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.

This is the January 25, 2012 episode of Ringside Report Radio hosted by Dave Simon and Kevin “Big Tuna” McKough.

On this episode, Dave and Kevin discussed Jim Miller’s victory over Melvin Guillard in the main event of UFC on FX 1 and the announcement by the UFC that Miller will face Nate Diaz on May 5.

Dave and Kevin talked about the rest of the UFC on FX card and much more MMA on this 1-hour episode.

Friday night kicked off the weekend with the UFC on FX 1 from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee with the main event of Jim Miller versus Melvin Guillard. After coming off a tough three round war in August against Benson Henderson, Jim Miller looked like a man possessed when forced Guillard to tap out in just over two minutes of the very first round with a rear naked choke. The pace of the bout was set early on, but even with a change in camps Guillard’s ground skill were no match for New Jersey’s Miller.

Josh Neer made his comeback to the UFC with a Bang! Well sort of as he submitted Duane “Bang” Ludwig with a guillotine choke in the first round. Ludwig was striking hard and had appeared to rock Neer with a couple of strikes. Once the bout went to the ground, Neer slapped on a guillotine choking Ludwig out.

Mike Easton and Jared Papazian went toe-to-toe, literally with both fighters throwing tons of strikes in the Muay Thai clinch. The bout resembled a hockey with with both Featherweight throwing strikes at one another at a very intense pace. None of the strike were very effective as the bout lasted the full three rounds with Easton winning by majority decision, but definitely an impressive debut for Papazian.

Pat “HD” Barry displayed a very improved ground game in his bout against Christian Morecraft, and he was able to roll out of an arm bar early on. When the bout returned to a stand up war, Barry knockout out Morecraft with a left hook reminiscent of Mike Tyson.

On the under card Nick Denis destroyed Joseph Sandoval in 22 seconds with elbows knocking him out as the Ninja of Love gets his first UFC win. In his last UFC win Jorge Rivera picked a TKO victory over Eric Schafer in the second round, and retired post fight.(Full UFC on FX 1 event results below.)

ProElite continued the MMA action on Saturday night at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The event was headlined by Kendall Grove taking on Ikuhisa Minowa in a lackluster three round  unanimous decision. On the women’s side of things Sara McMann introduced herself to the world in a very one-sided beat down of Hitomi Akano.

In ProElite’s Hevayweight Grand Prix semi finals, Richard Odoms defeated Jake Heun in the first round with a rear-naked choke submission, and Ryan Martinez also advanced to the finals with a decision victory over Cody Griffin. (Full ProElite 3 event results below.)

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Friday Night Fights

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UFC on FX 1 results:

Jim Miller def. Melvin Guillard via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:04

Josh Neer def. Duane Ludwig via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 3:04

Mike Easton def. Jared Papazian via majority decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-29)

Pat Barry def. Christian Morecraft via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:38

FUEL TV Prelims:

Jorge Rivera def. Eric Schafer via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:31

Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Kamal Shalorus via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 2:08

Charlie Brenneman def. Daniel Roberts via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Fabricio Camoes def. Tommy Hayden via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:03

Daniel Pineda def. Pat Schilling via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:37

Nick Denis def. Joseph Sandoval via KO (elbows) – Round 1, 0:22

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Saturday Night Fights

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ProElite 3 results:

Kendall Grove def. Ikuhisa Minowa via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Sara McMann def. Hitomi Akano via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Richard Odoms def. Jake Heun via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:56 – to advance to heavyweight grand prix final

Ryan Martinez def. Cody Griffin via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) – to advance to heavyweight grand prix final

Patrick Cummins def. Tasi Edwards via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 1, 4:01

Brant Schermerhorn def. Kaleo Gambill via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:45

Tatsuya Mizuno def. Ilima Maiava via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 2, 1:47

Toby Misech def. Steven Saito via TKO (knees) – Round 1, 1:53

Collin Mansanas def. Bryson Kamaka via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:27

Sean Rush def. Jaymes Schulte via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:37

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 23, 2011 episode of Ringside Report Radio hosted by Dave Simon and Kevin “Big Tuna” McKough.

Jonathan Chaimberg appeared on this episode to discuss some of the fighters he helped prepare for UFC 140, New York Yankee Russell Martin and much more.

John Morgan from MMAjunkie.com also appeared on this episode to talk about UFC 141: Overeem v. Lesnar and the best moments of 2011 in MMA.

Dave and Kevin talked about 2011 in MMA including the Top 10 MMA stories of the year, fighter of the year, knockout of the year, submission of the year and many other highlights.

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

Junior Dos Santos takes the top spot in the heavyweight division with a knockout victory over Cain Velasquez on November 12. Dos Santos was previously ranked 2^nd overall and drops the previously undefeated and now former champion Velasquez, to number two. The rest of the heavyweight division remains the same for this month.

Heavyweights

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: TBA, expected to face winner of Brock Lesnar- Alistair Overeem.

