USAT/SBN May 2011 MMA Consensus Rankings: Welterweight

by Richard Wade on May 26, 2011 3:03 PM EDT in MMA Rankings

Rank	Fighter	%	Promotion	Last Rank
1	Georges St. Pierre	100	UFC	1
2	Jon Fitch	95	UFC	2
3	Jake Shields	90	UFC	3
4	Thiago Alves	85	UFC	4
5	Josh Koscheck	82	UFC	5
6	Nick Diaz	79	Strikeforce	6
7	B.J. Penn	78	UFC	7
8	Carlos Condit	70	UFC	8
9	Diego Sanchez	61	UFC	9
10	Paul Daley	47	Strikeforce	10
11	Martin Kampmann	46	UFC	11
12	Matt Hughes	41	UFC	12
13	Anthony Johnson	35	UFC	13
14	Mike Pyle	32	UFC	14
15	Paulo Thiago	29	UFC	17
16	Ben Askren	29	Bellator	16
17	Jay Hieron	28	Bellator	14
18	Dong Hyun Kim	26	UFC	18
19	Jake Ellenberger	25	UFC	20
20	Dan Hardy	22	UFC	20
21	John Hathaway	22	UFC	19
22	Chris Lytle	21	UFC	22
23	Rick Story	18	UFC	23
24	Brian Ebersole	14	UFC	26
25	Siyar Bahadurzada	14	Ultimate Glory	24

#1 Georges St. Pierre reasserted his dominance over the welterweight division at UFC 129 when he took a clear decision victory over #3 Jake Shields despite only being able to see out of one eye for the majority of the bout.

#23 Rick Story will attempt to crack the top 10 when he takes on #4 Thiago Alves at UFC 130.

#8 Carlos Condit is scheduled to face the dangerous #18 Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 132.

#9 Diego Sanchez will finally get the fight he has been asking for at UFC 135 where he'll face #12 Matt Hughes.

Based on the premise that all MMA rankings are subjective but that it’s still useful and informative to know who the online MMA community as a whole ranks as the best fighters in MMA, we collect and average the rankings of the top MMA websites to produce our consensus rankings. We compile the top MMA rankings from each of our sources and award 25 points for a first place ranking, 16 for a 10th place ranking, 1 for a 25th place ranking. A formula is used to "normalize" the data so all fighters are awarded points from those lists that do not include a full 25 fighters. This formula ensures that each ranking site awards the same number of total points regardless of how many fighters they choose to rank. Each fighter’s total is divided by the number of possible points to determine their standing in the Consensus Rankings.

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Comments

Serra hasn't fought in12 years but is 25.

by malo on May 26, 2011 2:33 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

If by 12 years you mean 8 months

Than yes, you are correct

by MemphisMike on May 26, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs

RECd

for actually making me LOL

Fedor Hator

by Dot Scherer on May 26, 2011 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t see how Shields leaps Alves and Koscheck for beating Kampmann and not doing bad against one eyed George…

GSP
Fitch
Alves
Koscheck
Shields
Diaz

Is cool with me

by p123 on May 26, 2011 2:37 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

One Eyed George, Fucking Priceless!

Goldmember: A shmoke und a pancake. You know, a flapjack und a shigarette? No? Shigar und a waffle? No? Pipe und a crepe? No? Bong und a blintz? No? Well, then there ish no pleashing you.

by RJshock 305 on May 26, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Fitch & Kos would beat Sheilds I don't know about putting Alves higher, but to play devils advocate:

Sheilds won more rounds against GSP than anyone you ranked higher than him. Eye poke or not, no foul was called & he won 2 rounds.

If you can't wow them with brilliance, then baffle them with bullshit.

by DayGeaux on May 26, 2011 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

UGH!

I really dislike shields cause that was a dirty ass fight, but you are right, he did take 2 rounds from GSP, which hasn’t been done since his TKO lost. Shields should be higher then Alves cause he probably could grind a win out. The others would beat him.

Goldmember: A shmoke und a pancake. You know, a flapjack und a shigarette? No? Shigar und a waffle? No? Pipe und a crepe? No? Bong und a blintz? No? Well, then there ish no pleashing you.

by RJshock 305 on May 26, 2011 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s a thing I think about often DayG. How does Shields fare against Fitch/ Kos / Alves. Shields either puts on a grappling clinic or he gets completely brutalized. I’m happy to see he has been working on his striking , I believe with Aaron Davis if I’m not mistaken. He has a gym over here by me , I’m going to stop by one day soon that would be cool to have some insider info like some of you.

