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UFC Lightweight Division Rankings

A review and ranking of the UFC's 155-pound Lightweight division - April 2010 Update

BJ Penn's dominance of Diego Sanchez at UFC 107 many felt that the UFC’s lightweight division had been effectively cleaned out. However Frankie Edgar shocked the world in defeating Penn by Unanimous Decision at UFC 112 sending shockwaves throughout the 155 pound division. With Kenny Florian, Gray Maynard and George Sotiropoulos all having scored big victories in recent months, Edgar will undoubtedly be challenged for the lightweight belt. Also be sure to see our MMA Lightweight rankings as we take a look at the top 155 pound fighters in the UFC and other MMA organizations across the globe.

Frankie Edgar shocked the MMA world defeating BJ Penn on all 3 judges' scorecards at UFC 112.

1. Frankie Edgar – (12-1; 7-1 UFC) – “The Answer” was considered one of the best lightweights in the organization, however, after defeating BJ Penn at UFC 112, he made it official as the UFC lightweight champion. Next up for Edgar is either a rematch with the only fighter to defeat him, Gray Maynard, or a rematch with the longtime former champ, BJ Penn. Edgar now takes on the tougher task of defending the belt and becoming a true champion.

2. BJ Penn – (15-6-1; 11-5-1 UFC) – Prior to him losing his lightweight belt, “The Prodigy” was discussing moving up and working in the welterweight division as well. I would imagine after his UFC 112 loss to Frankie Edgar, plans have changed again. Instead of worrying about the 170 lb. division, Penn will probably work on getting his 155 lb. belt back.

3. Gray Maynard – (9-0; 7-0 UFC) – Less than two months ago, Maynard was said to be not quite ready for a title shot, but now that Frankie Edgar has it, he may indeed be ready. Maynard has already defeated the new champion, at an April 2008 UFC Fight Night 13 event, where he outworked Edgar for the unanimous decision victory. He is being considered as one of the candidates to face Edgar in his first title defense.

4. Kenny Florian – (14-4; 11-3 UFC) – Florian continues to prove that he belongs among the upper echelon of UFC lightweights. In March, he submitted Japanese star, Takanori Gomi at UFC Fight Night 21 for his eighth victory in his last nine fights. Although he is 0-2 in his title opportunities, he remains a legit threat to any 155-pounder.

5. Tyson Griffin – (14-2; 7-2 UFC) – Griffin consistently grinds out victories in his octagon appearances, winning six out of his last seven. He has won back-to-back bouts since losing to Sean Sherk at UFC 90 last January which includes a UFC 103 KO of Hermes Franca in September. He is scheduled to fight in Vancouver, Canada in June on the UFC 115 fight card against emerging star Evan Dunham.

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6. George Sotiropoulos – (12-2; 5-0 UFC) – The Aussie, Sotiropoulos, wasn’t considered among the divisions’ best until he dismantled Joe Stevenson at UFC 110 this February. The victory was his sixth consecutive overall and fifth inside the octagon. If he wants to stay in the top-10, he will have to continue to prove that he belongs among the elite by defeating top-level lightweights.

7. Jim Miller – (17-2; 6-1 UFC) – Miller is creeping up the divisional ladder with his consistency and grappling expertise. Since arriving in the UFC from the IFL, Miller has won six of seven bouts losing only at UFC 96 in March 2009 against top contender Gray Maynard. Miller recently defeated Mark Bocek at UFC 111 via unanimous decision.

8. Sean Sherk – (33-4-1; 7-4 UFC) – The former UFC lightweight champion has dropped two of his last three; however, still has a lot to offer other high-level 155-pounders. His losses to Frankie Edgar and BJ Penn have been mixed in around victories over Nick Diaz, Kenny Florian, and Tyson Griffin. Sherk hasn’t fought in nearly a year and should be scheduled for a bout in the very near future.

9. Joe Stevenson – (31-11, 8-5 UFC) – “Joe Daddy” is always a tough-out for opposing lightweights. Stevenson did drop his most recent bout against George Sotiropoulos (UFC 110), but won his two previous bouts over Nate Diaz (TUF 9 finale) and Spencer Fisher (UFC 104). Stevenson needs a victory in his next bout to remain among the divisions’ best.

10. Kurt Pelligrino – (15-4; 7-3 UFC) – Pellegrino began his UFC career with a mediocre 3-3 record, however after defeating his last four opponents he jumps into the top-10. “Batman” defeated Thiago Tavares, Rob Emerson, Josh Neer and most recently Fabricio Camoes at UFC 111 in March. He will probably face a top-10 lightweight in his next bout sometime this summer or fall.

Look for updates on the Top Ten UFC Rankings to be up the first week of every month from here on out, only on ProFighting-fans.com and don't miss the March 2010 UFC Lightweight Rankings.

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer

Published April 2010
Photo used with permission from the UFC

UFC Lightweight Division Rankings

A review and ranking of the UFC's 155-pound Lightweight division - April 2010 Update

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