411's MMA Rankings 4.03.08: Heavyweight Rankings

Posted by Dustin James on 04.03.2008

It's time again for 411 to rank the best Heavyweight fighter's in MMA! You know nobody took the top spot from Fedor, but who took the #2 spot? Was it Big Nog? Josh Barnett? Brock Lesnar? Is it possible Lesnar is actually ranked this time? Come inside as Dustin James gives you all the juicy details......

Welcome, welcome, welcome people! You have to give me a little credit for that teaser. It's HARD to make the Heavyweight division sound exciting. Now, UFC Fight Night 13 and the debut of The Ultimate Fighter's new season will have both aired by the time you read this. However, as I'm writing this....I'm still an hour away from Fight Night 13 so I won't be able to give you all the juicy details on the shows. I know, bummer bummer. Since I'm SO close to possibly the best UFC Fight Night card ever, I will keep the intro short this week. And unfortunately Doink The Clown will not make an appearance in the rankings this week. Hopefully that was a one time appearance.

Now, ON WITH THE GOOD STUFF.......

411's MMA Ranking Rules

- If a fighter hasn't fought in a year, he can not be ranked. It's not fair to people who are fighting to not be ranked because a fighter is taking a year off. The rule also applies to specific divisions. If a fighter hasn't fought in a weight division in a year he is no longer eligible to be ranked. However, if a fighter schedules a fight he is still eligible for being ranked.

- If you wish to complain about a fighter's ranking in the comments section, then please include an objective reason as to why you don't like the ranking, and remember "if u rite lik thiss" then your opinion doesn't matter.

- 411's MMA Rankings are voted on by the MMA staff of 411mania. So if you are an MMA fighter and hate where you are ranked, beating just me up would be unnecessary. You would have to beat us all up, and when we are all together.....we could probably beat up a mentally retarded 6 year old girl.


411's Official MMA Rankings

Heavyweight Division



1) Fedor Emelianenko (27-1)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Hong Man Choi - Win via submission (arm bar) - Yarennoka - New Year's Eve 2007 - December 31, 2007

- vs. Matt Lindland - Win via submission (arm bar) - BodogFight: Clash of the Nations - April 14, 2007

- vs. Mark Hunt - Win via submission (kimura) - PRIDE - Shockwave 2006 - December 31, 2006

- vs. Mark Coleman - Win via submission (arm bar) - PRIDE 32: The Real Deal - October 21, 2006

- vs. Wagner da Conceicao Martins - Win via submission (punches) - PRIDE - Shockwave 2005 -

Next scheduled appearance:

- vs. Currently unknown

Comments: Fedor, once again #1! Surprised? Me neither. However, there is some encouraging news on the Fedor front. He was recently released by Adrenaline MMA (M-1 Global) and then it was revealed that he was never actually under contract with them! Say wha?!?! But now, it's all gravy in the navy. You know why? Because now there are rumors that Fedor is negotiating with the UFC on a possible one fight deal. Oh wait, what's that? Now EliteXC is offering Fedor a seven figure, four fight deal that would also include Aleksander Emelianenko and two slots on EliteXC on CBS? DAMN. Fedor would be stupid to pass up that deal with EliteXC. The only reason he would.....Randy Couture. How bad does he want it? You know we do. You know Randy does. What about Fedor? To be continued.....

---

2) Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-4-1)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Tim Sylvia - Win via submission (guillotine choke) - UFC 81: Breaking Point - February 2, 2008

- vs. Heath Herring - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 73: Stacked - July 7th, 2007

- vs. Josh Barnett - Win via decision (unanimous) - PRIDE - Shockwave 2006 - December 31, 2006

- vs. Josh Barnett - Loss via decision (split) - PRIDE - Final Conflict Absolute - September 10, 2006

- vs. Fabricio Werdum - Win via decision (unanimous) - PRIDE - Critical Countdown Absolute - July 1, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

- vs. Currently unknown

Comments: And the UFC Heavyweight champion clocks in at #2 again! So far there is nothing concrete about who Big Nog will face next. There are rumors that he could face the winner of the upcoming Brandon Vera/Fabricio Werdum fight. He probably would be facing Cheick Kongo, had Kongo not lost to Heath Herring at UFC 82. Will the UFC give Heath Herring ANOTHER chance against Big Nog? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, there is a LACK of challengers in the UFC Heavyweight division. You had better hope Lesnar pans out.

---

3) Josh Barnett (21-5)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Hidehiko Yoshida - Win via submission (heel hook) - World Victory Road: Sengoku - March 5, 2008

- vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - Loss via decision (unanimous) - PRIDE - Shockwave 2006 - December 31, 2006

- vs. Pawel Nastula - Win via submission (toe hold) - PRIDE 32: The Real Deal - October 21, 2006

- vs. Mirko Cro Cop - Loss via submission (strikes) - PRIDE - Final Conflict Absolute - September 10, 2006

- vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - Win via decision (split) - PRIDE - Final Conflict Absolute - September 10, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

- vs. Currently unknown

Comments: And he's back! After over a year away from MMA, Barnett returned with a bang at World Victory Road's debut "Sengoku" show. He was able to submit Hidehiko Yoshida in the third round with a heel hook. Now, the real question is....how long will it be between fights now for Barnett? We shall see.