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

3.Alistair Overeem (35-11-1) Last fight: UD win over Fabricio Werdum on June 18. Next fight: v. Brock Lesnar on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141

4 Brock Lesnar (5-2) Last fight: TKO loss to Cain Velasquez in October 2010. Next fight: v. Alistair Overeem on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141

5. Josh Barnett (30-5) Last fight:  submission win over Sergei Kharitonov on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Daniel Cormier in early 2012 in Strikeforce HW GP final

6. Daniel Cormier (9-0) Last fight: KO win over Antonio Silva on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Josh Barnett in early 2012 in Strikeforce HW GP final

7. Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1) Last fight: UD loss to Alistair Overeem on June 18. Next fight: TBA, rumoured to be fighting Brendan Schaub in 2012

8. Antonio Silva (16-2) Last fight: KO loss to Daniel Cormier on September 10. Next fight: TBA

9. Frank Mir (15-5) Last fight: UD win over Roy Nelson on May 28. Next fight versus Antonio Rodgrio Nogueira on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140.

10. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-6) Last fight: KO win over Brendan Schaub on August 27. Next fight: v. Frank Mir on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140

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

Dan Henderson’s decision victory over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on November 19 in his return to the UFC was enough to bump the Strikeforce Light-Heavyweight champion from 6^th to 2^nd overall this month. Shogun drops from 2^nd to 3^rd forcing Lyoto Machida to drop from 3^rd to 4^th, Rashad Evans from 4^th to 5^th and Rampage Jackson from 5^th to 6^th. The rest of the division remains unchanged this month.

Light-Heavyweights

1. Jon Jones (13-1, UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion) Last fight: submission win over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson on September 24, 2011. Next fight: vs. Lyoto Machida on December 10

2. Dan Henderson (28-8) Last fight: UD win over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

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

4. Lyoto Machida (17-2) Last fight: KO win over Randy Couture on April 30, 2011 Next fight: versus Jon Jones for UFC LHW title on December 10

5. Rashad Evans (15-1-1D) Last fight: TKO win over Tito Ortiz on August 6, 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Phil Davis on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2

6.Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-8) 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: rumoured to be fighting Rashad Evans on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2

8. Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (10-3) Last fight: TKO win over Yoel Romero on September 10, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

9. Forrest Griffin (18-6) Last fight: KO loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on August 27, 2011.  Next fight: TBA

10. Alexander Gustafsson (12-1) Last fight: TKO win over Matt Hamill on August 6, 2011. Next fight: vs. Vladimir Matysuhenko on December 30 at UFC 141

Honourable mentions: Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, Tito Ortiz, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

No movement in the middleweight division this month.

Middleweights

1. Anderson Silva (30-4, UFC Middleweight Champion) Last fight: TKO win over Yushin Okami on August 27, 2011. Next fight: TBA

2. Chael Sonnen (26-11-1D) Last fight: submission win over Brian Stann on October 8, 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting winner of Michael Bisping v. Jason Miller

3. Yushin Okami (26-5) 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. Demian Maia (15-3) Last fight: UD win over Jorge Santiago on October 8, 2011. Next fight: TBA

6. Vitor Belfort (19-9) 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 (21-3) Last fight: TKO win over Jorge Rivera on February 27, 2011. Next fight: Jason Miller on December 3, 2011.

8. Brian Stann (11-4) Last fight: submission loss to Chael Sonnen on October 8, 2011. Next fight: TBA

9. Luke Rockhold (8-1) Last fight: UD win over Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza on September 10, 2011 to win Strikeforce MW title. Next fight: rumoured to be defending Strikeforce MW title vs. Keith Jardine on January 7

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.

Previously 10^th ranked Rick Story’s decision loss to Martin Kampmann on March 19 knocks him out of the top 10 for December. Diego Sanchez benefits from Story’s exit and re-enters the top 10 at number 10 with a win over Martin Kampmann in his last bout and a scheduled bout with 8^th ranked Jake Ellenberger in his sights. The rest of the division remains the same.

Welterweights

1. Georges St-Pierre (22-2 UFC Welterweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Jake Shields on April 30, 2011 Next fight: defending UFC WW title versus Nick Diaz on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

2. Nick Diaz (26-7-1D) Last fight: UD win over BJ Penn on October 29, 2011. Next fight: versus Georges St-Pierre on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

3. Jon Fitch (23-3-1NC-1D) Last fight: majority draw v. B.J. Penn on February 27, 2011. Next fight: versus Johny Hendricks on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141

4. Josh Koscheck (15-5) Last fight: KO win over Matt Hughes on September 24, 2011. Next fight: vs. Carlos Condit at UFC 143 on February 4, 2012

5. Jake Shields (26-5-1D) Last fight: KO loss to Jake Ellenberger on September 17, 2011. Next fight: vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144.

6. Carlos Condit (27-5) Last fight: KO win over Dong Hyun Kim on July 2, 2011. Next fight: vs. Josh Koscheck at UFC 143 on February 4, 2012

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

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. Rory MacDonald (12-1) Last fight: TKO win over Mike Pyle on August 6, 2011. 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, Johny Hendricks,Charlie Brenneman, Thiago Alves, Rick Story.

