USAT/SBN June 2011 MMA Consensus Rankings: Lightweight
by Richard Wade on Jul 1, 2011 11:39 AM EDT
in MMA Rankings
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| Rank | Fighter | % | Promotion | Last Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankie Edgar | 99 | UFC | 1 |
| 2 | Gray Maynard | 95 | UFC | 2 |
| 3 | Gilbert Melendez | 93 | Strikeforce | 3 |
| 4 | Shinya Aoki | 83 | DREAM | 4 |
| 5 | Eddie Alvarez | 77 | Bellator | 5 |
| 6 | Jim Miller | 76 | UFC | 6 |
| 7 | Clay Guida | 67 | UFC | 13 |
| 8 | Tatsuya Kawajiri | 57 | Strikeforce | 8 |
| 9 | Sean Sherk | 49 | UFC | 10 |
| 10 | Melvin Guillard | 48 | UFC | 11 |
| 11 | Anthony Pettis | 45 | UFC | 9 |
| 12 | B.J. Penn | 40 | UFC | 12 |
| 13 | Dennis Siver | 37 | UFC | 15 |
| 14 | Ben Henderson | 33 | UFC | 18 |
| 15 | George Sotiropoulos | 30 | UFC | 14 |
| 16 | Takanori Gomi | 25 | UFC | 16 |
| 17 | Evan Dunham | 24 | UFC | 17 |
| 18 | Gleison Tibau | 21 | UFC | 25 |
| 19 | Josh Thomson | 18 | K-1 | 19 |
| 19 | Mac Danzig | 18 | UFC | 21 |
| 21 | Jorge Masvidal | 18 | Strikeforce | 24 |
| 22 | Kenny Florian | 17 | UFC | 7 |
| 23 | Sam Stout | 17 | UFC | 35 |
| 24 | Jadamba Narantungalag | 14 | WVR | 22 |
| 25 | Kurt Pellegrino | 14 | UFC | 30 |
| 25 | Brian Cobb | 14 | MaximumFC | 33 |
#10 Melvin Guillard, #13 Dennis Siver and #15 George Sotiropoulos will all compete against unranked opponents this Saturday at UFC 132.
At UFC 130, #18 Gleison Tibau submitted unranked Rafaello Oliveira in the night's lone lightweight tilt.
#7 Clay Guida decisioned #11 Anthony Pettis at The Ultimate Fighter 13 dropping Pettis out of the top 10 and out of the running for a title shot.
#23 Sam Stout flashed knockout power that would make his nickname appear slightly less ridiculous for at least one night when he KO'd Yves Edwards at UFC 131.
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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People who still rate Kflo
should not be allowed to submit rankings next month. Or smacked. But I’m willing to forego physical punishment.
Also, I know Matrix has their own rating system, but what in the world did Brian Cobb do to get that far up? Sorry, but a win over Drew Mo’fuggin Fickett don’t mean shit.
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Jun 29, 2011 6:59 PM EDT reply actions
Fight Matrix put Brian Cobb inexplicably around #9, pulling him into the list. The owner of the site and maker of the program that ranked Cobb that high is aware of the issue and looking into it.
Also only two sources out of 14 ranked KenFlo at LW, both of which also ranked him at FW. I do agree that fighters who have declared they are definitely moving to another weight class should get ranked there exclusively once they’ve fought there (as opposed to exceptions like say, Nate Diaz, who has said he will still fight in two different weight classes). For that matter Anderson Silva hasn’t fought at LHW for quite some time now, and has declared he won’t be fighting at LHW because he doesn’t want to fight any teammates, so I’m rather amazed that MMAPlayground still decided to rank him (it was only enough to put him 26th overall though).
I asked them about Cobb back on the 18th and they said they' look into it.
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 Jun 29, 2011 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Aoki is with Dream. His last match in fact was with Dream, when he submitted Rich Clementi a month ago. He is no longer under contract to Strikeforce. Why is he still listed with Strikeforce?
For that matter, Kawajiri is also definitely under contract to Dream and not Strikeforce, and Josh Thomson is under contract to Strikeforce and not K-1. There are some similar problems in some of the other rankings but the Aoki one in particular stood out.
