Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

---

Bantamweight

1. T.J. Dillashaw (12-2)

Proving that his UFC title win was no fluke, the Team Alpha Male standout once again demolished Renan Barao on July 25. Dillashaw tore up Barao on the feet, outstriking the former champion by a nearly three-to-one margin before punching his way to a violent finish early in round four. After the victory, Dillashaw mentioned ex-champ Dominick Cruz and former opponent Raphael Assuncao as potential next opponents.

2. Renan Barao (33-3, 1 NC)

One fight removed from his shocking title loss, Barao attempted to reclaim the UFC bantamweight belt from T.J. Dillashaw on July 25 in Chicago. The Brazilian fared no better in the rematch, as Dillashaw’s speedy and precise striking caused Barao to fade before the championship rounds and ultimately succumb to punishment in the fourth frame.

3. Dominick Cruz (20-1)

It had been three years since Cruz last stepped into the Octagon, but at UFC 178, he looked like the same old “Dominator.” The former bantamweight king showed no ill effects from multiple knee surgeries, as he executed a flawless, 61-second dismantling of perennial contender Takeya Mizugaki. But, just when it looked like Cruz had shaken the injury bug, he revealed another blown ACL -- this time on his right knee -- will keep him out of action until late 2015 or early 2016.

4. Urijah Faber (32-8)

Faber’s return to the division in which he rose to prominence did not go well, as “The California Kid” was outworked for five rounds by Frankie Edgar in the featherweight headliner of UFC Fight Night Manila. The unanimous decision loss snapped a two-fight winning streak for the Team Alpha Male leader and marked Faber’s first loss in a non-title bout. Faber is set to coach “The Ultimate Fighter 22” opposite UFC interim featherweight champ Conor McGregor, though the coaches will not fight at season’s end.

5. Raphael Assuncao (23-4)

Assuncao continued his climb up the 135-pound ranks on Oct. 4 by halting the momentum of Bryan Caraway with a steady diet of leg and body kicks. The Atlanta-based Brazilian's current seven-fight winning streak stretches back to 2011 and includes a split decision victory over current champion T.J. Dillashaw. Assuncao was scheduled for a March 21 rematch with former WEC champ Urijah Faber but withdrew with an injury.

6. Aljamain Sterling (11-0)

Sterling has been given no easy outs since entering the Octagon in February 2014, but his third UFC appearance brought his toughest opponent yet. The unbeaten “Funk Master” shined against perennial bantamweight ranker Takeya Mizugaki on April 18, submitting the Japanese veteran with a third-round arm-triangle choke from guard. Sterling has recorded finishes in five of his last six bouts, four of those by way of submission.

7. Takeya Mizugaki (20-9-2)

At UFC on Fox 15, Mizugaki looked to rebound from the streak-snapping knockout he was dealt by Dominick Cruz in September. Unfortunately for the former WEC title contender, he ran into one of the division’s hottest prospects on April 18, submitting to a third-round choke from the unbeaten Aljamain Sterling. The loss marked the first back-to-back losses for Mizugaki since 2007, when he was competing in Japan’s Shooto organization.

8. Marlon Moraes (14-4-1)

World Series of Fighting’s bantamweight ace persevered through a tough opening round with challenger Josh Hill at WSOF 18, then gradually took control of the bout over the ensuing four frames to notch a unanimous decision. Moraes’ successful title defense was his ninth consecutive win and seventh inside the WSOF cage. The Brazilian will go for his 10th straight victory against countryman Sheymon Moraes on Aug. 1.

9. Frankie Saenz (10-2)

Two fights into his Octagon career, former King of the Cage titlist Saenz has improbably landed himself a spot in the top 10 thanks to an upset victory against the vastly more experienced Iuri Alcantara. Saenz’s fast pace, takedowns and ground-and-pound overwhelmed the Brazilian on Feb. 22, earning him a unanimous decision and his sixth consecutive win. Saenz has been penciled in for a match with Sirwan Kakai on Aug. 8 in Nashville.

10. Thomas Almeida (19-0)

Not only is Almeida a top prospect at 135 pounds, but he has also gained a reputation as one of the division’s premier purveyors of violence. The Brazilian’s latest conquest came on July 11, when “Thominhas” notched a vicious second-round knockout of Brad Pickett. In 19 professional bouts, Almeida has gone the distance only one time.

Other Contenders: Iuri Alcantara, Bryan Caraway, Marcos Galvao, Francisco Rivera, Joe Warren.

Continue Reading » Flyweight