Benson Henderson’s decision victory over Clay Guida on November 19 bumps him from 6^th to 4^th ranked lightweight in the world. Clay Guida drops from 4^th to 5^th with the loss^, which bumps Anthony Pettis down from 5^th to 6^th overall. Eddie Alvarez was previously ranked 8^th overall as the (20-2) Bellator lightweight champion but his submission loss to Michael Chandler (9-0) bumps him out of the top 10. Nate Diaz jumps from 9^th to 8^th to take Alvarez’ spot which also moves Donald Cerrone from 10^th to 9^th. Jim Miller re-enters the top 10 at number 10.

Lightweights

 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 (19-2, Strikeforce LW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Tatsuya Kawajiri on April 4, 2011. Next fight: versus Jorge Masvidal for Strikeforce LW title on December 17, 2011.

 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 (12-2) 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 (28-5-1NC, DREAM LW champion ) Last fight: submission win over Rob McCullough on September 24, 2011 at DREAM 17. Next fight: vs. Satoru Kitaoka on December 31, 2011 at DREAM New Year’s Eve 2011.

8. Nate Diaz (14-7) Last fight: submission win over Takanori Gomi on September 24, 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Donald Cerrone on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141.

9. Donald Cerrone (17-3-1) Last Fight: submission win over Dennis Siver on October 29, 2011. Next fight: vs. Nate Diaz on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141.

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, Jim Miller, Joe Lauzon, Terry Etim, Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler.

Dustin Poirier’s submission win over (11-2) Pablo Garza is enough to enter him into the top 10 at number 10. Poirier’s entry bumps previously 10^th ranked Bellator contender, Pat Curran out of the top 10 this month.

Featherweights

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 (24-4-1) 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. Mark Hominick (20-9) Last fight: UD loss to Jose Aldo on April 30, 2011 for UFC FW title. Next fight: vs. Chan Sung Jung on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140.

 5. Kenny Florian (16-6) Last Fight: UD loss to Jose Aldo on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: TBA

6. Diego Nunes (16-2) Last fight: UD loss to Kenny Florian on June 11, 2011. Next fight: vs. Manvel Gamburyan on December 30, 2011 at UFC 14                                                                                           

7. Eric Koch (13-1) Last fight: UD win over Jonathan Brookins on September 17, 2011. Next fight: vs. Dustin Poirier on February 4 at UFC 143

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

9. Joe Warren (7-2, Bellator FW champion) Last fight: KO loss to Alexis                Vila on September 24, 2011 in first round of Bellator BW tournament. Next Fight: vs. Pat Curran for Bellator FW title in early 2012.

10. Dustin Poirier (11-1) Last Fight: submission win over Pablo Garza on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

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

Urijah Faber’s submission victory over Brian Bowles is enough to move him from 6^th overall in November to 4^th in December. Brian Bowles was previously ranked 2^nd overall and now drops to 6^th. Joseph Benavidez moves up from 3^rd to 2^nd while Scott Jorgensen moves up from 4^th to 3^rd. Demetrious Johnson remains in 5^th and the rest of the division remains unchanged.

Bantamweights

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. Joseph Benavidez (14-2) Last fight: UD win over Eddie Wineland on August 14, 2011. Next fight: TBA

3. Scott Jorgensen (13-4) Last fight: UD win over Jeff Curran on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: TBA

4. Urijah Faber (25-5) Last fight: submission win over Brian Bowles on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: expected to face Dominick Cruz for UFC BW title in 2012.

5. Demetrious Johnson (10-2) Last fight: UD loss to Dominick Cruz on October 1, 2011. Next Fight: rumoured to be fighting Eddie Wineland on Janaury 28 at UFC on Fox 2

6. Brian Bowles (10-1) Last fight: submission loss to Urijah Faber on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

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

8. Renan Barao (27-1-1) Last fight: submission win over Brad Pickett on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: TBA

9. Michael McDonald (13-1) Last fight: KO win over Alex Soto on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

10. Bibiano Fernandes (9-3) Last fight: submission win over Takafumi Otsuka on September 24, 2011 at DREAM 17. Next fight: vs. Rodolfo Marques Diniz in BW Grand Prix semifinal at DREAM: New Year’s Eve 2011 on December 31, 2011.

Honourable mentions: Eddie Wineland, Takeya Mizugaki, Damacio Page, Antonio Banuelos, Masakazu Imanari, Brad Pickett.

UFC play-by-play announcer Mike Goldberg appeared on this episode to discuss the upcoming Ultimate Fight Collection 2011 DVD release, UFC 139 and more.

Dave and Kevin re-capped the results from UFC on Fox including Junior Dos Santos winning the UFC Heavyweight title with a KO win over Cain Velasquez.

All this and more on this 1-hour episode of Ringside Report Radio.

No movement in the Heavyweight division this month. None of the top 10 fighters were in action.

Heavyweights

1. Cain Velasquez (9-0, UFC Heavyweight Champion) Last fight: TKO win over Brock Lesnar on October 23, 2010. Next fight: Junior Dos Santos on November 12, 2011.

2. Junior Dos Santos (13-1) (No. 1 contender in UFC HW division) Last fight: UD win over Shane Carwin on June 11. Next fight: Cain Velasquez on November 12, 2011.

3.Alistair Overeem (35-11-1) Last fight: UD win over Fabricio Werdum on June 18. Next fight: v. Brock Lesnar on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141

4 Brock Lesnar (5-2) Last fight: TKO loss to Cain Velasquez in October 2010. Next fight: v. Alistair Overeem on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141

5. Josh Barnett (30-5) Last fight:  submission win over Sergei Kharitonov on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Daniel Cormier in early 2012 in Strikeforce HW GP final

6. Daniel Cormier (9-0) Last fight: KO win over Antonio Silva on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Josh Barnett in early 2012 in Strikeforce HW GP final

7. Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1) Last fight: UD loss to Alistair Overeem on June 18. Next fight: TBA

8. Antonio Silva (16-2) Last fight: KO loss to Daniel Cormier on September 10. Next fight: TBA

9. Frank Mir (15-5) Last fight: UD win over Roy Nelson on May 28. Next fight versus Antonio Rodgrio Nogueira on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140.

10. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-6) Last fight: KO win over Brendan Schaub on August 27. Next fight: v. Frank Mir on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140

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

No changes in the light-heavyweight division in October. None of the top 10 fighters were in action.

Light-Heavyweights

1. Jon Jones (13-1, UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion) Last fight: submission win over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson on September 24, 2011. Next fight: vs. Lyoto Machida on December 10

2. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (19-5) Last fight: KO win over Forrest Griffin on August 27, 2011. Next fight: versus Dan Henderson on November 19, 2011 at UFC 139

3. Lyoto Machida (17-2) Last fight: KO win over Randy Couture on April 30, 2011 Next fight: versus Jon Jones for UFC LHW title on December 10

4. Rashad Evans (15-1-1D) Last fight: TKO win over Tito Ortiz on August 6, 2011. Next fight: TBA

5. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-8) Last fight: submission loss to Jon Jones on September 24, 2011. Next fight: TBA

6. Dan Henderson (27-8, Strikeforce LHW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Fedor Emelianenko on July 30, 2011. Next fight: versus Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on November 19, 2011 at UFC 139

7. Phil Davis (9-0) Last fight: UD win over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira on March 26, 2011 Next fight: TBA

8. Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (10-3) Last fight: TKO win over Yoel Romero on September 10, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

9. Forrest Griffin (18-6) Last fight: KO loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on August 27, 2011.  Next fight: TBA

10. Alexander Gustafsson (12-1) Last fight: TKO win over Matt Hamill on August 6, 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Vladimir Matysuhenko on December 30 at UFC 141

Honourable mentions: Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, Tito Ortiz, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Nate Marquardt stripped of 4^th spot because he is fighting Yoshiyuki Yoshida as a Welterweight in February 2012 for BAMMA. Marquardt’s absence allows Mark Munoz, Demian Maia and Vitor Belfort to all move up one slot from last month’s rankings. Brian Stann’s loss to Chael Sonnen on October 8^th keeps him as the 8^th ranked middleweight in the world but allows Michael Bisping to jump ahead of him for 7^th. Bisping was previously ranked 9^th in the world. Nate Marquardt’s absence also allows Luke Rockhold to move up from 10^th to 9^th and introduces Bellator Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard to the top 10.

Middleweights

1. Anderson Silva (30-4, UFC Middleweight Champion) Last fight: TKO win over Yushin Okami on August 27, 2011. Next fight: TBA

2. Chael Sonnen (26-11-1D) Last fight: submission win over Brian Stann on October 8, 2011. Next fight: TBA

3. Yushin Okami (26-5) Last fight: TKO loss to Anderson Silva on August 27, 2011. Next fight: TBA

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

5. Demian Maia (15-3) Last fight: UD win over Jorge Santiago on October 8, 2011. Next fight: TBA

6. Vitor Belfort (19-9) 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 (21-3) Last fight: TKO win over Jorge Rivera on February 27, 2011. Next fight: Jason Miller on December 3, 2011.

8. Brian Stann (11-4) Last fight: submission loss to Chael Sonnen on October 8, 2011. Next fight: TBA

9. Luke Rockhold (8-1) Last fight: UD win over Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza on September 10, 2011 to win Strikeforce MW title. Next fight: TBA

10. Hector Lombard (30-2-1-1NC, Bellator MW champion) Last fight: submission win over Jesse Taylor on September 3, 2011. Next fight: versus Trevor Prangley on November 19 at Bellator 58

Honourable mentions: Mamed Khalidov, Jorge Santiago, Rousimar Palhares, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza

Nick Diaz’s impressive victory over BJ Penn on October 29 jumps him from 6^th to 2^nd overall in the world. Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck drop from 2^nd and 3^rd to 3^rd and 4^th respectively while Jake Shields remains the 5^th ranked welterweight. BJ Penn’s loss to Nick Diaz drops him from 4^th to 7^th, which allows Carlos Condit to improve from 7^th to 6^th overall. Jake Ellenberger moves from 10^th to 8^th overall, which bumps Rory MacDonald from 8^th to 9^th and Rick Story from 9^th to 10^th.