---

4) Randy Couture (16-8)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Gabriel Gonzaga - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 74: Respect - August 25, 2007

- vs. Tim Sylvia - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 68: Uprising - March 3, 2007

- vs. Chuck Liddell - Loss via KO (punch) - UFC 57: Liddell vs. Couture 3 - February 4, 2006

- vs. Mike Van Arsdale - Win via submission (anaconda choke) - UFC 54: Boiling Point - August 20, 2005

- vs. Chuck Liddell - Loss via KO (punches) - UFC 52: Couture vs. Liddell 2 - April 16, 2005

Next scheduled appearance:

- Wouldn't we all love to know?

Comments: What's happening in Randy Couture's life? I couldn't tell ya. But I can tell ya this.....he won't be fighting anytime soon.

---

5) Andrei Arlovski (12-5)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Jake O'Brien - Win via TKO (punches) - UFC 82: Pride of a Champion - March 1, 2008

- vs. Fabricio Werdum - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 70: Nations Collide - April 21, 2007

- vs. Marcio Cruz - Win via KO (strikes) - UFC 66: Liddell vs. Ortiz II - December 30, 2006

- vs. Tim Sylvia - Loss via decision (unanimous) - UFC 61: Bitter Rivals - July 8, 2006

- vs. Tim Sylvia - Loss via KO (punch) - UFC 59: Reality Check - April 15, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

- vs. Currently unknown

Comments: What to do? What to do? That's the biggest question on Andrei Arlovski's mind right now. After defeating the undefeated Jake O'Brien at UFC 82, on the UNDERCARD no less.....will Arlovski stay with the UFC? Or will he go elsewhere? My guess is that he goes to EliteXC because they seem like they would LOVE to be able to market Arlovski to the moon. These will be some interesting months for Mr. Arlovski.

---

6) Tim Sylvia (24-4)

Last 5 wins:

- vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - Loss via submission (guillotine choke) - UFC 81: Breaking Point - February 2, 2008

- vs. Brandon Vera - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 77: Hostile Territory - October 20, 2007

- vs. Randy Couture - Loss via decision (unanimous) - UFC 68: Uprising - March 3, 2007

- vs. Jeff Monson - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 65: Bad Intentions - November 18, 2006

- vs. Andrei Arlovski - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 61: Bitter Rivals - July 8, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

- vs. Currently unknown

Comments: Tim Sylvia made HUGE news recently be announcing he was leaving the UFC and then signing with Adrenaline MMA. By signing with Adrenaline MMA, it gives Sylvia the ability to fight in a non-exclusive contract and make more money than he was in the UFC. Good career move for Tim Sylvia? We will find out. Great news for UFC fans? Well, 86% of them are happy to hear this news. I personally wanted to see Brock Lesnar vs. Tim Sylvia. Oh well.

---

7) Fabricio Werdum (10-3-1)

Last 5 wins:

- vs. Gabriel Gonzaga - Win via TKO (punches) - UFC 80: Rapid Fire - January 19, 2008

- vs. Andrei Arlovski - Loss via decision (unanimous) - UFC 70: Nations Collide - April 21, 2007

- vs. Aleksander Emelianenko - Win via submission (choke) - 2H2H - Pride & Honor - November 12, 2006

- vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - Loss via decision (unanimous) - PRIDE - Critical Countdown Absolute - July 1, 2006

- vs. Alistair Overeem - Win via submission (kimura) - PRIDE - Total Elimination Absolute - May 5, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

- vs. Brandon Vera - UFC 85: "Liddell vs. Evans" - June 14, 2008

Comments: If Werdum can pick up the victory over Brandon Vera, he could find himself being the new #1 contender to the UFC Heavyweight title. You know what that means? That means it's possible that we won't see Big Nog fight again until September. PLEASE UFC! Sign some big name heavyweight and give him to Big Nog! This is torture.......

---

8) Cheick Kongo (11-4-1)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Heath Herring - Loss via decision (split) - UFC 82: Pride of a Champion - March 1, 2008

- vs. Mirko Cro Cop - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion - September 8, 2007

- vs. Assuerio Silva - Win via decision (majority) - UFC 70: Nations Collide - April 21, 2007

- vs. Carmelo Marrero - Loss via decision (split) - UFC 64: Unstoppable - October 14, 2006

- vs. Christian Wellisch - Win via KO (knee) - UFC 62: Liddell vs. Sobral - August 26, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

- vs. Currently unknown

Comments: It's a bad time to be Cheick Kongo. You WERE on a little roll in the UFC, then you ran into Heath Herring and were just unable to do much. Sorry, try again.

