Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

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Welterweight

1. Georges St. Pierre (24-2)

GSP made good on his well-publicized promise to put a beating on Nick Diaz at UFC 158, neutralizing the Californian’s boxing with relentless takedowns, top control and ground-and-pound across 25 minutes. St. Pierre’s next UFC title defense will be against brick-fisted wrestler Johny Hendricks at UFC 167.

2. Johny Hendricks (15-1)

Hendricks never could put away the notoriously durable Carlos Condit during their 15-minute encounter at UFC 158, but the former Oklahoma State University wrestling stud landed more than enough of his trademark left hands to secure a unanimous decision. Next, Hendricks will get his desired title shot against Georges St. Pierre in the fall.

3. Carlos Condit (29-7)

At UFC Fight Night 27, Condit avenged the loss that occurred in his promotional debut and also authored one of the finest performances of his career to date, scoring a fourth-round technical knockout over Martin Kampmann. Before he can climb back into title contention, “The Natural Born Killer” must dispatch Matt Brown in what is sure to be a violence lover’s delight at UFC on Fox 9 in December.

4. Rory MacDonald (15-1)

MacDonald’s technical-yet-safe performance against Jake Ellenberger at UFC on Fox 8 probably did not win him many new fans, but it was undeniably effective. The Tristar Gym product, who has won five straight inside the Octagon, will try to neutralize another heavy-handed foe when he squares off with Robbie Lawler at UFC 167 in November.

5. Ben Askren (12-0)

Askren’s style may never please everyone, but the “Funky” one proved once again at Bellator 97 that few opponents can handle his wrestling, as he overwhelmed Andrey Koreshkov en route to a fourth-round stoppage. Despite it being Akren’s second consecutive TKO win inside the promotion, the welterweight champion’s performance still drew its share of boos. Askren’s free agency recently took a compelling turn, as Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney promised to waive matching rights if the fighter is granted an immediate title shot against reigning UFC 170-pound kingpin Georges St. Pierre.

6. Jake Shields (29-6-1, 1 NC)

It is rarely pretty, but Shields knows how to get the job done on fight night. The Cesar Gracie pupil earned his second consecutive welterweight triumph by taking a grueling, five-round, split verdict over Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 29. Like his previous victory over Tyron Woodley at UFC 161, Shields did little to please the crowd in victory. However, his status as one of the division’s most difficult outs cannot be denied.

7. Demian Maia (18-4)

After posting impressive triumphs against Dong Hyun Kim, Rick Story and Jon Fitch to begin his UFC welterweight tenure, the Brazilian’s run of success came to an end against Jake Shields at UFC Fight Night 29. For five grueling rounds, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace was outgrappled and outmaneuvered by the former Strikeforce champion, as he ultimately dropped a disappointing split decision on his home soil.

8. Martin Kampmann (20-7)

Kampmann learned just how far Carlos Condit has come since their initial meeting in 2009, as he absorbed a barrage of punches, knees, kicks and elbows en route to losing via fourth-round technical knockout to the Jackson’s MMA representative at UFC Fight Night 27. With losses in four of his last seven bouts, “The Hitman” has some work to do if he is to be considered a title contender again.

9. Jake Ellenberger (29-7)

Ellenberger talked a good game in the weeks leading up to his UFC on Fox 8 showdown with Rory MacDonald, but come fight night, the Nebraskan’s ominous promises of violence never materialized. Stuck on the end of the talented Canadian’s jab, “The Juggernaut” struggled to unleash his renowned knockout power, landing just 19 significant strikes in a disappointing, unanimous verdict. With losses in two of his last four bouts, Ellenberger will attempt to right his ship against former Strikeforce ruler Tarec Saffiedine in January.

10. Matt Brown (18-11)

Less than three years ago, Brown was on the verge of losing his spot in the UFC after being submitted in three consecutive fights. Since then, “The Immortal” has staged a remarkable career comeback, stringing together a six-fight winning streak against dangerous opponents like Mike Swick, Mike Pyle and Jordan Mein. Brown will get the chance to shed the gatekeeper label once and for all when he faces former interim titlist Carlos Condit on Dec. 14.

Other contenders:

Josh Burkman, Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, Robbie Lawler, Tarec Saffiedine.

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