Welterweights

1. Georges St-Pierre (22-2 UFC Welterweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Jake Shields on April 30, 2011 Next fight: defending UFC WW title versus Nick Diaz on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

2. Nick Diaz (26-7-1D) Last fight: UD win over BJ Penn on October 29, 2011. Next fight: versus Georges St-Pierre on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143

3. Jon Fitch (23-3-1NC-1D) Last fight: majority draw v. B.J. Penn on February 27, 2011. Next fight: versus Johny Hendricks on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141

4. Josh Koscheck (15-5) Last fight: KO win over Matt Hughes on September 24, 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Carlos Condit at UFC 143 on February 4, 2012

5. Jake Shields (26-5-1D) Last fight: KO loss to Jake Ellenberger on September 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

6. Carlos Condit (27-5) Last fight: KO win over Dong Hyun Kim on July 2, 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Josh Koscheck at UFC 143 on February 4, 2012

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

8. Jake Ellenberger (26-5) Last fight: KO win over Jake Shields on September 17, 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Diego Sanchez on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143.  

9. Rory MacDonald (12-1) Last fight: TKO win over Mike Pyle on August 6, 2011. Next fight: TBA

10. Rick Story (13-4) Last fight: UD loss to Charlie Brenneman on June 26, 2011.  Next fight: v. Martin Kampmann on November 19, 2011.

Honourable mentions: Martin Kampmann, Diego Sanchez, Dong Hyun Kim, John Hathaway, Johny Hendricks,Charlie Brenneman, Thiago Alves.

The Top 5 lightweights in the world remain in the same order as last month. Frankie Edgar retained his top spot in the rankings with a KO UFC title defense over Gray Maynard on October 8. Donald Cerrone’s submission win over Dennis Siver moves him into the number 10 spot. Jim Miller gets bumped out of the top 10 due to inactivity which bumps Shinya Aoki, Eddie Alvarez and Nate Diaz all one up on the rankings.

Lightweights

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: TBA.

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 (19-2, Strikeforce LW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Tatsuya Kawajiri on April 4, 2011. Next fight: versus Jorge Masvidal for Strikeforce LW title on December 17, 2011.

4. Clay Guida (29-11) Last fight: UD win over Anthony Pettis on June 4, 2011. Next fight versus Benson Henderson on November 12, 2011.

5.Anthony Pettis (12-2) Last fight: SD win over Jeremy Stephens at UFC 136 on October 8, 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Joe Lauzon in January 2012.

6.Benson Henderson (13-2) Last fight: UD win over Jim Miller on August 14, 2011. Next fight: versus Clay Guida on November 12, 2011.

7. Shinya Aoki (28-5-1NC, DREAM LW champion ) Last fight: submission win over Rob McCullough on September 24, 2011 at DREAM 17. Next fight: TBA

8.Eddie Alvarez (22-2, Bellator Lightweight champion) Last fight: UD win over Pat Curran on April 2, 2011 to defend Bellator LW title. Next fight: defending Bellator LW title versus Michael Chandler on November 19, 2011 at Bellator 58.

9. Nate Diaz (14-7) Last fight: submission win over Takanori Gomi on September 24, 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Donald Cerrone on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141.

10. Donald Cerrone () Last Fight: submission win over Dennis Siver on October 29, 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Nate Diaz on Decemer 30, 2011 at UFC 141.

Honourable mentions: Rafael Dos Anjos, Jorge Masvidal, Jim Miller, Joe Lauzon, Terry Etim.

The top 7 featherweights remain the same with Jose Aldo defending his number 1 spot and the UFC title against Kenny Florian on October 8. Hatsu Hioki retained his 3^rd overall spot with a successful UFC debut. Darren Elkins jumps into the top 10 at number 8 with a victory over Zhang Tiequan on October 8. Elkins bumps Joe Warren and Pat Curran from 8^th and 9^th to 9^th and 10^th. This removes Patricio “Pitbull” Freire from the top 10 list but remains an honourable mention.

Featherweights

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 (24-4-1) Last fight: SD win over George Roop on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: TBA

4.Mark Hominick (20-9) Last fight: UD loss to Jose Aldo on April 30, 2011 for UFC FW title. Next fight: vs. Chan Sung Jung on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140.

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

6.Diego Nunes (16-2) Last fight: UD loss to Kenny Florian on June 11, 2011. Next fight: rumoured to be fighting Manvel Gamburyan on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141

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. Joe Warren (7-2, Bellator FW champion) Last fight: KO loss to Alexis Vila on September 24, 2011 in first round of Bellator BW tournament

10. Pat Curran (16-4) Last fight: KO win over Marlon Sandro to win Bellator FW tournament on August 20, 2011. Next fight: versus Joe Warren for Bellator FW title in early 2012.

Honourable mentions: Dustin Poirier, Manny Gamburyan, Marlon Sandro, Bart Palaszewski, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire.

Dominick Cruz retained his top spot in the division with a defense of his UFC title against Demetrious Johnson on October 1. The only movement in the bantamweight division this month has Renan Barao taking the 8^th spot away from Brad Pickett with a first round submission victory over Pickett on October 29 at UFC 137.

Bantamweights

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: TBA

2. Brian Bowles (10-1) Last fight: UD win over Takeya Mizugaki on July 2, 2011. Next fight: Urijah Faber on November 19, 2011.