Regardless Shields needs to be working night and day to be more well rounded, at least get his striking somewhat competitive or else one day he is going to pay big time for it.

Also BJ is a terrible matchup for Shields , I really fear for Shields safety against those four guys it can so ugly.

by p123 on May 26, 2011 3:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

How does Shields fare against Fitch/ Kos / Alves. Shields either puts on a grappling clinic or he gets completely brutalized.

That’s how I would decide a hard ranking. If I think 3 guys could all make a point to be #2, then I would go to "Well who would beat who?" Like you said. Jake needs some better stand up. As of right now he only has two outs (poker term), a win via sub or a UD. I always pick the fighters with more outs. It doesn’t always work out when they fight, but that the guy’s shoes I’d rather be in.

If you can't wow them with brilliance, then baffle them with bullshit.

by DayGeaux on May 26, 2011 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m a huge backer of going by the favorite/ underdog system. In alot of scenarios I feel that’s the best way to do it. I also take into account seniority as well. I have so many factors in my rankings it would be nice if one day I wrote out my system percentage wise what’s important and what’s not.

For example one of my faves is a term I call divisional relevancy.

So for instance I feel Kos whoops Fitch , but Fitch beats the rest of the top 10 while Kos cannot , I weight that as well in terms of judging talent. Also I’m a big believer in the seniority based idea of top ten but really not many divisions have the talent to get a real top ten system IMO.

by p123 on May 26, 2011 3:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Make an excel sheet man. After every card you can update the data. I kind of wish that we did have a computer based ranking system that would be on the panel with everyone else (kind of like the BCS ratings mixed with the coach’s poll & computer rankings)

If you can't wow them with brilliance, then baffle them with bullshit.

by DayGeaux on May 26, 2011 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I think fightmatrix is computers

by Pyrgz Krum on May 26, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

That’d make sense. That shows how much attention I was paying

If you can't wow them with brilliance, then baffle them with bullshit.

by DayGeaux on May 26, 2011 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions

WTS? I’d probably take Shields over anyone at WW, aside from GSP.

"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.

by The American Ronin on May 26, 2011 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

bj stands one hell of chance against anyone.

I would lay money on shieldd against everyone else.

"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."

" A black belt only covers 2 inches of your ass. The rest is up to you." - Royce Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com

by the-gentle-way on May 26, 2011 3:52 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I would consider picking BJ over Jake in a 3-rounder, but never in a 5…

"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.

by The American Ronin on May 26, 2011 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

marvitch trained bj?

I would pick that Bj against anyone.

"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."

by the-gentle-way on May 26, 2011 4:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I actually have GSP and Edgar still beating Marinovich BJ. GSP is understood but Edgar is a freaking monster, the only guy I can see beating him is Aldo.

by p123 on May 26, 2011 4:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

um gray beat frankie twice.

Bj should have got the nod in the first gsp and frankie fights.
Bj has knock out power in both hand submits black belts. If his cardio is in check he is a safe bet against anyone.

"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."

by the-gentle-way on May 26, 2011 4:53 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I agree Penn won the first fight. Edgar has even improved since then evidence from his second fight, and Maynard / Edgar was a draw I could see either getting a nod. Frankie outclassed Gray badly over the four rounds, after he beat him half to death. Edgar is just too much for anyone right now IMO.

by p123 on May 26, 2011 6:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Throw some more what ifs and qualified statements in there, and most too guys are unbeatable. With Penn’s losses and draw, he’s right where he should be.

by Hardcharger on May 26, 2011 7:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

BJ would also have to train with someone like Greg Jackson who could do the film work BJ has said he doesn’t do and give him a credible gameplan.

That BJ (Marinovich + Jackson or similar) could take Edgar.

"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.

by The American Ronin on May 27, 2011 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions

bj stands one hell of chance against anyone.

I would lay money on shieldd against everyone else.

"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."

by the-gentle-way on May 26, 2011 4:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

what the hell did you people do to Bj!!!!!!

Rabble rabble rabble !!!!!!!

