Official Arm Triangle Blog MMA Rankings

Heavyweight

1. Junior Dos Santos (UFC) – Mir never had a shot really.  JDS looked untouchable and reigns as the baddest man in the world.

2. Cain Velasquez (UFC)  – Velasquez was a man possessed against Big Foot Silva, mauling the giant on the way to a quick finish. This guy is clearly the number one contender in my mind.

3. Daniel Cormier (Strikeforce) – Steps into the SF HW tournament and wins the whole thing decisively.  The scary part is we don’t even really know how good he is yet.

4. Alistair Overeem (UFC) – The top of this division has effectively wrecked the bottom so Overeem stays in the top five despite his positive test. 

5. Fabricio Werdum (UFC) – He looked impressive in his last showing but needs more wins to get a title shot.

6. Josh Barnett (Strikeforce) – Got decisively put away by Cormier but is still a top talent. Will need to remain active to stay in the top 10.

7. Mark Hunt (UFC) – Getting injured let him move up because a lot of guys ahead of him took big losses. Hunt is on a streak and is very dangerous.

8. Frank Mir (UFC) – Mir had nothing for JDS and really didn’t even look like the best Mir we have seen lately. Me thinks Mir vs Lesnar III is not that far off in the distance.

9. Antonio Silva (UFC) – I like this guy and I think he has a lot to offer but Velasquez was ruthless and Silva felt the consequences. He needs to get back on the winning track and soon.

10. Travis Browne (UFC) – Moves into the top 10 as Russow drops out. Browne is impressive but still must be truly tested against top tier competition.

Light- Heavyweight

1. Jon Jones (UFC) – Jones is good, no doubt about that.  He is the king of the mountain and now we will see if anyone can knock him off.

2. Dan Henderson (UFC) – Henderson is undeniable. He will meat Jones sooner rather than later.

3. Shogun Rua (UFC) – A lot of controversy surrounds Shogun now as he is getting criticism for turning down a fight. That said he is still a very very dangerous man. . 

4.  Alexander Gustafsson (UFC) – Gustafsson got a staple win against T. Silva and now he seems to be on his way to a title shot with another win or two at most.

5. Lyoto Machida (UFC) – Machida is in a tough spot. He is undoubtedly one of the best in the world but its hard to say what the future holds for him.  Ryan Bader could be his next knockout though. 

6. Rashad Evans (UFC) – I don’t really know what happened in his fight with Jones but Evans seemed completely and totally outmatched mentally in the cage. He has a long way to go to get back to the top again.

7. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (UFC) – I love Little Nog but he really needs to string together some wins if he wants to remain relevant. He is the quietest top 10 fighter in the world right now.

8. Phil Davis (UFC) – Davis unfortunately isn’t getting a tip tier fight in his next outing but if he continues to impress he should be primed for a good run next year.

9. Ryan Bader (UFC) – Bader has a huge chance to prove he is legit against Machida but he will have to come with his best performance to date. .

10. Quinton Rampage Jackson (UFC) – Rampage signed on for another fight in Brazil.  It could be do or die for the fan favorite.

Middleweight

1. Anderson Silva (UFC) – Proved again that he is the best in the world but there are plenty of challenges left at 185 if he chooses to take thme

2. Chris Weidman (UFC) – This is the biggest jump I have ever given a guy but he looked like an absolute world-beater against Munoz.  If anyone has the tools to beat Silva at 185 pounds it might be this guy.

3. Tim Boetch (UFC) – I honestly think a few guys under him would beat him but his resume speaks for itself. He knocked off two top contenders in a row and derailed the Lombart hype train.

4. Chael Sonnen (UFC) – Had a great first round but a dreadful second against Silva He likely wont get another title shot at 185, at least not anytime soon. It will be interesting to see what is next for Chael.

5. Vitor Belfort (UFC) – Vitor will look to come back against some top competition to stay relelvent in a division that is quickly becoming very competitive.

6. Michael Bisping (UFC) – Bisping gets Brian Stann next in a fight that could help position him at the brink o f a title shot.  The middle weight division is really taking off and shaking up.

7. Alan Belcher (UFC) – I don’t know why I have been so hard on this guy to this point but I have to give credit where credit is due. This guy has looked great and deserves a top 10 opponent next.

8. Yushin Okami (UFC) – Had Boetch dead to rights but couldn’t finish the fight. A two fight skid is not good for him but hopefully it wakes him up.

9. Hector Lombard (UFC) – I had him at 9 and I will keep him there even though he lost.  If anything he basically proved that I was right about him being around the bottom of this list.

10. Mark Munoz (UFC) – Munoz will need to hit the drawing board again after being absolutely wrecked by Weidman.  His defeat was worse than Lombard’s so that is why he stays at 10.