3. Joseph Benavidez (14-2) Last fight: UD win over Eddie Wineland on August 14, 2011. Next fight: TBA

4. Scott Jorgensen (13-4) Last fight: UD win over Jeff Curran on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: TBA

5. Demetrious Johnson (10-2) Last fight: UD loss to Dominick Cruz on October 1, 2011.

6. Urijah Faber (25-5) Last fight: UD loss to Dominick Cruz on July 2, 2011 for UFC BW title. Next fight v. Brian Bowles on November 19, 2011.

7. Miguel Torres (39-4) Last fight: UD loss to Demetrious Johnson on May 28, 2011. Next fight versus Nick Pace on November 19, 2011 at UFC 139.

8. Renan Barao (27-1-1) Last fight: submission win over Brad Pickett on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137. Next fight: TBA

9. Michael McDonald (13-1) Last fight: SD win over Chris Cariaso on May 28, 2011. Next fight: versus Alex Soto on November 19, 2011 at UFC 139.

10. Bibiano Fernandes (9-3) Last fight: submission win over Takafumi Otsuka on September 24, 2011 at DREAM 17. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Eddie Wineland, Takeya Mizugaki, Damacio Page, Antonio Banuelos, Masakazu Imanari, Brad Pickett.

See previous month’s rankings: August 2011, September 2011, October 2011

Josh Barnett moves up from 7^th to 5^th ranked heavyweight in the world with a first round submission win over Sergei Kharitonov in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix semi-finals on September 10. Daniel Cormier moves up from an honorable mention last month to 6^th in the world with a knockout victory over previously 5^th ranked Antonio Silva on September 10 in the other SF HW GP semi-final. With his loss, Antonio Silva drops from 5^th to 8^th, knocking Shane Carwin out of the 8^th spot and the top 10 due to his inactivity. Since his loss to Junior Dos Santos in June, Carwin has been inactive and has no opponent or date for his next bout.

Heavyweights

1. Cain Velasquez (9-0, UFC Heavyweight Champion) Last fight: TKO win over Brock Lesnar on October 23, 2010. Next fight: Junior Dos Santos on November 12, 2011.

2. Junior Dos Santos (13-1) (No. 1 contender in UFC HW division) Last fight: UD win over Shane Carwin on June 11. Next fight: Cain Velasquez on November 12, 2011.

3.Alistair Overeem (35-11-1) Last fight: UD win over Fabricio Werdum on June 18. Next fight: v. Brock Lesnar on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141

4 Brock Lesnar (5-2) Last fight: TKO loss to Cain Velasquez in October 2010. Next fight: v. Alistair Overeem on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141

5. Josh Barnett (30-5) Last fight:  submission win over Sergei Kharitonov on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Daniel Cormier in early 2012 in Strikeforce HW GP final

6. Daniel Cormier (9-0) Last fight: KO win over Antonio Silva on September 10, 2011. Next fight: versus Josh Barnett in early 2012 in Strikeforce HW GP final

7. Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1) Last fight: UD loss to Alistair Overeem on June 18. Next fight: TBA

8. Antonio Silva (16-2) Last fight: KO loss to Daniel Cormier on September 10. Next fight: TBA

9. Frank Mir (15-5) Last fight: UD win over Roy Nelson on May 28. Next fight versus Antonio Rodgrio Nogueira on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140.

10. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-6) Last fight: KO win over Brendan Schaub on August 27. Next fight: v. Frank Mir on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140

Honourable mentions: Sergei Kharitonov, Brendan Schaub,, Fedor Emelianenko, Matt Mitrione, Shane Carwin

No movement in the light-heavyweight division this month. Rampage Jackson’s (5^th) loss to Jon Jones (1^st) does nothing to effect either fighters’ ranking.

Light-Heavyweights

1. Jon Jones (13-1, UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion) Last fight: submission win over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson on September 24, 2011. Next fight: vs. Rashad Evans, date TBA

2. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (19-5) Last fight: KO win over Forrest Griffin on August 27, 2011. Next fight: versus Dan Henderson on November 19, 2011 at UFC 139

3. Lyoto Machida (17-2) Last fight: KO win over Randy Couture on April 30, 2011 Next fight: TBA

4. Rashad Evans (15-1-1D) Last fight: TKO win over Tito Ortiz on August 6, 2011. Next fight: Jon Jones for UFC LHW title, date TBA

5. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-8) Last fight: submission loss to Jon Jones on September 24, 2011. Next fight: TBA

6. Dan Henderson (27-8, Strikeforce LHW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Fedor Emelianenko on July 30, 2011. Next fight: versus Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on November 19, 2011 at UFC 139

7. Phil Davis (9-0) Last fight: UD win over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira on March 26, 2011 Next fight: TBA

8. Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (10-3) Last fight: TKO win over Yoel Romero on September 10, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

9. Forrest Griffin (18-6) Last fight: KO loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on August 27, 2011.  Next fight: TBA

10. Alexander Gustafsson (12-1) Last fight: TKO win over Matt Hamill on August 6, 2011. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, Tito Ortiz, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

With a unanimous decision victory over Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza on September 10, Luke Rockhold became the new Strikeforce middleweight champion and entered the Top 10 at number 10. Rockhold also knocked Jacare out of the 7^th spot and the Top 10, leaving him as an honorable mention and a close 11^th.  Previously ranked 8^th, 9^th and 10^th Vitor Belfort, Brian Stann and Michael Bisping all move up one spot with Jacare’s loss to the 7^th, 8^th and 9^th spots respectively.

