411's MMA Rankings 07.07.09: Light Heavyweight Division
Posted by Jonathan Solomon on 07.07.2009
The stacked light heavyweight division is under the 411 spotlight this week! Lyoto Machida is king as Rashad Evans and Quinton Jackson will coach against each other while Forrest Griffin will challenge Anderson Silva. Does Griffin deserve a top three ranking? Does Franlin deserve to be in the fop five? Where do Bones Jones and Jake O'Brien rank? Plus, a brand new fighter enters the list!
Welcome to another summer edition of the vaunted 411mania MMA rankings feature the best of the 205-pounders. There were few fights among these men over the past month, in fact, the biggest fight involved the UFC 99 main event from last month. Spoiler coming at you...Wanderlei Silva is gone. Wanderlei lost another fight and was shut out from the rankings, not receiving a single vote from the staff. Part of it may be his decision to drop down to middleweight after UFC 99, but I would think the fact he lost four of his last five fights (and five of his last six) had more to do with it.
It's tough to distinguish one great fighter from another, for example, how would you order the following fighters: Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin, Rampage Jackson. I hope we appeased most of you with how the list came out. I
I don't know why but I find it interesting the man getting the next UFC title shot in this division is not even a top-three ranked fighter according to the 411 MMA staff. Do you find it wrong or is it just happenstance and scheduling that resulted in Shogun Rua being called upon to get the first crack at Lyoto Machida's new championship?
August will be a busy month with five of the top fifteen fighters in action. Four of the top-five fighters will be action in the fall so this list is not done shaking more than Bill Cosby's favorite bowl of jello.
Now let's get to cracking some data and unveil the business.
From King Durin. "How in the hell is Guida not on this list?" Well, the 411 Staff did not vote for Guida as one of the best fifteen lightweights in the world. Sure he can entertain the masses with his style but it comes down to victories at the end of the day (most of the time). For the great wins over Nate Diaz, Mac Danzig, Marcus Aurelio, etc., he lost fights to Diego Sanchez, Roger Huerta, Din Thomas and Tyson Griffin.
Thanks GeeSpotter. "Just to spark some controversy, let's include Shinya's loss to Fedor in the exhibition match. I would love to see the ramblings from that....I agree that Diego and Maynard got screwed on this list, but it looks great otherwise." I doubt Aoki's "exhibition" loss to Fedor (if included) would garner much of a backlash. After all, it's not like it was a lightweight fight. Not too many lightweights would do well against him IMO. How did Diego get screwed? He's #6, isn't he? Maynard, you can make a case for. He probably should be on the list but doesn't have that last oomph for whatever reason.
Todd Vote argues against the notion Guida is an entertaining fighter. "I disagree Jonathan. Not everyone loves Clay Guida. I find him to be a bit of the wet blanket. I don't think I have ever seen him finish a fight. I've seen him in some wars, but when your advantage consists of holding your opponent down and using that as a way to out-point them by default, it's not impressive. Again, I am not denying his skill as a fighter, as he is very strong, and just a cardio monster. But his style of holding down an opponent, just bores me. His fight with Diego is probably the most exciting fight I've ever seen him in, and that was just because the man can take an ass whoopin." You're entitled to your opinion but usually with Guida, I am thoroughly entertained.
A good question is posed by Malibou. "If Guida is not in the top 15 how can a victory over him get sanchez to number 6?" First off, JZ Calvacante & Sean Sherk lost which boosted Sanchez up two spots. Hansen lost some favor and fell one spot due to inactivity. Right there he moved from #11 to #8. I do think he received a boost from being the unofficial new #1 contender in the division. If he's one of the best in the UFC, why shouldn't he be around #6?"
From Shawno420. "Edgar should be higher up the list, at least higher then Sherk. Edgar is a future LW champ." I got the feeling that 411 voters want to see Edgar win another fight against another top UFC contender. He's a potential great fighter but he still has at least some way to go.
Hoovervile209 says, "I agree Clay "LAY N' PRAY" doesn't deserve to be on this list. I'd like to see Kitaoka a little higher. The Muscle Shark needs to be off the list entirely. Overall, I like the top 10 minus Hansen(is he even alive?), Alvarez (paper champ), and JZ(complete buster)." Kitaoka barely reached the #15 mark...I doubt he gets the support to move up the list. Yes, Joachim Hansen is still around...somewhere.