Welterweights

1. Georges St. Pierre (UFC) – GSP seems hell bent on returning soon. The fact is the interim championship was established and then held up itself until GSP returns. NO reason to move him

2. Carlos Condit (UFC) – Interim champ has a lot of stiff competition coming a him and looks like he is going to have to defend before GSP returns

3. Johnny Hendricks (UFC) – Big Rig has topped two of the most productive WWs of the modern era and has a legit claim to a title shot with Carlos Condit but it looks like he will have to wait.  

4. Martin Kampmann (UFC) – Surprised a lot of people with his win over Ellenberger. It is getting pretty crowded at the top in this division. If Condit doesn’t take a fight before GSP returns Kampmann might have to fight Hendricks.  .

5. Jon Fitch (UFC) – It is somewhat crazy to think he is this far down but a long layoff and his most stunning loss ever put him behind all the big time contenders.

6. Josh Koscheck (UFC) – He fought hard against Hendricks but just didn’t have his number.  Kos’s best days might be behind him, another victim of the GSP era. 

7. Jake Ellenberger (UFC) – Seemed unstoppable till he met Kampmann. He is now back to the drawing board so to speak. 

8. Jake Shields (UFC) – There is a big drop off here in the latter half of this list but Shields is at least back to his winning ways.

9. Ben Askren (Bellator) – I have some serious questions about his ability to compete with the UFC crew but he has wins.

10. Rory MacDonald (UFC) – Upcoming fight with BJ Penn wont make him a title contender but it will probably put him on the map.  This kid is the future.

Lightweight

1. Benson Henderson (UFC) – The new king of 155. All the sudden the division is looking like the most competitive in the sport.  Bendo has the tools to stay on top though.

2.  Frankie Edgar (UFC) – The fact of the matter is Frankie Edgar is still the second best at 155. His rematch with Henderson should be fireworks.

3. Gray Maynard (UFC) – Looked absolutely beastly against Clay Guida. He could find himself back in the title picture sooner rather than later and the outcome could be different.

4. Gilbert Melendez (Strikeforce) – Another win, perhaps closer than it should have been, but Melendez will continue to be a great question mark until he gets to the UFC.

5. Anthony Pettis (UFC) – This guy is simply not getting the respect he deserves.  Pettis is a legit contender and should get a lot more title talk.

6. Nate Diaz (UFC) – Nate Diaz has really had a breakout year to this point. He could be next in line for a title shot if the cards fall a certain way.

7. Michael Chandler (Bellator) – This guy is in and out of my top 10 but he has talent and wins so he might find himself going up before down at this point.

8. Jim Miller (UFC) – Miller is quickly slipping into gatekeeper status but his talent is unquestioned.  His lose to Diaz was a total surprise but his inability to get anything going was.

9. Donald Cerrone (UFC) – Cerrone just wont go away. He is young and has a bright future but needs to take that next step if he wants to make waves in this division.

10. Clay Guida (UFC) – Really had nothing for Maynard in one of the biggest fights of his career. A fight with Cerrone might make sense.

Featherweight

1. Jose Aldo (UFC) – Aldo is quietly one of the most dominant champions in the sport but the talent in this division is stacking up. 

2. Chang Sung Jung (UFC) – One of the most impressive performances I have ever seen, The Korean Zombie took a huge stride toward the top against Poirier.

3. Pat Curran (Bellator) – He is on a fantastic win streak that has been impressive and entertaining.  Curran is one of the more interesting non-ufc fighers. 

4. Chad Mendes (UFC) – Looked really good against McKenzie but he was a class above.  Mendes needs a good fight to get really relevant again.

5. Erik Koch (UFC) – Honestly, I am not sure I would make him number 6 but he has a title shot in his back pocket and a four fight win streak that isn’t anything to scoff at.

6. Ricardo Lamas (UFC) – Breatkout win against Hioki makes him a true contender in a division looking for new challengers. Aldo isn’t likely to run out of competition soon and Lamas could be the next big player

7. Hatsu Hioki (UFC) – Tempted fate by asking for another fight but proved he was right to do so when he lost it.  He will likely need to move to the United States to train full time if he wants to become a legit contender

8. Dustin Poirier (UFC) – Poirier was totally shocked by The Korean Zombie’s game and looked to honestly not have any idea what he had gotten himself into at times. This kid is a super athlete though and I think he will be back soon.

9. Denis Siver (UFC) – Drops down in weight and picks up a somewhat lackluster win. All the same Siver COULD make waves in this division.

10. Iuri Alcantara (UFC) – With a 13 fight win streak and a 3-0 UFC run he isn’t someone to sleep on at all. However he benefits from a lulling latter part of this list.

Bantamweight

1. Dominick Cruz (UFC) – Cruz has looked unstoppable but he blew his knee out and will now watch someone earn himself an interim title.

2. Renan Barao (UFC) – Had he finished Faber I would have pushed him to #1. As it stands now he just dominated the former number one contender and established himself as the man to beat at 135.