Middleweights

1. Anderson Silva (30-4, UFC Middleweight Champion) Last fight: TKO win over Yushin Okami on August 27, 2011. Next fight: TBA

2. Chael Sonnen (25-11-1D) Last fight: submission loss to Anderson Silva on August 7, 2010 for UFC MW title. Next fight v. Brian Stann on October 8, 2011.

3. Yushin Okami (26-5) Last fight: TKO loss to Anderson Silva on August 27, 2011. Next fight: TBA

4. Nate Marquardt (31-10-2) Last fight: UD win over Dan Miller on March 19, 2011. Next fight: TBA

5. Mark Munoz (11-2) Last fight: UD win over Demian Maia on June 11, 2011. Next fight: Chris Leben on November 5, 2011.

6. Demian Maia (14-3) Last fight: UD loss to Mark Munoz on June 11, 2011. Next fight: Jorge Santiago on October 8, 2011.

7. Vitor Belfort (19-9) Last fight: KO win over Yoshihiro Akiyama on August 6, 2011. Next fight: TBA

8. Brian Stann (11-3) Last fight: TKO win over Jorge Santiago on May 28, 2011. Next fight v. Chael Sonnen on October 8, 2011.

9. Michael Bisping (21-3) Last fight: TKO win over Jorge Rivera on February 27, 2011. Next fight: Jason Miller on December 3, 2011.

10. Luke Rockhold (8-1) Last fight: UD win over Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza on September 10, 2011 to win Strikeforce MW title. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Mamed Khalidov, Hector Lombard, Jorge Santiago, Rousimar Palhares, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza

Previously 3^rd ranked Jake Shields loss to Jake Ellenberger on September 17 caused some movement at the top of the welterweight division. Shields drops down to 5^th on the list with the loss, helping Josh Koschek move from 4^th to 3^rd with a victory on September 24 over Matt Hughes. BJ Penn also benefited from Shields’ loss and moved from 5^th to 4^th on the list. Jake Ellenberger’s win moved him up into the top 10 for the first time, taking Charlie Brenneman’s place at number 10.

Welterweights

1. Georges St-Pierre (22-2 UFC Welterweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Jake Shields on April 30, 2011 Next fight: Carlos Condit on October 29, 2011 defending his UFC WW title.

2. Jon Fitch (23-3-1NC-1D) Last fight: majority draw v. B.J. Penn on February 27, 2011. Next fight: TBA

3. Josh Koscheck (15-5) Last fight: KO win over Matt Hughes on September 24, 2011. Next fight: TBA

4.B.J. Penn (16-7-2D) Last fight: majority draw v. Jon Fitch on February 27, 2011. Next fight: versus Nick Diaz on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137

5. Jake Shields (26-5-1D) Last fight: KO loss to Jake Ellenberger on September 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

6. Nick Diaz (25-7-1D) Last fight: TKO win over Paul Daley on April 9. Next fight: versus BJ Penn on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137

7. Carlos Condit (27-5) Last fight: KO win over Dong Hyun Kim on July 2, 2011. Next fight: vs. Georges St-Pierre for UFC welterweight title on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137.

8. Rory MacDonald (12-1) Last fight: TKO win over Mike Pyle on August 6, 2011. Next fight: vs. Brian Ebersole at UFC 140 on December 10, 2011.

9. Rick Story (13-4) Last fight: UD loss to Charlie Brenneman on June 26, 2011.  Next fight: v. Martin Kampmann on November 19, 2011.

10. Jake Ellenberger (26-5) Last fight: KO win over Jake Shields on September 17, 2011. Next fight: vs. Diego Sanchez on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141

Honourable mentions: Martin Kampmann, Diego Sanchez, Dong Hyun Kim, John Hathaway, Johny Hendricks. Anthony Johnson, Charlie Brenneman

Nate Diaz’ drop back down to the lightweight division with a first round submission win over Takanori Gomi brings him into the top 10 at number 10. Diaz holds a victory over previously 10^th ranked Melvin Guillard.

Lightweights

 1.    Frankie Edgar (13-1-1, UFC Lightweight Champion) Last fight: draw with Gray Maynard on January 1, 2011 to retain UFC LW title. Next fight : Gray Maynard on October 8, 2011 for UFC LW title.

 2.    Gray Maynard (10-0-1D-1NC) Last fight: draw with Frankie Edgar on Janaury 1, 2011. Next fight: Frankie Edgar on October 8, 2011 for UFC LW title.

 3.    Gilbert Melendez (19-2, Strikeforce LW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Tatsuya Kawajiri on April 4, 2011. Next fight: versus Jorge Masvidal for Strikeforce LW title on December 17, 2011.

 4.    Clay Guida (29-11) Last fight: UD win over Anthony Pettis on June 4, 2011. Next fight versus Benson Henderson on November 12, 2011.

 5.    Anthony Pettis (13-2) Last fight: UD loss to Clay Guida on June 4, 2011. Next fight Jeremy Stephens on October 8, 2011.

 6.    Benson Henderson (13-2) Last fight: UD win over Jim Miller on August 14, 2011. Next fight: versus Clay Guida on November 12, 2011.

