Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

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Flyweight

1. Demetrious Johnson (19-2-1)

When Johnson bested Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152 for the promotion’s inaugural flyweight strap, it was a closely contested split decision in favor of “Mighty Mouse.” In their rematch at UFC on Fox 9, Johnson removed all doubt as to who is the division’s undisputed king with a first-round knockout victory. Since he first captured 125-pound gold in September 2012, Johnson has defended his title three times in increasingly impressive fashion. Next up: a UFC 174 showdown with Ali Bagautinov in Vancouver.

2. Joseph Benavidez (20-4)

Benavidez showed no ill-effects from a December knockout loss to Demetrious Johnson, as he submitted Tim Elliott with a guillotine choke in the opening frame of their UFC 172 bout. Outside of a pair of losses to “Mighty Mouse,” Benavidez has done nothing to hurt his status as one of the world’s three best flyweights. However, Johnson will probably have to relinquish his belt before Benavidez receives another shot at 125-pound gold.

3. John Dodson (15-6)

After failing in his bid for the flyweight title against Demetrious Johnson at UFC on Fox 6, “The Magician” showed there would be no post-title shot hangover. Showcasing the numbing power that has made him one of the division’s top contenders, Dodson floored Darrell Montague twice en route to a dominant first-round stoppage at UFC 166. After a brief absence due to a knee injury, the Jackson-Wink MMA product returns to action against John Moraga at UFC Fight Night in Albuquerque, N.M., on June 7.

4. Ali Bagautinov (13-2)

Bagautinov relied on takedowns and ground-pound to carry him past fellow flyweight contender John Lineker at UFC 169. The sambo specialist also displayed his fair share of grit in absorbing a series of the Brazilian’s trademark body blows in the second round. Three straight 125-pound triumphs have earned “The Puncher King” a date with reigning champion Demetrious Johnson at UFC 174.

5. Ian McCall (12-4-1)

It took four tries, but “Uncle Creepy” finally secured his first Octagon win at UFC 163. Good conditioning, leg kicks and fancy footwork drove McCall to a unanimous decision against Iliarde Santos in Rio de Janeiro and likely saved him from the Zuffa chopping block. Injury woes have plagued McCall lately, but a bout with Brad Pickett, which was originally scheduled to take place on a March UFC Fight Night card in London, has been targeted for the promotion’s July 19 trip to Ireland.

6. Zach Makovsky (18-4)

Not much was expected of former Bellator MMA champion Makovsky when he stepped in on short notice to face Scott Jorgensen at UFC on Fox 9 in December. Now, after toppling both Jorgensen and Josh Sampo in consecutive outings, “Fun Size” looks like a serious contender in the UFC’s flyweight division. Makovsky will attempt to continue his ascent through the division when he squares off with Jussier da Silva at UFC 176.

7. Jussier da Silva (16-3)

It was not without controversy, but “Formiga” captured a much-needed victory over Scott Jorgensen at UFC Fight Night “Shogun vs. Henderson 2” in March. Taking advantage of an incidental head butt, da Silva scrambled to Jorgensen’s back to win via rear-naked choke in the opening frame in front of an appreciative Brazilian audience. Next up: a date with Zach Makovsky at UFC 176.

8. John Lineker (23-7)

Making weight was just one problem for John Lineker at UFC 169. Ali Bagautinov was the other. While “Hands of Stone” eventually checked in at 126 pounds for his flyweight bout with the “Puncher King,” he had no answer for the takedowns of the two-time combat sambo world champion, who grounded Lineker repeatedly en route to taking a unanimous verdict. Lineker returns to the cage on July 16, when he clashes with Alptekin Ozkilic at UFC Fight Night in Atlantic City.

9. John Moraga (14-2)

Moraga earned his eighth victory in nine appearances at UFC Fight Night 35, taking a contentious split decision over Dustin Ortiz. It did not come easily for the former No. 1 contender, as he had to rally back from a rough first round to post his third Octagon win. Moraga will next face John Dodson on June 7 in Albuquerque, N.M. Moraga fell to Dodson via unanimous decision in a 2010 bout in the Dominican Republic.

10. Justin Scoggins (9-0)

Scoggins recorded his first UFC win in December, but the “Tank” truly announced his arrival in the flyweight division at UFC 171. For three rounds, the 21-year-old American Top Team fighter mixed dynamic striking with takedowns and ground-and-pound to take a one-sided unanimous decision from the more experienced Will Campuzano. Scoggins will next lock horns with Dustin Ortiz at “The Ultimate Fighter 19” Finale.

Other Contenders: Chris Cariaso, Tim Elliott, Kyoji Horiguchi, Darrell Montague, Josh Sampo.

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