3. Michael McDonald (UFC) – I tell ya, I am impressed with this kid.  I think he has tons of potential and just 21 years old he has plenty of time to develop it.

4. Urijah Faber (UFC) – Faber lost his third strait title shot in just over two years, two in a row at 135 pounds.  It is tough to say what is next for Faber but his talent is undeniable. 

5. Brian Bowles (UFC) – Losing to Faber was big because it kind of leaves him with a big question mark over his head but Bowles is still a top tier fighter.

6. Eddie Wineland (UFC) – Wineland fell from my top 10 for going on skid before coming out and looking like a one-night world-beater against Jorgensen. If he keeps that up I’d pick him against almost anyone.

7. Brad Pickett (UFC) – He gets back to his winning ways and is still one of the more exciting fighters in the division. There is still a lot to prove for the British slugger.

8. Eduardo Dantas (Bellator) – Another young prospect breaking into the big time, Dantas has all the tools to make waves in this stacked division

9. Bibiano Fernandes (Dream) – Three fight win streak and 10 of his last 11, Fernandes isn’t a spring chicken but he is a legit threat to just about anyone.

10. Scott Jorgensen (UFC) – Jorgensen is a great fighter but is on a skid. He really needs to get back to his winning ways so as to not fall behind other contenders gaining momentum.

Flyweight

1. Joseph Benavidez (UFC) – He looked as good or better at Flyweight than at Bantamweight.  He looked like a world-beater really.

2. Demetrious Johnson (UFC) – Finally looked himself against McCall and now has a date with Benavidez for the UFC Flyweight belt.  It should be an absolute barn burner. 

3. Ian McCall (UFC) – Lost his second fight to mighty Mouse fair and square. I have a feeling we haven’t heard the last of McCall though who will undoubtedly want to come back with a bang.

4. Jussier Da Silva (Shooto) – Its only a matter of time before he emerges into the big time I think. He has only lost one fight and that was to McCall.

5. Yasuhiro Urushitani (UFC) – Still considered one of the best despite getting utterly exposed by Benavidez, He needs to get back in the cage and back to winning.

6. Darrell Montague (TPA) – Of his 11 fights he has finished 9 of them. I like the idea of this kid getting in the mix with some of the top flyweights in the world.

7. Jose Tome (Various Brazilian Organizations) – I know he isn’t beating up on top guys but he has 29 wins. I like a guy with 29 wins and a whole bunch of first round submissions.

8. Mamoru Yamaguchi (Shooto) – An experienced fighter coming off a lose, Yamaguchi needs to get back to his winning ways as this division emerges.

9. Louis Gaudinot (UFC) – Didn’t win TUF but looked fantastic in his return to his prime weight.  I expect him to be a real mover in this division. 

10. John Dodson(UFC) – Eeked out a win in his division debut. I have been high on his chances of emerging as a top 5 fighter but I am not a little hesitant.

Why You MUST Watch UFC 148

UFC 148 is a strong card – not as strong as it once was – but a strong card all the same.  More importantly, UFC 148 is a card that will likely represent a crucial junction for the most dominant champion in UFC history, Anderson Silva. Win or lose, Silva’s career will be in some ways defined by this fight. I am not overselling its importance when I say this may determine the fate of the most memorable chapter of his storied career. The entire PPV card is more than worth watching. All told, this still represents one of the strongest showings of the summer for the UFC but the hype and the show will likely be stolen by the main event and the fate of two bitter rivals.

Mike Easton and Ivan Menjivar

Fight of the Night Alert! MMA fans should thank their lucky stars that this fight made the main card because it has fireworks written all over it.  Easton and Menjivar (pictured) are two dynamite bantamweights that push a high octane pace early on in their fights.  This is a sleeper candidate for all the awards: fight, submission, and knockout of the night.  It could honestly lead to just about anything but I expect a furious round and a half before someone gets caught and put to sleep via repeated head trauma or constriction of air.  Tune in early and do not miss this fight.

Cody Mckenzie vs Chad Mendes (FW#5)

David (Cody - Pictured), meet Goliath (Chad), Goliath, David.  Cody McKenzie is punching above his weight class (figuratively of course) in this one as he steps up to fight the former number one contender Chad Mendes who desperately wants to get back on track to a title shot. Here is the thing though; McKenzie is always desperate for a win. This guy is absolutely always the underdog.  He comes in with two things; toughness and the sickest guillotine choke in the sport.  I expect Mendes to be just too much for him but I wont be surprised – and I will be not so secretly rooting for this – if McKenzie slaps on a choke as Mendes comes in for a takedown, earning the biggest win of his career. 