 7.    Jim Miller (20-2) Last fight: Unanimous Decision loss to Benson Henderson on August 14, 2011. Next fight: TBA

 8.    Shinya Aoki (28-5-1NC, DREAM LW champion ) Last fight: submission win over Rob McCullough on September 24, 2011 at DREAM 17. Next fight: TBA

 9.    Eddie Alvarez (22-2, Bellator Lightweight champion) Last fight: UD win over Pat Curran on April 2, 2011 to defend Bellator LW title. Next fight: Michael Chandler for Bellator LW title in November

10. Nate Diaz (14-7) Last fight: submission win over Takanori Gomi on           September 24, 2011. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Rafael Dos Anjos, Jorge Masvidal, Dennis Siver, Donald Cerrone, Nate Diaz, Melvin Guillard

The only movement in the featherweight rankins this month is Eric Koch moving ahead of Joe Warren at 7^th, dropping Warren to 8^th. Eric Koch scored a decision victory over TUF winner Jonathan Brookins on September 17, while Warren was knocked out by Alexis Vila in the opening round of the Bellator bantamweight tournament. Joe Warren remains the Bellator featherweight champion despite the loss.

Featherweights

1.    Jose Aldo (19-1, UFC Featherweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Mark Hominick on April 30, 2011 to retain UFC FW title. Next fight v. Kenny Florian on October 8, 2011 for UFC FW title.

 2.    Chad Mendes (11-0) Last fight: UD win over Rani Yahya on August 6, 2011. Next fight: TBA

 3.    Hatsu Hioki (24-4-1) Last fight: submission win over Donald Sanchez on April 29, 2011. Next fight v. George Roop at UFC 137 on October 29, 2011.

 4.    Mark Hominick (20-9) Last fight: UD loss to Jose Aldo on April 30, 2011 for UFC FW title. Next fight: vs. Chan Sung Jung on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140.

 5.    Kenny Florian Last Fight: UD win over Diego Nunes on June 11, 2011. Next fight: Jose Aldo for FW title on October 8, 2011 for UFC FW title.

 6.    Diego Nunes (16-2) Last fight: UD loss to Kenny Florian on June 11, 2011. Next fight: TBA

 7.    Eric Koch (12-1) Last fight: UD win over Jonathan Brookins on September 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

 8.    Joe Warren (7-1, Bellator FW champion) Last fight: KO loss to Alexis Vila on September 24, 2011 in first round of Bellator BW tournament

 9.     Pat Curran (16-4) Last fight: KO win over Marlon Sandro to win Bellator FW tournament on August 20, 2011. Next fight: TBA

10. Patricio”Pitbull”Freire (17-1) Last Fight: UD win over Daniel Straus on May, 21, 2011 to win Bellator FW tournament. Next Fight: versus Joe Warren for Bellator FW title, date TBA.

Honourable mentions: Dustin Poirier, Manny Gamburyan, Tyson Griffin, Marlon Sandro.

Former DREAM featherweight champion, Bibiano Fernandes made a successful drop the bantamweight on September 24 at DREAM 17 with a submission victory over Takafumi Otsuka in less than one minute in the opening round of the DREAM bantamweight Grand Prix. Fernandes bumps Hideo Tokoro out of the 10^th spot, Tokoro suffered a decision loss to Antonio Banuelos on September 24 in another DREAM bantamweight quarter-final match.

Bantamweights

1. Dominick Cruz (18-1, UFC Bantamweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Urijah Faber on July 2, 2011 to retain UFC BW title. Next fight: Demetrious Johnson on October 1, 2011 for UFC BW title.

2. Brian Bowles (10-1) Last fight: UD win over Takeya Mizugaki on July 2, 2011. Next fight: Urijah Faber on November 19, 2011.

3. Joseph Benavidez (14-2) Last fight: UD win over Eddie Wineland on August 14, 2011. Next fight: TBA

4. Demetrious Johnson (10-1) Last fight: UD win over Miguel Torres on May 28, 2011. Next fight : Dominick Cruz on October 1, 2011 for UFC BW title.

5. Urijah Faber (25-5) Last fight: UD loss to Dominick Cruz on July 2, 2011 for UFC BW title. Next fight v. Brian Bowles on November 19, 2011.

6. Scott Jorgensen (12-4) Last fight: KO win over Ken Stone on June 4, 2011. Next fight v. Jeff Curran on October 29, 2011.

7. Miguel Torres (39-4) Last fight: UD loss to Demetrious Johnson on May 28, 2011. Next fight TBA

8. Brad Pickett (20-5) Last fight: UD win over Ivan Menjivar on December 16 2010. Next fight v. Renan Barao on November 5, 2011.

9. Michael McDonald (13-1) Last fight: SD win over Chris Cariaso on May 28, 2011. Next fight: TBA.

10. Bibiano Fernandes (9-3) Last fight: submission win over Takafumi Otsuka on September 24, 2011 at DREAM 17. Next fight: TBA 

Honourable mentions: Eddie Wineland, Takeya Mizugaki, Damacio Page, Antonio Banuelos, Masakazu Imanari.  

See previous month’s rankings: August 2011, September 2011.