It’s also weird to see people who have been released from the UFC still listed with them. Maybe it would be better to list Gabriel Gonzaga, Nate Marquardt, Antonio Banuelos, and Charlie Valencia as Free Agents or Freelance?
Good catch on Aoki. Kawajiri's last fight was in Strikeforce and Thomson's was in K-1.
Generally I just go by the last promotion a fighter competed in.
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 Jun 29, 2011 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, as long as you’re being consistent. Thanks.
As long as you’re at it, I’m pretty sure Bibiano Fernandes’ last match was at K-1 Dynamite, and if he’s signed with Bellator, I can’t find a news story on it.
More/less. That sounds like another mistake...
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 Jun 30, 2011 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Ugh....
please get rid of Fight Matrix guys.
Please?
Psh. That's not happening.
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 Jun 30, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I used to respect Fight Matrix as a valid counterbalance
As far as them being completely impartial, against the more nuanced understanding of the non-software jounalists, I thought they balanced well. Recently though they seem to be having some serious glitches though. I’ve seen a lot of totally “WTF” rankings that don’t make sense even given Fight Matrix’s impartiality. JCS needs to investigate that and get his shit straightened out.
Ben Henderson at 14 Really?
Sean Sherk is ahead of him! He’s 2-2 in the last 4 years and hasn’t fought in 9 months. That doesn’t sound like the #9 guy to me.
" Its like when I'm right I'm right, when I'm wrong I coulda been right, so I'm still right cause I coulda been wrong, you know, and I'm sorry cause I could be wrong right now, I could be wrong, but I'm right..." Bama
I like Subo’s the best. I don’t think Aoki & Alvarez would be “in the mix”in the UFC LW division. I’d have Gil at 3 though.
If you can't wow them with brilliance, then baffle them with bullshit.
by DayGeaux on Jul 1, 2011 11:53 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Alvarez would be a top dog anywhere
His boxing and wrestling is right on par with Frankie’s, he’s just as tough too.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
that is
complete speculation, as we’ve never seen him win against any of the current top dogs in the division.
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Jul 1, 2011 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
teammate not shitting on teammate
what a shock.
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Jul 1, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Alvarez....
I think he is certainly in the top 4 with Melendez, Maynard & Edgar. You kind of have to use half science and half art when you makes a rankings list. Some guys get credit for what they could be based off their performances against lesser talent and some get ranked for what they have already done against good talent.
Who do you think would beat Alvarez??!?!?
by Johnnynumber5 on Jul 1, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Melvin Guillard would paralyze Eddie Alvarez.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Editor, HeadKickLegend.com
Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 1, 2011 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Just like he did diaz.
"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 Jul 1, 2011 1:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
have to agree with these guys
I think Alvarez style is perfectly suited to the UFC. Make it happen Dana!
Alvarez vs Penn
That’s a war, right there. Eddie doesn’t fight like Frankie, and he’s got the hands and chin to hang tough with BJ.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
I can’t really think of any top UFC LW that I wouldn’t like to see Alvarez matched up with. Outside of his eyebrows, he is awesome, lol.
And Hell, let’s bring back Roger Huerta while we are at it!
You shut your mouth!
His eyebrows are Jerseylicious.
I honestly think he could walk through a lot of guys with his speed, heavy hands and super technical wrestleboxing.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
To be a party pooper
He makes too much money in Bellator to come over and be just another LW. Which sucks.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Yeah
but I think we both are of the thought that he would be a top, top LW in the UFC. And we have seen guys that make their money then want to be in the top promotion. For instance, you could make a lot of money in the CFL, but still jump at an opportunity to get in the NFL (sorry Canada!).
Ah, I missed the point
Ariel(and many others) have asked him how he feels about the situation. He basically says there’s only a small window to make money and take care of your family; and that he’s trying to take full advantage of it. Which you can’t fault him for.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Bj rd.3 by "The Bj Special" right cross to Rnc.
To be fair ….. That’s always my prediction when Bj fights and I am usually not that far off.
"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 Jul 1, 2011 12:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
“Eddie Alvarez’s boxing is so good he gets dropped in almost every fight he’s in.” – