411's MMA Rankings 5.08.08: Pound For Pound Rankings
Posted by Dustin James on 05.08.2008
It's time once again for 411 to rank the best overall fighters in MMA! Does GSP take the top spot? How about Fedor Emelianenko? I'm sure Anderson Silva has an opinion on the matter too. Come inside as 411's Dustin James gives you the rundown......
Welcome back to your personal favorite MMA rankings here on the mania that us cool kids call, 411. As always I'm the guy who gets to share who we at 411 believe are the best fighters in MMA pound for pound. Now that we know GSP is the best welterweight in MMA, is he the best overall fighter? What about Anderson Silva? He might have something to say about it. I'm also sure that Fedor Emelianenko, BJ Penn, Rampage Jackson, Butterbean, & Urijah Faber would like to state their cases as well. But that's now how it works. We get to make the decision! Why? Because if we don't, Csonka will kidnap our children....and nobody wants that.
Take your plugs, mmmmm there ya go, PLUGS ARE GOOOOOOD
In case some of you are in the same boat as me, and don't have HDNet (suck it Comcast!). 411 will be bringing you live coverage of DREAM 3 this weekend courtesy of, I believe, Randall Harrison. It should be good, because Randy told me he bought a six pack of Zima for the show. I didn't have time to tell him what a nancy boy he was because I had to run downstairs since my roommate just got home with my wine coolers.
I sent my Xbox360 into the repair department in this nice fancy box that was sent to me, complete with instructions on how to pack the 360 in the box....thus making my life THAT much easier. I'm hoping for a quick repair and then a send back. I'm dying to play Grand Theft Auto 4. I have been avoiding people who own the game like the plaque, because I want my first experience with it in the comfort of my own game room. They just need to hurry the hell up before I start GTA'ing myself all over Portland.
Now, for the reason you clicked on this........
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 take a mentally retarded 4 year old girl.
411's MMA Rankings
Pound For Pound
1) Anderson Silva (21-4)
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Dan Henderson - Win via submission (rear naked choke) - UFC 82: Pride of a Champion - March 1, 2008
- vs. Rich Franklin - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 77: Hostile Territory - October 20, 2007
- vs. Nathan Marquardt - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 73: Stacked - July 7, 2007
- vs. Travis Lutter - Win via submission (triangle choke) - UFC 67: All or Nothing - February 3, 2007
- vs. Rich Franklin - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 64: Unstoppable - October 14, 2006
Next scheduled appearance:
- Currently unknown
Comments: So, Anderson Silva is once again on top of a rankings list in MMA. SHOCKING, isn't it? Still, the big question currently looming around Silva is who is he going to face next? There were rumors this week that the UFC was planning on a Silva vs. Yushin Okami fight. This is really the fight that currently makes the most sense in the UFC's lackluster middleweight division. One thing is clear however, Silva is king.
2) Georges St. Pierre (16-2)
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Matt Serra - Win via TKO (knees to body) - UFC 83: Serra vs. St. Pierre II - April 19, 2008
- vs. Matt Hughes - Win via verbal submission (arm bar) - UFC 79: Nemesis - December 29, 2007
- vs. Josh Koscheck - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 74: Respect - August 25, 2007
- vs. Matt Serra - Loss via TKO (strikes) - UFC 69: Shootout - April 7, 2007
- vs. Matt Hughes - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 65: Bad Intentions - November 18, 2006
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Currently unknown
Comments: Yep, GSP showed the world that he is the best welterweight currently fighting in MMA. One thing is clear, GSP made the MMA die hards clamor for a GSP/Anderson Silva dream fight. Imagine that. The hottest two fighters currently in MMA at separate weight classes doing battle! It's enough to make a guy drool. What's next for GSP however? A dude by the name of Jon Fitch, and oh yeah......he's won like 8 fights in a row in the UFC.
3) B.J. Penn (12-4-1)
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Joe Stevenson - Win via submission (rear naked choke) - UFC 80: Rapid Fire - January 19, 2008
- vs. Jens Pulver - Win via submission (rear naked choke) - Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale - June 6, 2007
- vs. Matt Hughes - Loss via TKO (strikes) - UFC 63: Hughes vs. Penn - September 23, 2006
- vs. Georges St. Pierre - Loss via decision (split) - UFC 58: USA vs. Canada - March 4, 2006
- vs. Renzo Gracie - Win via decision (unanimous) - K-1 World Grand Prix: Hawaii - July 29, 2005
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Sean Sherk - UFC 84: "Ill Will" - May 24, 2008
Comments: BJ Penn got a huge boost in the lightweight ranking's recently when Shinya Aoki was able to upset JZ Calvancante in the DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix tournament. Now one thing is clear, Penn needs a win over Sherk to help remind the naysayers why he is considered one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world. I can start naming off reasons as to why Penn is awesome.....but all you have to do is Wikipedia his name and the reasons will become pretty damn clear.
4) 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. Tim Sylvia - Affliction's Debut Show - July 2008
Comments: Hey look at that! Fedor is going to be fighting a fellow top 10 heavyweight. Well I'll be damned. Maybe it's high time that Fedor shuts the Internet MMA community up once and for all and shows us that he's the one who TRULY belongs on the top of this list. Either way, I'd look for Fedor to submit Sylvia in around 2-3 minutes.
5) Quinton Jackson (29-6)
Last 5 fights:
- 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
- vs. Marvin Eastman - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 67: All or Nothing - February 3, 2007
- vs. Matt Lindland - Win via decision (split) - WFA - King of the Streets - July 22, 2006
- vs. Dong Sik Yoon - Win via decision (unanimous) - PRIDE 31: Dreamers - February 26, 2006
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Forrest Griffin - UFC 86: "Jackson vs. Griffin" - July 5, 2008
Comments: Rampage remains in "coach" mode on The Ultimate Fighter, but still remains entertaining as ever. It was interesting seeing Rampage lose his anger as he is usually one of the level headed guys, but sometimes a judges decision will make you want to punch a street sign....right Matt Hamill? Either way, I'm STILL eager as hell for Rampage and Forrest and I just wish summer would hurry the hell up and get here.
6) Urijah Faber (20-1)
Last 5 Fights:
- vs. Jeff Curran - Win via submission (guillotine choke) - WEC 31 - Faber vs. Curran - December 12, 2007
- vs. Chance Farrar - Win via submission (rear naked choke) - WEC 28 - WrekCage - June 3, 2007
- vs. Dominic Cruz - Win via submission (guillotine choke) - WEC 26 - Las Vegas - March 24, 2007
- vs. Joe Pearson - Win via submission (strikes) - WEC 25 - Las Vegas - January 20, 2007
- vs. Bibiano Fernandes - Win via TKO (cut) - KOTC: All Stars - October 28, 2006
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Jens Pulver - WEC 34: Faber vs. Pulver - June 1, 2008
Comments: It's almost time! We are less than a month away from Jens Pulver vs. Urijah Faber at WEC 34 and I'm stoked to the bone. Even though Pulver is undefeated at featherweight, it would be considered a huge upset to me if he were to defeat "The California Kid". Maybe it's my personal distaste for Pulver, or the fact that I'm a huge Faber fan....I just want to see Faber choke Pulver out bad.
7) Dan Henderson (22-7)
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Anderson Silva - Loss via submission (rear naked choke) - UFC 82: Pride of a Champion - March 1, 2008
- vs. Quinton Jackson - Loss via decision (unanimous) - UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion - September 8, 2007
- vs. Wanderlei Silva - Win via KO (left hook) - PRIDE 33: The Second Coming - February 24, 2007
- vs. Vitor Belfort - Win via decision (unanimous) - PRIDE 32: The Real Deal - October 21, 2006
- vs. Kazuo Misaki - Loss via decision (unanimous) - PRIDE: Bushido 12 - August 26, 2006
Next scheduled appearance:
- Currently unknown
Comments: Dan Henderson was rumored to be fighting Rich Franklin this week, and possibly even at 205 lbs! Say what?!?!? I say book that fight on the rumored Silva vs. Okami card and call it good. I mean, ya add some more fights and stuff but that would be a tremendous start for a future card.
8) Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria (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: So, what exactly is next for Big Nog? The rumor going around is that Frank Mir could be the new #1 contender for the UFC heavyweight title. That sound you hear? Oh, that was 411's Bren Oliver shooting himself in the comfort of his room.....along with hardcore MMA fans around the world. Is this the best challenger you have UFC? Really? I mean, c'mon....Mir? Even Fabricio Werdum is a better option than Mir.
9) Takanori Gomi (28-3)
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Duane Ludwig - Win via TKO (cut) - World Victory Road - Sengoku - March 5, 2008
- vs. Nick Diaz - No contest (originally lost via submission) - PRIDE 33: The Second Coming - February 24, 2007
- vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida - Win via TKO (strikes) - PRIDE Shockwave 2006 - December 31, 2006
- vs. Marcus Aurelio - Win via decision (split) - PRIDE: Bushido 13 - November 5, 2006
- vs. David Baron - Win via decision (split) - PRIDE: Bushido 12 - August 26, 2006
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Currently unknown
Comments: Like I mentioned in last week's lightweight rankings, Takanori Gomi is rumored to be fighting at World Victory Road's "Sengoku III" card. That is great news for us Gomi fans.
10) Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto (17-1)
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Rani Yahya - Win via TKO (punches and soccer kicks) - K-1 Premium 2007 Dynamite!! - December 31, 2007
- vs. Bibiano Fernandes - Win via decision (unanimous) - K-1 HERO's 11 - September 17, 2007
- vs. Istvan Majoros - Win via TKO (strikes) - K-1 Premium 2006 Dynamite!! - December 31, 2006
- vs. Kazuyuki Miyata - Win via KO (flying knee) - K-1 HERO's 5 - May 3, 2006
- vs. Genki Sudo - Win via TKO (punches) - K-1 Premium 2005 Dynamite!! - December 31, 2005
Next scheduled appearance:
- Currently unknown
Comments: Woo hoo! A personal favorite mine cracks the Top 10 pound for pound list. Kid Yamamoto is HIGHLY underrated in the world of MMA. Dana White was recently asked if he would bring in Yamamoto to fight Urijah Faber in WEC but Kid comes with a high price tag. Well, DERF??? He's freaking money in the bank. Pay the guy any amount he wants and let the fight happen. After Faber demolishes Pulver, who's next? Say it with me now kids....K-I-D Y-A-M-A-M-O-T-O.
On The Bubble:
(On the bubble includes fighter's who may not be in the Top 10, but remain a threat in their weight division)
Lyoto Machida (12-0)
Last 5 fights:
- 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
- vs. David Heath - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 70: Nations Collide - April 21, 2007
- vs. Sam Hoger - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 67: All or Nothing - February 3, 2007
- vs. Vernon White - Win via decision (unanimous) - WFA - King of the Streets - July 22, 2006
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Tito Ortiz - UFC 84: "Ill Will" - May 24, 2008
Rich Franklin (22-3-1)
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Travis Lutter - Win via TKO (strikes) - UFC 83: Serra vs. St Pierre II - April 19, 2008 (Thanks for the reminder!)
- vs. Anderson Silva - Loss via TKO (strikes) - UFC 77: Hostile Territory - October 20, 2007
- vs. Yushin Okami - Win via decision (unanimous) - UFC 72: Victory - June 16, 2007
- vs. Jason MacDonald - Win via TKO (corner stoppage) - UFC 68: Uprising - March 3, 2007
-vs. Anderson Silva - Loss via TKO (strikes) - UFC 64: Unstoppable - October 14, 2006
Next scheduled appearance:
- vs. Currently unknown
Matt Lindland (20-5)
Last 5 fights:
- vs. Fedor Emelianenko - Loss via submission (arm bar) - BodogFight: Clash of the Nations - April 14, 2007
- vs. Carlos Newton - Win via submission (guillotine choke) - IFL: Houston - February 2, 2007
- vs. Jeremy Horn - Win via TKO (strikes) - IFL: Portland - September 9, 2006
-vs. Quinton Jackson - Loss via decision (split) - WFA: King of the Streets - July 22, 2006
- vs. Mike Van Arsdale - Win via submission (guillotine choke) - Raze MMA: Fight Night - April 29, 2006
What has Penn done recently that you're all riding his jock for?
Unless he destroys Sherk in the 1st (seriously unlikely), he'd barely have
reason to be on this list.
He lost 2 of his last 5 and hasn't beaten a true contender in years.
Seriously- how is he ranked higher then Rampage?
Posted By: cyks (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 01:47 AM
Cyks is da man and how about hendo the man can fight but he's lost 2 in a row
wtf.
Posted By: Deano (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 02:57 AM
I would like to see Masakazu Imanari's name on the list. As the only person to
hold title belts in two major promotions in DEEP and Cage Rage, I think he at
least deserves to be "on the bubble".
Posted By: AVD (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 03:24 AM
Well, BJ Penn did recently defeat Joe Stevenson for the Vacant Lightweight
Title. I don't know if you've heard, but it's kinda a big deal if your a
lightweight in the UFC.
And he has beat contenders in Stevenson and Pulver.
I do agree with Cyks in that he shouldn't be ranked higher than Rampage. Penn
isn't the "decisive" Lightweight Champion yet.
Posted By: steveo (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 06:55 AM
I find it hard to agree that Penn should be #3. Yeah he has great skills and is
the LW champ but I'm still not sold on him as a dominant fighter at the caliber
of Silva, GSP or Fedor. He needs to win a few more fights to convince me that
she should be above Fedor, Faber and Rampage.
Posted By: DrBdan (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Yamamoto is woefully underrated, but he does have a well deserved #10 spot on
this list. I would LOVE to see Kid go up against Faber. That would be a crazy
fight.
Posted By: Ponron (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Hendo that high?really?? i would put fitch, who's not even on the bubble, ahead
of him right now. Sure hes had an amazing career but no way after 2 losses in a
row should he be that high.
Posted By: MarkB (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Just a quick note: Though I don't think it really affects his position, Rich
Franklin's "last 5 fights" list is missing his most recent fight (win
over Travis Lutter at UFC 83).
Posted By: CB (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 11:00 AM
There is no way BJ is higher then Rampage.
Posted By: EasyG (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 11:04 AM
there is absolutely nothing legitimate about this list..fanboy internet geeks.
Posted By: romano (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Pretty good. Henderson should not still be up there though and not even having
Wagnney Fabiona on the bubble is kinda crazy.
Posted By: homegrowncone (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 03:56 PM
great list. I'd put BJ down to #10 and Hendo on the buble though. I'd put Sherk,
& Fitch on the bubble, Franklin at #9.
Posted By: guest guest (Guest) on May 08, 2008 at 06:27 PM