MJH feels we're bludgeoning UFC fighters, "This list is not kind to the UFC Fighters....Aoki is 3-2 in his last 5, and two of those wins are against below par competition....Alvarez fights in the minor leagues....JZ hasn't won in almost 2 years....IMO - Florian is #2, Diego should be #3, Edgar should be ranked higher, and Joe Daddy, Gray and Guida should all be on this list. The UFC Lightweight division is stacked - I haven't even mentionned Sherk, Diaz, or Huerta. There are no easy fights. I just think people romanticize a bit about Dream and underrate the talent in the UFC." Can't win 'em all. If our list was dominated by UFC guys, we would be criticized for being Zuffa nut huggers. Oh well. You want to add Stevenson, Maynard and Guida (what? no Griffin?) to the list...so who do you take off then? Calvacante may not have a win since 2007 but he is still thought of as one of the most talented fighters around. Should he be off the list because he has not produced as of late? Up for debate.
Mat concurs with the JZ talk, "I love me some JZ and all, but seriously the dude has not had a win since September 07. Nearly two years! Surely you need a somewhat recent win to stay top 10." Perhaps you are correct.
From Tonley, "Kitaoka lower than Gomi? Really?" Yep, still the case, just as it was last month. Gomi is a name, Kitaoka is not. That's how I perceive the fact Gomi is above him despite losing their fight.
Thanks for all the great comments, feedback and everything in between.
July 2008 Light Heavyweight Rankings:
1. Forrest Griffin
2. Quinton Jackson
3. Chuck Liddell
4. Lyoto Machida
5. Shogun Rua
6. Wanderlei Silva
7. Rashad Evans
8. Keith Jardine
9. Thiago Silva
10. Tito Ortiz
Sokoudjou, Vladimir Matyushenko and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira were "On The Bubble."
411's MMA Ranking Rules
- A fighter must fight at least once within the past calendar year to be ranked. The rule applies to weight classes as well so fighters must stay active inside their native weight class. However, if a fighter has a fight scheduled, they are eligible to be ranked.
- If a fighter appears on just one single ballot, and in the top ten, five points shall be deducted to balance out between other fighters who may have been ranked lower, but appeared on more total ballots.
- If you wish to complain about a fighter's ranking in the comments section, please include an objective reason as to why you don't like the ranking, and write in a language that has the ability to be read by most, if not all. That would be most helpful. Thank you.
- 411's MMA Rankings are voted on by the staff of 411mania. Therefore, if you don't like where a fighter is ranked, don't hate the playa, hate the game.
411's Official MMA Rankings: Light Heavyweight Division
Light Heavyweight Division (205 lbs)
1) Lyoto Machida (15-0)
Height: 6'1
Birthday: May 3, 1978
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Rashad Evans - Win via knockout (punches) - UFC 98: Evans vs. Machida - May 23, 2009
- vs. Thiago Silva - Win via knockout (punches) - UFC 94: St. Pierre vs. Penn 2 - January 31, 2009
- vs. Tito Ortiz - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 84: Ill Will - May 24, 2008
- vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou - Win via submission (arm triangle choke) - UFC 79: Nemesis - December 29, 2007
- vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 76: Knockout - September 22, 2007
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Shogun Rua - UFC 104 - October 24, 2009
Comment: MACHIDA KARATE~!
2) Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (30-7)
Height: 6'1
Birthday: June 20, 1978
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Keith Jardine - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 96: Jackson vs. Jardine - March 7, 2009
- vs. Wanderlei Silva - Win via KO (punch) - UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008 - December 27, 2008
- vs. Forrest Griffin - Loss via decision (unanimous) - UFC 86: Jackson vs. Griffin - July 5, 2008
- vs. Dan Henderson - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion - September 8, 2007
- vs. Chuck Liddell - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson - May 26, 2007
Next scheduled appearance:
- Coach on TUF10: Heavyweights (and to fight Rashad Evans later in 2009)
3) Rashad Evans (13-1-1)
Height: 5'11
Birthday: September 25, 1979
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Lyoto Machida - Loss via knockout (punches) - UFC 98: Evans vs. Machida - May 23, 2009
- vs. Forrest Griffin - Win via TKO (punches) - UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008 - December 27, 2008
- vs. Chuck Liddell - Win via KO (punch) - UFC 88: Breakthrough - September 6, 2008
- vs. Michael Bisping - Win via decision (split) - UFC 78: Validation - November 17, 2007
- vs. Tito Ortiz - Draw - UFC 73: Stacked - July 7, 2007
Next scheduled appearance:
- Coach on TUF10: Heavyweights (and to fight Quinton Jackson later in 2009)
4) Forrest Griffin (16-5)
Height: 6'3
Birthday: July 1, 1979
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Rashad Evans - Loss by TKO (punches) - UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008 - December 27, 2008
- vs. Quinton Jackson - Win by decision (unanimous) - UFC 86: Jackson vs. Griffin - July 5, 2008
- vs. Mauricio Rua - Win by submission (rear naked choke) - UFC 76: Knockout - September 22, 2007
- vs. Hector Ramirez - Win by decision (unanimous) - UFC 72: Victory - July 16, 2007
- vs. Keith Jardine - Loss by TKO (punches) - UFC 66: Liddell vs. Ortiz 2 - December 30, 2006
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Anderson Silva - UFC 101 - August 8, 2009
5) Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (18-3)
Birthday: November 25, 1981
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Chuck Liddell - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 97: Redemption - April 18, 2009
- vs. Mark Coleman - Win via TKO (punches) - UFC 93: Franklin vs. Henderson - January 17, 2009
- vs. Forrest Griffin - Loss via submission (rear naked choke) - UFC 76: Knockout - September 22, 2007
- vs. Alistair Overeem - Win via KO (strikes) - PRIDE 33: Second Coming - February 24, 2007
- vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura - Win via decision (unanimous) - PRIDE Shockwave 2006 - December 31, 2006
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Lyoto Machida - UFC 104 - October 24, 2009
6) Keith Jardine (14-5-1)
Height: 6'2
Birthday: October 31, 1975
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Quinton Jackson - Loss via decision (unanimous) - UFC 96: Jackson vs. Jardine - March 7, 2009
- vs. Brandon Vera - Win via decision (split) - UFC 89: Bisping vs. Leben - October 18, 2008
- vs. Wanderlei Silva - Loss by KO (punches) - UFC 84: Ill Will - May 24, 2008
- vs. Chuck Liddell - Win by decision (split) - UFC 76: Knockout - September 22, 2007
- vs. Houston Alexander - Loss by KO (punches) - UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson - May 26, 2007
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Thiago Silva - UFC 102 - August 29, 2009
7) Rich Franklin (25-4)
Height: 6'1
Birthday: October 5, 1974
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Wanderlei Silva - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 99: The Comeback - June 13, 2009
- vs. Dan Henderson - Loss via decision (split) - UFC 93: Franklin vs. Henderson - January 17, 2009
- vs. Matt Hamill - Win via TKO (kick to the body) - UFC 88: Breakthrough - September 6, 2008
- vs. Travis Lutter - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 83: Serra vs. St. Pierre 2 - April 19, 2008
- vs. Anderson Silva - Loss via TKO (strikes) - UFC 77: Hostile Territory - October 20, 2007
Next scheduled appearance:
- Currently Unknown
8) Luiz Cane (10-1)
Height: 6'2
Birthday: February 4, 1981
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Steve Cantwell - Win via decision (unanimous) - UC 97: Redemption - April 18, 2009
- vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou - Win via TKO (punches) - UFC 89: Bisping vs. Leben - October 18, 2008
- vs. Jason Lambert - Win via TKO (punches) - UFC 85: Bedlam - June 7, 2008
- vs. James Irvin - Loss via DQ (knee to the head on the ground) - UFC 79: Nemesis - December 29, 2007
- vs. James Damien Stelly - Win via KO (knee) - Art Of War 3 - September 1, 2007
Next scheduled appearance:
- Currently Unknown
9) Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (17-3)
Height: 6'2
Birthday: June 2, 1976
Currently Fighting With: Affliction, World Victory Road
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Dion Staring - Win via submission (triangle choke) - Jungle Fight: Ceara - May 9, 2009
- vs. Vladimir Matyushenko - Win via TKO (strikes) - Affliction: Day of Reckoning - January 24, 2009
