1. Lyoto Machida (15-0): Lyoto is the most technical striker in the Lightheavyweight division. He destroyed Rashad Evans in May 23rd to capture the UFC Championship. Being 7-0 in the UFC, never losing a round and never being out struck in his whole career, Lyoto is for sure the #1 fighter in this division.
2. Quinton Jackson (30-7): One of the biggest superstars in the sport, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson is a very well rounded fighter. As of lately displaying more of his boxing skills rather than his wrestling, he has been able to recover from his loss against Forrest Griffin by defeating rival Wanderlei Silva and top contender Keith Jardine. He has now chosen to follow a career in acting and said he is done with fighting. Time will only tell.
3. Rashad Evans (13-1): Rashad came in very confident as the 13-0 undefeated UFC Champion to defend his belt against Lyoto Machida but he was disappointed. Nevertheless, Rashad has coupled some great victories in defeating Forrest Griffin and Chuck Liddell and is a very good wrestler that mixes it well with the stand up.
4. Mauricio Rua (18-3): One of the most fun and exciting fighters to watch, everything he puts on is a good show. Not only a flashy and entertaining fighter but he always backs up his reputation: He has wins over Chuck Liddell, Alistair Overeem, Ricardo Arona, Quinton Jackson, Anotonio Rogeiro Nogueira and many other accomplishments such as the PRIDE Grand Prix. Championship.
5. Thiago Silva (14-1): Just as Rashad, Thiago crossed the cage with Machida with a 13-0 perfect record and suffered a beatdown. However, Thiago came back very strong with a dominant performance against top contender Keith Jardine. Thiago is a finisher, getting most of his wins by TKO, KO, but it’s his jiu-jitsu most of the times that helps him get the job done.
6. Forrest Griffin (16-6): Known as “The Original Ultimate Fighter”, Forrest has had two major setbacks in losing his UFC Belt to Rashad and getting humiliated in a one sided battle against Anderson Silva. Forrest is one of the most hardworking fighters and as he often says it’s his determination and condition that makes the difference in a fight.
7. Antonio Rogeiro Nogueira (17-3): Always overshadowed by the notorious fame of his twin brother, “Minotoro” is one tough contender. Riding on a 5-win streak he just got an invitation to join the UFC and will make his UFC debut against fellow Brazilian Luis Cane.
8. Luis Cane (10-1): Finishing 9 of his 10 fights, and his only loss coming from a Disqualification due to an illegal strike that he landed, Luis Cane is one of the up and coming fighters in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. Never been beaten in a fight and enjoying a 3 fight streak in the UFC, one or two high profile wins could very well grant him the opportunity to fight for the Championship.
9. Gegard Mousasi (26-2): Just turning 24 years old, the newly crowned Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion has made a good impression in his few bouts in that division. An amazing record and excellent set of skills will make an argument for a lot of people to rank Gegard higher, but he is still very new in this division and we need to see him fight more at this class. The sky is the limit for Gegard.
10. Anderson Silva (25-4): Anderson Silva’s success in the Welterweight and Middleweight division has carried over to the Light Heavyweight division as well. There is no doubt in mind that he could be a top contender in this weight class, another win in this category will put him in the title picture. A super match for the Light Heavyweight title has been discussed, but as long as his friend Machida is the belt holder he would not fight for the belt.
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