Middleweight Rankings - Outside the UFC

A review and ranking of the top MMA Middleweight fighters not under contract with the UFC - October 2009

Pro Fighting Fans MMA staff writer Nick Russell takes a look at the Top 10 MMA Middleweights outside of the UFC.

1. Jorge Santiago (21-7) – The American Top Team member keeps his top position due in part to him winning his last nine bouts, including the last five in the Japanese-based Sengoku. He has won the Strikeforce and Sengoku Middleweight Grand Prix as well as the Sengoku Middleweight Title during his hot streak. He is tentatively scheduled for a November 7th Sengoku 11 appearance.
2. Robbie Lawler (16-5) – The H.I.T. Squad fighter is 5-1, 1 NC in the last two plus years. “Ruthless” owns impressive wins against Frank Trigg, Scott Smith and Joey Villasenor. He has won the Icon Sport MW Championship and the Elite XC Title, which he defended twice within the last two years. First rumored to fight Ronaldo Souza, Lawler is now rumored to be seeking a fight with Matt Lindland for Strikeforce.
3. Paulo Filho (18-1) – “Ely” has been victorious twice in the last two months, improving his fight resume by winning 18 of 19. The former PRIDE Bushido vet has six submissions to his credit. He now calls Team Link his fight home alongside UFC heavyweight, Gabriel Gonzaga. Filho is scheduled to fight in Japan at DREAM 12 on October 25.
4. Kazuo Misaki (22-9-2) – Thirty-three year old “Grabaka Hitman” has hit a rough patch personally but has been producing in the ring. He recently defeated former UFC fighter Kazuhiro Nakamura at Sengoku 9 via submission. His future is in question due to a possible suspension stemming from a guilty plea this summer.
5. Ronaldo Souza (10-2) – Was a winner of ten straight before a recent loss and no contest. “Jacare” has fought exclusively in Japan for the DREAM organization (April 2008 – Present), but will make his North American debut soon, after signing with Strikeforce this summer.
6. Melvin Manhoef (23-6-1) – The part-time MMA and K-1 fighter has won six of his last eight MMA bouts, but has lost two of three. He was submitted by Paulo Filho at DREAM 10 in July. Of the heavy-handed striker’s 23 wins, 22 have come by knockout.
7. Jason Miller (22-6) – The MMA fighter turned MTV star's only win in the past year was a submission against Kala Hose in Hawaii. Has won five of last seven fights dating back to March 2007. The submission specialist has thirteen to his credit. He is scheduled to battle Jake Shields on the Strikeforce November 7 card for the Strikeforce Middleweight Title.
8. Hector Lombard (21-2-1) – The Cuban Judo specialist is on a roll with ten straight wins and hasn’t lost a fight over his last 15 contests. He is now a Champion for the upstart Bellator FC where he is 3-0 with three knockouts. His next fight will be in Australia on October 9 against Kalib Starnes for Cage Fighting Championship.
9. Matt Lindland (21-6) – Fighting top-level competition, he has lost two of his last three bouts. The former UFC fighter has fourteen stoppages in his twelve-year career. “The Law” hasn’t been active since a January loss to Vitor Belfort, although he is rumored to fight in October for his new fight home, Strikeforce.
10. Benji Radach (19-5) – Despite losing two of three, he has won six of his last eight overall, including a TKO of Murilo Rua for Elite XC last October. “Razor,” a talented striker, has fifteen knockouts in his nine year career. After dominating Scott Smith in April, he got caught by a sneaky Smith right hand and went to sleep. The UFC, IFL, and Elite XC veteran is currently signed to fight for Strikeforce.

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

Past Non-UFC Middleweight Rankings:

• July 2009 MMA Middleweight Rankings outside the UFC