Saturday 5 May 2012

Top 10 MMA Rankings - May 2012

Top 10 MMA Rankings- May 2012


Courtesy of Dave Simon @ http://ringsidereport.net/2012/05/top-10-mma-rankings-may-2012/


This is the 10th monthly installment of the Ringside Report official Top 10 MMA rankings. Note: These rankings were compiled and debated on the May 2, 2012 episode of Ringside Report Radio.

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 6th ranked Frank Mir on May 26 at UFC 146. 2nd ranked Cain Velasquez will face 8th ranked Antonio Silva also at UFC 146. 4th ranked Josh Barnett will face 5th 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 5th 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. 3rd ranked Josh Koscheck will face 9th 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 7th spot on April 1 and into an honorable mention for this month’s rankings. Nate Diaz moves up from 8th to take Aoki’s place in 7th. Jim Miller moves from 9th to 8th, Donald Cerrone moves from 10th to 9th 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 4th ranked Diego Nunes’ loss to FW newcomer Dennis Siver on April 14 drops him down to 9th overall. Mark Hominick’s loss to Eddie Yagin drops him from 5th last month to 10th this month. Erik Koch moves up from 6th to 4th, Charles Oliveira from 7th to 5th, Darren Elkins from 8th to 6th and Chan Sung Jung jumps from 10th to 7th. 8th ranked Dustin Poirier is scheduled to face 7th ranked Chan Sung Jung on May 15. 6th 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 8th overall last month to 6th in this month’s rankings. Torres drops from 6th to 8th 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

No comments:

Post a Comment