"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."

by the-gentle-way on May 26, 2011 2:43 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I’ll agree with that. BJ took the #2 guy to a draw. #7 seems low.

If you can't wow them with brilliance, then baffle them with bullshit.

by DayGeaux on May 26, 2011 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed...

if Fitch really is #2 which I believe he is, then fighting to a draw with him should bump BJ up right next to him or somewhere close.

Matt Janecek
MBA Candidate, 2011
An MBA on MMA: mixed martial arts thru the lens of business
mba-mma.blogspot.com

by mjanecek on May 26, 2011 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed.

Bolts from the Blue // "I eat cereal out of a giant novelty wine glass because it makes me feel fancy." - Britney Wade
Bloody Elbow // "Everybody underestimates the kick in the groin." - Bas Rutten

by Richard Wade on May 26, 2011 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m surprised that roth didn’t have nate marquardt at one, followed by shields, matt serra, then GSP at 4

by Austin Martin on May 26, 2011 2:47 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Im surprised he didnt have shields dead last. After his eye poke and everything that ACTUALLY AFFECTED gsp….

by Spider_Vemon on May 26, 2011 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I like to take into account a fighters complete body of work and I weigh different scenarios in a way I feel is logical. Shields has been at 5 for quite some time for me and actually my top 5 hasnt changed in years. I do it more as a scouting system as how I judge talent and of course I account for their win/loss and variables like injuries and what not. I feel I have some really good rankings , but anyone who does rankings feels the same obviously…

by p123 on May 26, 2011 3:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I’m totally cool with Fitch and BJ both being tied at 2. Same with Maynard Edgar being ties for one.

by p123 on May 26, 2011 4:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

whos KOS fighting next?

don’t remember having heard any of him lately

by gabriezim on May 26, 2011 3:17 PM EDT reply actions

Last I heard.

He still couldnt feel part of his face, because GSP gave him Nerve Damage from those Jabs.

Goldmember: A shmoke und a pancake. You know, a flapjack und a shigarette? No? Shigar und a waffle? No? Pipe und a crepe? No? Bong und a blintz? No? Well, then there ish no pleashing you.

by RJshock 305 on May 26, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

ouch

not even back training yet?

by gabriezim on May 26, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions

It’s kind of funny that Jay Hieron has dropped from place 14 to 17, even though he came back from over a year long lay-off and won three fights in a row.

by Horselover Fat on May 26, 2011 4:16 PM EDT reply actions

I agree with you that Hieron is underrated

But in fairness to my fellow voters, those three fights were a terrible referee’s stoppage and two decisions he easily could have lost, and none of those three opponents are even in the Top 30. So it’s not like his last three fights have been all that impressive.

by MichaelDavidSmith on May 26, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Exactly, Hawn and… Weedman (?) both beat him on my card. So if you ask me, he shouldn’t even be top 25.

"Rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness... give me truth."
Chris McCandless A.K.A. Alexander Supertramp
1968-1992

by T.C. Engel on May 26, 2011 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I wasn’t actually implying he’s underrated, and I recognize and agree with the points you make. I’m not sure if I saw the semifinal but I definitely think Hawn should’ve won the final.. Still, just a little curious ranking logic on first glance.

by Horselover Fat on May 26, 2011 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

GSP is 7-0 against top 10 opponents, and 11-1 against top 25 opponents. That’s not too shabby.

by zorba on May 26, 2011 4:21 PM EDT reply actions

He's unreal

One day all the haters are gonna look back and realize they were criticizing the first of the new breed of MMA master.

Good luck with the Rapture tomorrow!

by Wrestling Uber Alles on May 27, 2011 7:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Shields is still ranked about 5 places too high

Squeaks by Kampmann and repeated gouges GSP’s retina en route to a decisive loss and still he gets ranked above people who would maul him. If he stabbed Penn in the eye 4 or 5 times like that, Penn would break his neck, believe that.

Good luck with the Rapture tomorrow!

by Wrestling Uber Alles on May 27, 2011 7:08 AM EDT reply actions

Dude you gotta look at Shields entire body of work. Its far more impressive than any welterweight not named GSP. People keep giving him hell for the Kampmann fight but really he was fighting at Welterweight again for the first time in literally YEARS Id imagine it’d hurt anyone. I think he would very well destroy Kampmann in a rematch.

by Spider_Vemon on May 27, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions