Cane (9-1 MMA) (2-1 UFC) has recently broken the top ten in January's META rankings. His wins are against Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou and Jason Lambert. All nine of his wins did not see the judge's score cards. His lone loss comes via DQ for knees to the head of a grounded James Irvin. He could either step up in competition or fight guys ranked below him depending on availability of other fighters. Look for him to be a dark horse in 2009.

#9 Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua

Rua (16-3 MMA)(0-1 UFC) was once touted as the number one guy at 205, but a loss to Forrest Griffin and a 15 month layoff due to injury has seen his stock drop. His upcoming fight should be an easy one as he fights a relatively insignificant Mark Coleman. Look for Shogun to fight Chuck Liddell if he wins. A win over Chuck could set up a rematch with Rampage Jackson.

#8 Thiago Silva

The undefeated Silva (13-0 MMA) (4-0 UFC) will look to propel himself in the rankings with a win over Lyoto Machida. Silva has stopped all four of his UFC opponents in impressive fashion. A win could land him a title shot in 2009, while a loss will put him at the end of a long line.

#7 Keith Jardine

Jardine (14-4-1 MMA) (6-3 UFC) is in a tough spot. With wins over two former champs in Liddell and Griffin, one would think he is next in line. However, he is 2-2 in his last four, with his wins coming by way of split decision. The UFC has no reason to get rid of him as they currently pay him peanuts. He would probably be better served fighting Babalu and Tito Ortiz outside the UFC. We might see him fight Cane in his next fight.

#6 Wanderlei Silva

Silva (32-9-1 MMA) (2-4 UFC) is coming off a devastating KO from his nemesis Rampage Jackson. A move to middleweight is the only thing that really makes sense for him. He has lost 4 of his last 5 fights. Keep in mind it was all against top competition. Still, number 6 on META shows a lack of objectiveness in the media polls.

#5 Chuck Liddell

Liddell (21-6 MMA) (16-5 UFC) is also struggling of late. Dropping 3 of his last 4 after coming off a 7 fight win streak. Few have dominated a division like him and a change in training camps could get him back there. Although he says he wants Jardine, a battle with Griffin or Shogun is on his horizon. Batting .250 in his last four fights is not top 5 material.

#4 Lyoto Machida

Machida (13-0 MMA) (5-0) could get a title shot with an exciting win over Thiago Silva. A boring win could see him in non-title fights for awhile. While many feel he deserves first crack at Rashad's belt if he beats Thiago, that would be his first win over a current top 10 fighter. Don't be surprised if Machida does not fight for the belt in 2009.

#3 Forrest Griffin

Griffin (16-5MMA) (7-3 UFC) wants back in the title fight and could get one with a good win. A Liddell fight would be big money and if I could only see one fight all year that would be the one I would pick.

#2 Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson

Rampage (29-7MMA) (4-1 UFC) is all but officially getting Evans in his first title defense. This match makes sense as the UFC attempts to grow their African-American fan base. Look for the UFC to give it a big push and expect fireworks when the bell rings. If Rampage loses, look for him to get a rematch with Griffin or Shogun.

#1 Rashad Evans

Evans (13-0-1 MMA) (8-0-1 UFC) hasn't gotten much of a chance by the public to hold his title for long. Since everyone seems to underestimate him, I will go out on a limb and say he reigns 205 for awhile.  Fast hands and a good wrestling pedigree have got him here, and could be the recipe to stay for awhile. A few successful title defenses and we should finally see a little stabilization in the most star studded division in MMA.

Look for guys like #13 Rich Franklin and #21 Steve Cantwell to make some waves in the top 10.

All rankings come courtesy of January's META rankings.