Dong Hyun Kim vs Demian Maia

This card comes complete with a criminally under-hyped fight.  These are two fighters that always seem to be at the cusp of making a run. Unfortunately both have dropped fights at the most importune moments. Kim (pictured) and Maia need a big win and both bring unique skills that the other should have trouble with.  Kim is hard to control and has dynamic quickness. Maia is a submission wizard and tricky when it comes to getting guys down.  Both men have showed improved striking and that might be where the fight takes place.  The loser is going to find himself in a really tough spot but the winner should break into the top tier mix in the crowded welterweight division.

Cung Le vs Patrick Cote

Le (pictured) has been an MMA darling for some since he burst on the scene in Elite XC. He looks and acts the part of martial artists from the movie-films. His strikes are precise and flashy. If he is anything at all it is entertaining to watch. Le looks for his first UFC win against last minute replacement Patrick Cote – Yes THAT Patrick Cote, haha. In all seriousness, Cote is tailor maid for Le, a slower striker with heavy hands but far inferior technique.  I expect Cote to miss a lot heavy punches and find himself outclassed round after round. Don’t be surprised if Le hits a takedown or two, relying on his often talked about wrestling background to secure points and keep his head safe from the hunting of Cote.  This could wind up in a flashy knockout one way or another but expect exciting exchanges either way.

Forrest Griffin vs Tito Ortiz III

Who would have thought when Griffin (pictured) began his career that he would find his greatest rivalry in Tito Ortiz? To this point Griffin and Ortiz have been through 6 closely contested rounds and both found success– one a piece.  Their rubber match might just be a swan song for both of them. Ortiz has been talking retirement for a while and will be inducted into the Hall of Fame before the show. Griffin is in some ways entering his prime years but seems content with his career, more interested in other pursuits. Who can blame either though? I expect another close decision win for one of these two legends. It will be scrappy, gutsy, and could have all the makings of one of those special moments in the sport. Of course it could end with a quick finish for someone (which now that I have waxed somewhat emotional about it that’s probably going to happen).  Who knows, maybe this fight will breath new life into one of these fighters and they will make one last run at the title. One way or another this is – deceptively enough – a fight worth going out of ones way for.

Chael Sonnen (MW#2) vs. Anderson Silva (Champion – MW #1)

What is there to say about this fight that hasn’t been said 100 times over? Here is the quick rundown of what I think is important to know.

-       Silva and Sonne fought once before.

-       Sonnen beat Silva up for 23 minutes but was submitted in the closing two – Silva won the fight.

-       Sonnen then tested positive for elevated testosterone levels, which he claimed he had permission for.

-       He served a lengthy suspension.

-       Silva claimed he had a rib injury that effected him during the fight.

-       Sonnen earned this title shot by inching out a controversial victory over Michael Bisping, who he could not take down and not control in the clinch.

I tried to stick to the facts but you can probably tell where I am going with this. I don’t think this is going to be a repeat of their first encounter.  Sure Sonnen will apparently be on the same testosterone replacement therapy he was on in the first fight but I am not completely convinced we have seen the same Chael Sonnen since his last title shot.  If he takes the same kind of shots he took from Bisping in this fight Sonnen is going to end up eating through a straw. Silva has the knockout power and varied clinch-work that Bisping does not.  I am not saying that Sonnen doesn’t have a chance but to think that this fight will look like the last might be a bit foolish.

You might have also heard tell there is some bad blood in this fight. You see it isn’t just about what is going to happen in the cage. This fight is a bit bigger than that. It has elevated beyond a simple fight.  Sonnen has done everything imaginable to provoke Silva. He has discussed breaking into his home and having Silva’s wife cook him a steak. He has insulted Brazilians, insulted Brazil, and insulted Silva’s friends.  He has claimed he is the champion giving Silva a title shot. Sonnen has done everything from claiming he is the best in the world to questioning Silva’s manhood and his sexuality.  Silva for his part has remained calm and quiet, until recently.  In the weeks leading up to UFC 148 Silva explained his plans for Sonnen claiming that he was going to break his teeth, arms, and legs. Further, Silva explained that Sonnen wouldn’t want to fight again after he was done. Perhaps most impressively Silva said he was going to change the sport with his performance.  Now, lets come down a bit from the hyperbole and see what we have. First, I think it clearly means that Sonnen is in Silva’s head in some way. That doesn’t mean good and it doesn’t mean bad. It just means that Silva’s mentality is different coming into this fight. Second it means that both these guys have in some way put their reputation on the line. One of them will eat crow at the end of the fight. One of them will look somewhat the fool. 

The trash talk is great because it builds the fight but it also sets the stage for how each fighter will be remembered. No matter how you cut it Anderson Silva will be remembered differently after this fight. He will either be the man who put up and shut up his biggest rival once and for all or Chael Sonnen will always have had his number.  UFC 148 should be one to remember – barring some sort of strange draw or no contest.  This is the biggest fight of the summer without a doubt and should be not be a night to miss.