- vs. Moise Rimbon - Win via decision (unanimous) - Sengoku 6 - November 1, 2008
- vs. Edwin Dewees - Win via TKO (punches) - Affliction: Banned - July 19, 2008
- vs. Todd Gouwenberg - Win via TKO - HCF - Destiny - February 1, 2008
Next scheduled appearance:
- Currently Unknown
10) Renato "Babalu" Sobral (32-7)
Height: 6'1
Birthday: July 9, 1975
Currently Fighting With: Affliction, Strikeforce
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou - Win via submission (darce choke) - Affliction: Day of Reckoning - January 24, 2009
- vs. Bobby Southworth - Win via TKO (doctor stoppage due to a cut) - Strikeforce: Destruction - November 21, 2008
- vs. Mike Whitehead - Win via decision (unanimous) - Affliction: Banned - July 19, 2008
- vs. Rodney Glunder - Win via submission (arm-triangle choke) - PFP: Ring of Fire - December 9, 2007
- vs. David Heath - Win via submission (anaconda choke) - UFC 74: Respect - August 25, 2007
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Gegard Mousasi - Affliction: Trilogy - August 1, 2009
11) Thiago Silva (13-1)
Height: 6'1
Birthday: November 12, 1982
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Lyoto Machida - Loss via TKO (punches) - UFC 94: St. Pierre vs. Penn - January 31, 2009
- vs. Antonio Mendes - Win via submission (punches) - UFC 84: Ill Will - May 24, 2008
- vs. Houston Alexander - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 78: Validation - November 17, 2007
- vs. Tomasz Drwal - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion - September 8, 2007
- vs. James Irvin - Win via TKO (knee injury) - UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson - May 26, 2007
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Keith Jardine - UFC 102 - August 29, 2009
12) Vladimir Matyushenko (22-4)
Height: 6'1
Birthday: January 4, 1971
Currently Fighting With: Affliction
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Jason Lambert - Win via decision (unanimous) - Call to Arms 1 - May 16, 2009
- vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira - Loss via TKO (strikes) - Affliction: Day Of Reckoning - January 24, 2009
- vs. Jamal Patterson - Win via TKO (strikes) - IFL: New Jersey - April 4, 2008
- vs. Alex Schoenauer - Win via decision (unanimous) - IFL - World Grand Prix Semifinals - November 3, 2007
- vs. Tim Boetsch - Win via decision (unanimous) - IFL - 2007 Semifinals - August 2, 2007
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Currently Unknown
13) Gegard Mousasi (28-2-1)
Height: 6'0
Currently Fighting With: DREAM and Affliction
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Mark Hunt - Win via submission (kimura) - DREAM 9: Featherweight Grand Prix 2009 Second Round - May 26, 2009
- vs. Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza - Win via KO (upkick) - DREAM 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 - September 23, 2008
- vs. Melvin Manhoef - Win via submission (triangle choke) - DREAM 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 - September 23, 2008
- vs. Dong Sik Yoon - Win via decision (unanimous) - DREAM 4: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 - June 15, 2008
- vs. Denis Kang - Win via submission (triangle choke) - DREAM 2: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Opening Round - April 29, 2008
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Babalu Sobral - Affliction: Trilogy - August 1, 2009
- vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou - DREAM 12 - October 2009
14) Chuck Liddell (21-7)
Height: 6'2
Birthday: December 17, 1969
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Mauricio Rua - Loss via TKO (strikes) - UFC 97: Redemption - April 18, 2009
- vs. Rashad Evans - Loss via KO (punch) - UFC 88: Breakthrough - September 6, 2008
- vs. Wanderlei Silva - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 79: Nemesis - December 29, 2007
- vs. Keith Jardine - Loss via decision (split) - UFC 76: Knockout - September 22, 2007
- vs. Quinton Jackson - Loss via TKO (strikes) - UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson - May 26, 2007
Next scheduled appearance:
- "Retired"
Comment: Now Liddell is saying he will take some time off and decide then whether he will retire or not. So, he remains eligible to be ranked. There was some debate amongst the 411 MMA Staff as to whether the future Hall of Famer deserved a top-15 ranking. Is he still one of the best in the world?
15) Jonathan Jones (8-0)
Height: 6'4
Birthday: July 19, 1987
Currently Fighting With: UFC
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Stephan Bonnar - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 94: St. Pierre vs. Penn 2 - January 31, 2009
- vs. Andre Gusmao - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 87: Seek and Destroy - August 9, 2008
- vs. Moyses Gabin - Win via TKO (punches) - Battle Cage Xtreme 5 - July 12, 2008
- vs. Parker Porter - Win via KO (punch) - WCF 3 - June 20, 2008
- vs. Ryan Verrett - Win via TKO (punches) - USFL: War in the Woods 3 - May 9, 2008
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Jake O'Brien - UFC 100 - July 11, 2009
Final Notes: Others receiving votes include Dan Henderson, and Steve Cantwell.
