1D) Last fight: KO loss to Jake Ellenberger on September 17, 2011. Next fight: vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144.

8. Jake Ellenberger (26-5) Last fight: KO win over Jake Shields on September 17, 2011. Next fight: vs. Diego Sanchez on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 1.

9. Johny Hendricks (12-1) Last fight: KO win over Jon Fitch on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

10. Diego Sanchez (23-4) Last Fight: UD win over Martin Kampmann on March 3, 2011. Next Fight: vs. Jake Ellenberger on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 1.

Honourable mentions: Martin Kampmann, Dong Hyun Kim, John Hathaway, Charlie Brenneman, Thiago Alves, Rick Story, Rory MacDonald.

Despite some action at lightweight in December there is no movement in the rankings. Nate Diaz was ranked 8^th overall last month and defeated 9^th overall Donald Cerrone on December 30. Shinya Aoki’s victory over Satoru Kitaoka on December 31 does nothing to improve his ranking.

Lightweights- 155 lbs.

 1.    Frankie Edgar (14-1-1, UFC Lightweight Champion) Last fight: KO win over Gray Maynard on October 8, 2011 to defend UFC LW title. Next fight: vs. Benson Henderson on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 for UFC LW title.

 2.    Gray Maynard (10-1-1D-1NC) Last fight: KO loss to Frankie Edgar on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: TBA

 3.    Gilbert Melendez (20-2, Strikeforce LW champion) Last fight: UD win over Jorge Masvidal to defend Strikeforce LW title on December 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

 4.    Benson Henderson (15-2) Last fight: UD win over Clay Guida on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: vs. Frankie Edgar on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 for UFC LW title.  

 5.    Clay Guida (29-12) Last fight: UD loss to Benson Henderson on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

 6. Anthony Pettis (14-2) Last fight: SD win over Jeremy Stephens at UFC 136 on October 8, 2011. Next fight: vs. Joe Lauzon on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144.

 7.    Shinya Aoki (30-5-1NC, DREAM LW champion ) Last fight: UD win over Satoru Kitaoka to defend DREAM LW title on December 31, 2011 at DREAM New Year’s Eve 2011

8. Nate Diaz (15-7) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Donald Cerrone on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

9. Donald Cerrone (17-4-1) Last Fight: UD loss to Nate Diaz on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

10. Jim Miller (20-3) Last Fight: UD loss to Benson Henderson on August 14, 2011. Next Fight: vs. Melvin Guillard on January 20, 2012 at UFC on FX 1.

Honourable mentions: Rafael Dos Anjos, Jorge Masvidal, Joe Lauzon, Terry Etim, Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler.

Mark Hominick’s KO loss to Chan Sung Jung drops him from 4^th to 6^th in this month’s rankings. Chan Sung Jung aka The Korean Zombie benefits from his win to enter the Top 10 at number 10. Diego Nunes jumps from 6^th to 4^th with a decision victory over Manvel Gamburyan on December 30. Dustin Poirier moves from 10^th to 9^th with Chan Sung Jung’s inclusion, also bumping Joe Warren out of the Top 10.

Featherweights-145 lbs.

1.    Jose Aldo (20-1, UFC Featherweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Kenny Florian to defend UFC FW title on October 8. Next fight: defending title versus Chad Mendes at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012.

 2.    Chad Mendes (11-0) Last fight: UD win over Rani Yahya on August 6, 2011. Next fight: versus Jose Aldo for UFC FW title on January 14, 2012 at UFC 142.

 3.    Hatsu Hioki (25-4-2) Last fight: SD win over George Roop on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: vs. Bart Palaszewski on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144.

 4.    Diego Nunes (17-2) Last fight: UD win over Manvel Gamburyan on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

 5.    Kenny Florian (14-6) Last Fight: UD loss to Jose Aldo on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: TBA

 6.    Mark Hominick (20-10) Last fight: KO loss to Chan Sung Jung on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: versus Eddie Yagin on March 24, 2012 at UFC 145. 

 7.    Eric Koch (13-1) Last fight: UD win over Jonathan Brookins on September 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

8. Darren Elkins (13-2) Last fight: UD win over Zhang Tiequan on    October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: TBA

9. Dustin Poirier (11-1) Last Fight: submission win over Pablo Garza on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: vs. Ricardo Lamas on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

10. Chan Sung Jung (12-3) Last fight: KO win over Mark Hominick on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Joe Warren, Manny Gamburyan, Marlon Sandro, Bart Palaszewski, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Pat Curran.

Previously ranked 2^nd overall at bantamweight, Joseph Benavidez drops out of the Top 10 following the announcement that he will compete in a 4-man tournament to determine the first UFC flyweight champion. Demetrious Johnson will also be making the drop to 125 lbs. and exits the Top 10. Johnson was ranked 5^th overall in December 2011. With the division’s loss of two of their best, the rest of the division moves up in the rankings: Scott Jorgensen moves up from 3^rd to 2^nd overall. Urijah Faber bumps up from 4^th to 3^rd. Brian Bowles goes from 6^th to 4^th. Miguel Torres from 7^th to 5^th and Renan Barao from 8^th to 6^th. Bibiano Fernandes moves up from 10^th to 7^th with two victories on December 31 to win the DREAM BW Grand Prix. Michael McDonald moves up from 9^th to 8^th. Brad Pickett moves into the Top 10 at 9 while Eddie Wineland gets in at 10^th.

Bantamweights- 135 lbs.

1. Dominick Cruz (19-1, UFC Bantamweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Demetrious Johnson on October 1, 2011 to defend UFC BW title. Next fight: expected to face Urijah Faber for UFC BW title in 2012

2. Scott Jorgensen (13-4) Last fight: UD win over Jeff Curran on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: versus Renan Barao on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

3. Urijah Faber (26-5) Last fight: submission win over Brian Bowles on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: expected to face Dominick Cruz for UFC BW title in 2012.

4. Brian Bowles (10-2) Last fight: submission loss to Urijah Faber on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

5. Miguel Torres (39-4) Last fight: UD win over Nick Pace on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

6. Renan Barao (27-1-1) Last fight: submission win over Brad Pickett on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: versus Scott Jorgensen on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

7. Bibiano Fernandes (11-3) Last fight: UD win over Rodolfo Marques and TKO win over Antonio Banuelos to win DREAM BW Grand Prix on December 31, 2011 at DREAM New Year’s Eve 2011. Next fight: TBA

8. Michael McDonald (14-1) Last fight: KO win over Alex Soto on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

9. Brad Pickett (20-6) Last fight: submission loss to Renan Barao on November 5, 2011. Next fight: TBA

10. Eddie Wineland (18-8-1) Last fight: UD loss to Joseph Benavidez on August 14, 2011 on UFC Live: Hardy v. Lytle. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Takeya Mizugaki, Antonio Banuelos, Yves Jabouin. John Dodson, Zach Makovsky.

Click here to view previous month’s rankings

This is the December 14, 2011 episode of Ringside Report Radio hosted by Dave Simon and Kevin “Big Tuna” McKough.

Tyron Woodley (9-0) appeared on this episode to discuss his upcoming bout against Jordan Mein for Strikeforce, his victory over Paul Daley in his last bout and the opening of his gym in St. Louis, Missouri.

Dave and Kevin discussed the results of UFC 140 including Jon Jones’ choking out Lyoto Machida, Frank Mir submitting Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira defeating Tito Ortiz.

All this and much more MMA talk on this 2-hour episode of Ringside Report Radio.

Friday night M-1 Global held their 30th Challenge card in Costa Mesa, California
at The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center on Showtime. The main event saw the crowning of a new M-1 Challenge welterweight champion as Yasubey Enomoto choked out Shamil Zavurov with guillotine choke with only 50 seconds left in the bout in a rematch from April of this year. In another rematch Artiom Damkovsky avenged his March TKO loss to Jose Figueroa by knocking him out in the first round. (Full M-1 Challenge 30: Zavurov vs. Enomoto event results below.)

In the main event of Saturday’s UFC 140 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Light Heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones set a few records, including the first man to submit Lyoto Machida and the first man since Chuck Liddell to defend the Light Heavyweight title more than once. In a tough first round for the champ, many saw Machida winning it 10-9, but Jones needed those five first minutes to measure up the former champ, as he admitted it to be the most confusing round of his career. Not only did Jones, submit Machida, but he choked him out cold with a standing guillotine. When the referee called a halt to the action, Jones released the hold for Machida to drop to the ground lifeless.

In the semi main event Frank Mir continued his win streak by breaking the arm of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira with a kimura. Mir appeared to be on wobbly legs after taking so hard punches from Nogueira, and immediately shot in for a takedown. This wasn’t beneficial to him either, as Nogueira slapped on an anaconda choke, but after some scrabbling Mir found himself in side control in position for a kirmura. Nogueira failed to roll out of the synched in submission twice, and his ego refused to allow him to tap as Mir continued to wrench his arm till in snapped.

