Light Heavyweight Rankings - Outside the UFC

A review and ranking of the top MMA light heavyweight fighters not under contract with the UFC - September 2009

Pro Fighting Fans MMA staff writer Nick Russell takes a look at the Top 5 MMA Light Heavyweights outside of the UFC.

1. Gegard Mousasi (26-2-1) – The newly crowned Strikeforce LHW champion is on the rise after his first official divisional bout. Now with thirteen straight victories over quality opponents, Mousasi is considered not only on the 205 pound list but any pound-for-pound list as well. He is scheduled to face Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou in the DREAM 11 Super Hulk Tournament on October 6.
2. Renato Sobral (35-9) – Babalu falls one spot after losing in his first Strikeforce LHW title defense to Gegard Mousasi. He is still considered one of the top 205 pound fighters outside of the UFC even though it was clear he was dominated in every aspect of his August 15th bout. He is not currently scheduled to fight on any future cards.
3. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (6-4) – By defeating Jan Nortje in the opening round of the DREAM Super Hulk Tourney in May, Sokoudjou snaps a two-fight slide. “The African Assassin” looked similar to the fighter who had so much potential when fighting for PRIDE in 2007. He will fight Mousasi October 6th at DREAM 11 in the semifinals of the Super Hulk Tournament.
4. Muhammed Lawal (5-0) – “King Mo” has had fights in both the LHW and HW divisions. His most recent fight, a 25 second smashing of Mark Kerr at M-1 Breakthrough, was impressive for an unhealthy Lawal. As one of MMA’s most sought free agents, Lawal should have no trouble finding his next bout.
5. Jared Hamman (10-1) – After losing his first career bout to Poai Suganuma in April of 2008, Hamman rebounded with a rematch victory four months later. Since that August ’08 win, he has not seen any action. He may not be on this list much longer as he is heavily rumored to be joining the UFC LHW division.
6. Trevor Prangley (20-5) – Prangley is a winner in his last three bouts and nine out of his last ten overall. His only defeat during that period was a November 2007 loss to Jorge Santiago for Strikeforce. Prangley last fought in May, defeating Emanuel Newton at Maximum FC 21 via decision. There is no word on whom or where Prangley will fight next.
7. Rafael Cavalcante (7-2) – Cavalcante drops two spots from the June rankings after losing to Mike Kyle at the Shields vs. Lawler Strikeforce event. Prior to the loss, “Feijao” had won three straight. The IFL, Elite XC and Strikeforce veteran is rumored to be fighting for Strikeforce on an October card.
8. Doug Marshall (9-3) – The former WEC champion looks to be hitting the major MMA shows again. After defeating Jaime Jara in May, Marshall has now won three consecutive bouts, all for the Palace FC organization. There is no word on when Marshall will fight next.
9. Jamal Patterson (5-2) – The flashy submission artist won in February against Antwain Britt at UWC in the Washington DC area. “The Suit” does not have a scheduled fight at this time.
10. Tim Boetsch (9-3) – The once promising UFC LHW prospect has fought only once since leaving the organization after UFC 96. Boetsch choked out Aaron Stark for KOTC in August. There is no new information as to where “The Barbarian” will fight next.

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By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer

More Non-UFC MMA Fighter Rankings:

• Top Heavyweights not in the UFC
• Top Middleweights not in the UFC
• Top Welterweights not in the UFC
• Top Lightweights not in the UFC

Past Non-UFC MMA Light Heavyweight (205 pound) Rankings:

• Non-UFC Light Heavyweight (205lb) Rankings - June 2009