Gegard Mousasi was eligible to be ranked for the first time as a light heavyweight because he is booked (officially) to fight Babalu Sobral.
Bones should be higher, and will be higher with more wins over higher competition. He should at least be higher than the waning Liddel.
I still like Jardine where he is. People will bitch about it but he beat 2 former LHW champs and the current #2 LHW couldn't put him away. So hopefully people don't gripe about it.
Posted By: MATRIX (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 03:02 AM
rich franklin at number 5 ?? he beat a wanderlay that had no killer instinct and was being way too cautious and a bit of a battle against hendo ( but no fight of the year ) lets see frankiln liddell, i have always thought that franklin is a little overated ! a little
Posted By: Guest#0559 (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 04:26 AM
OK OK OK OK NUMBER 7 BUT STILL !
Posted By: Guest#0695 (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 04:27 AM
jardine is 2-3 in his last five fights and his two wons were by split decision. Not very dominating. he should be out of the top 10. Luiz should be higher that jardine.
Posted By: joe (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 05:29 AM
I disagree Bones should not be higher he has not beat anyone of note just yet. YES he was very flashy in his first two UFC wins but so was Houston Alexander and we all know how that worked out.
Posted By: ERX (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Anyone else think Mousasi will be in the "Top 3" of this list within the next year?
Posted By: punchdrunk (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Not bad. I would argue that Forrest still deserves to be ahead of Rampage, until a rematch happens. But Rampage is Rampage, so it's hard to deny him his spot. I guess after machida, spots 2-5 could all pretty much be interchanged to suit any individual.
The only other thing I would change is how high Jardine is. He has moments of greatness, but to me, has been far to inconsistent to warrant such a high ranking. How are you ranked number six when you lose every other fight you are in?
Posted By: Todd Vote (Registered) on July 07, 2009 at 11:10 AM
if ole gegard wins his fight i definitely see him top 5 if not top 3, pretty much everyone on this list outside of the top 5 or 7 has major flaws.
Posted By: stronelis (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 12:00 PM
ERX,
Bones hasn't beaten anyone yet? Did you miss UFC 94? I mean, beating Stephan Bonnar was enough to make Forrest a star, and Bones handled Bonnar more soundly than Forrest did. Honestly, I think the fight with Jake O'Brien this weekend is a step back, but we'll have to see. Hopefully a win will at least jump Bones over a should-be-retired Chuck Liddell (who's lost four of his last five, I'd like to point out).
Posted By: Wyatt Beougher (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Liddell is 1-4 in the last 5 he should and that single one win is over another shot fighter..he should be off the list..where in the blue hell is TOMASZ DRWAL????
Posted By: 69247 (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Just glad to see Tito and Soku finally off this list. Great list though
Posted By: GeeSpotter (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 01:07 PM
I don't think Chuck Liddell deserves a top 15 spot. He's pretty much done for.
Shogun doesn't really deserve the title shot he's receiving, but all the more deserving LHWs are tied up with something else, and Machida wants to stay active, so I'm not complaining too much.
Jon Jones has looked very impressive thus far, though I don't think he quite deserves a top 15 slot yet. Not saying he won't, but I don't he's quite there yet. If he beats O'Brien, I'd be a whole lot more comfortable seeing him at #12 or #13. I mean, right now, he's a baby and he hasn't beaten anyone of note outside Bonnar. I do think in the next couple of years he's going to be a breakthrough LHW.
Posted By: NDN (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 01:26 PM
RE: Chuck, as much as I and everyone else loves him, and no doubt a deserving Hall of Famer, anyone who is 1-4 in their last 5, should NOT be considered top 15 in the world, regardless of the class of the opponents. Especially when there is so much talent out there on the fringe of breaking into the top 15. Lets face it, if his name wasnt Chuck Liddell, he'd be either a) fighting cans on the undercard or most likely b) sacked by now.
Just throwing it out there...
Posted By: Chris (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 02:10 PM
Decent list this week. Top 5 are spot on. After that there are a bunch of fighters similar in ability. I'd rank Franklin over Jardine based on their performances against Wanderlai. I don't think Mousasi is beating Babalu like everyone else seems to think. to me Cane is the one with the potential to rise the quickest. Jones as well, but I still need to see move of him before I am sure. And why isn't little Nog in the UFC with his brother????
Posted By: MJH (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 03:42 PM
maybe instead of winner from evans/jackson facing machida they might have better luck both facing him at once
Posted By: Guest#5908 (Guest) on July 07, 2009 at 06:48 PM
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