Nogueira’s twin brother Antonio Rogerio Nogueira aka Lil Nog came out on top against Tito Ortiz, snapping his two fight losing streak with a TKO victory. Lil Nog came out strong defending Ortiz’s take downs and followed up with impressive Muay Thai, dropping Ortiz to the ground with a stiff knee to the ribs. Lil Nog jumped into Ortiz’s guard and pounded away at the former Light Heavyweight champion’s midsection until the referee end the bout.

The Korean Zombie Chan Sung Jung tied for the fastest knockout in UFC history with his seven second knockout of Mark Hominick. Hominick missed a wild punch he threw and was caught by Jung under the chin. Hominick dropped to the ground immediately where he was met with five unanswered punches from Jung.

The Hominick loss was just one of five losses for Canadian fighters on the card as Krzysztof Soszynski was knockout by Igor Prokrajac; Claude Patrick loss a split decision to Brian Ebersole. Mitch Clarke loss to John Cholish via TKO and John Makdessi tasted defeat for the first time in his career, when Dennis Hallman imposed his will on Makdessi, taking him down and ground and pounded his way to a rear naked choke. Only two Canadian fighters won their bouts as Mark Bocek defeated Nik Lentz via unanimous decision and Yves Jabouin took a split decision victory over Walel Watson. (Full UFC 140 event results below.)

BAMMA made their U.S. television debut on Saturday on HDnet, but due to technical difficulties the last two bouts didn’t make air. The event which imitated from Capital FM Arena in Nottingham, England was headlined by undefeated light heavyweight Jimi Manuwa versus Antony Rea. The UCMMA Light Heavyweight champion Manuwa successfully kept his win streak alive, improving to 11 straight wins and defended his title for the sixth time when Rea couldn’t answer the bell after the very first round. “Judo” Jim Wallhead took out Joey Villasenor in just 48 second with a devastating knockout blow; improving to 2-0 in the promotion with wins over Villasenor and Frank Trigg since losing in the quarterfinals of the Bellator Welterweight tournament in March. Also on the card, former TUF alumi and UFC veteran Andre Winner picked up a unanimous decision victory over Deigo Gonzales. (Full BAMMA 8 event results below.)

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Friday Night Fights

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M-1 Challenge 30: Zavurov vs. Enomoto results:

Yasubey Enomoto def. Shamil Zavurov via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 5, 4:10 – to become new welterweight champ
Artiom Damkovsky def. Jose Figueroa via KO (punches) – Round 1, 2:19
Alexander Sarnavskiy def. Sergio Cortez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:46
Tyson Jeffries def. Eddie Arizmendi via submission (brabo choke) – Round 2, 2:08
Bao Quach def. Alvin Cacdac via submission (triangle armbar) – Round 1, 3:33
Aaron Miller def. Paul Webb via unanimous decision

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Saturday Night Fights

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UFC 140 results:

Jon Jones def. Lyoto Machida via technical submission (standing guillotine choke) – Round 2, 4:26 (to retain light-heavyweight title)
Frank Mir def. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira via submission (kimura) – Round 1, 3:38
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira def. Tito Ortiz via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:15
Brian Ebersole def. Claude Patrick via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Chan Sung Jung def. Mark Hominick via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:07

ION Television/Sportsnet prelims:

Igor Pokrajac def. Krzysztof Soszynski via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:35
Constantinos Philippou def. Jared Hamman via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:11
Dennis Hallman def. John Makdessi via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:58
Yves Jabouin def. Walel Watson via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Facebook prelims:

Mark Bocek def. Nik Lentz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jake Hecht def. Rich Attonito via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:10
John Cholish def. Mitch Clarke via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 4:36

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BAMMA 8:

Jimi Manuwa def. Antony Rea via TKO –Round 1 (Unable to answer the bell for 2nd round)
Jim Wallhead def. Joey Villasenor via KO- 0:48 – Round 1
Andre Winner def. Deigo Gonzalez via Unanimous Decision
Erik Perez, def. Paul McVeigh via Unanimous Decision
Brian Hyslop def. Ian Malone via Unanimous Decision
Brent Crawley def. Mark Platts via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – 2:57 – Round 1
Danny Mitchell def. Dean Masinger via Submission (Triangle Choke) – 2:28 – Round 2
Tom Breese def. Quasim Shafiq via Submission (Triangle Choke) – 4:20 – Round 1
Colin Fletcher def. David Round via Submission (Guillotine Choke) – 2:13 – Round 1