---

9) Mirko Cro Cop (23-6-2)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Tatsuya Mizuno - Win via TKO (punches) - DREAM: Heiwa Dream 1 - March 15, 2008

- vs. Cheick Kongo - Loss via decision (unanimous) - UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion - September 8, 2007

- vs. Gabriel Gonzaga - Loss via KO (head kick) - UFC 70: Nations Collide - April 21, 2007

- vs. Eddie Sanchez - Win via TKO (punches) - UFC 67: All or Nothing - February 3, 2007

- vs. Josh Barnett - Win via submission (strikes) - PRIDE - Final Conflict Absolute - September 10, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

- Currently unknown

Comments: He's back! Or is he? I'm not saying Tatsuya Mizuno is freakin Fedor Emelianenko or anything, but it's just good to see Mirko Cro Cop get back on the winning side.

---

10) Gabriel Gonzaga (8-3)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Fabricio Werdum - Loss via TKO (punches) - UFC 80: Rapid Fire - January 19, 2008

- vs. Randy Couture - Loss via TKO (strikes) - UFC 74: Respect - August 25, 2007

- vs. Mirko Cro Cop - Win via KO (head kick) - UFC 70: Nations Collide - April 21, 2007

- vs. Carmelo Marrero - Win via submission (arm bar) - UFC 66: Liddell vs. Ortiz II - December 30, 2006

- vs. Fabiano Scherner - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 60: Hughes vs. Gracie - May 27, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

- vs. Currently unknown

Comments: Speaking of somebody who needs to get back on the winning side. Gonzaga needs to sign a fight, and fast. He really needs to erase our memories of the Couture/Werdum losses. He looked SO good defeating Cro Cop. Where is that guy?

---

On The Bubble: (On the bubble includes fighter's who aren't ranked yet still remain a threat in their division)




Ben Rothwell (29-5)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Ricco Rodriguez - Win via decision (unanimous) - IFL - 2007 Team Championship Final - September 20, 2007

- vs. Krzysztof Soszynski - Win via TKO (strikes) - IFL - 2007 Semifinals - August 2, 2007

- vs. Travis Fulton - Win via submission (kimura) - IFL - Chicago - May 19, 2007

- vs. Roy Nelson - Win via decision (split) - IFL - Moline - April 7, 2007

- vs. Matt Thompson - Win via TKO (punches) - IFL - Houston - February 2, 2007

Next scheduled appearance:

- Currently unknown

---

Aleksander Emelianenko (12-3)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Dan Bobish - Win via submission (guillotine choke) - HCF - Title Wave - October 19, 2007

- vs. Jessie Gibson - Win via submission (kimura) - M-1: Russia vs. Europe - July 21, 2007

- vs. Eric Pele - Win via KO (punch) - BodogFight: Clash of the Nations - April 14, 2007

- vs. Fabricio Werdum - Loss via submission (choke) - 2H2H - Pride & Honor - November 12, 2006

- vs. Sergei Kharitonov - Win via TKO (strikes) - PRIDE - Final Conflict Absolute - September 10, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

-Currently unknown

---

Frank Mir (11-3)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Brock Lesnar - Win via submission (knee bar) - UFC 81: Breaking Point - February 2, 2008

- vs. Antoni Hardonk - Win via submission (kimura) - UFC 74: Respect - August 25, 2007

- vs. Brandon Vera - Loss via TKO (strikes) - UFC 65: Bad Intentions - November 18, 2006

- vs. Dan Christison - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 61: Bitter Rivals - July 8, 2006

- vs. Marcio Cruz - Loss via TKO (strikes) - UFC 57: Liddell vs. Couture 3 - February 4, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

-Currently unknown

---

Antonio Silva (10-1)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Ricco Rodriguez - Win via decision (split) - EliteXC: Street Certified - February 16, 2008

- vs. Jonathan Wiezorek - Win via submission (rear naked choke) - EliteXC: Renegade - November 10, 2007

- vs. Wesley Correira - Win via TKO (strikes) - EliteXC: Destiny - February 10, 2007

- vs. Eric Pele - Loss via TKO (strikes) - BodogFight: USA vs. Russia - December 2, 2006

- vs. Georgy Kaysinov - Win via KO (punch) - K-1 HERO'S 7 - October 9, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

-Currently unknown

---

Heath Herring (28-13)

Last 5 fights:

- vs. Cheick Kongo - Win via decision (split) - UFC 82: Pride of a Champion - March 1, 2008

- vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - Loss via decision (unanimous) - UFC 73: Stacked - July 7, 2007

- vs. Brad Imes - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 69: Shootout - April 7, 2007

- vs. Jake O'Brien - Loss via decision (unanimous) - UFC: Fight Night 8 - January 25, 2007

- vs. Gary Goodridge - Win via TKO (punches) - K-1 HERO's 4 - March 15, 2006

Next scheduled appearance:

- Currently unknown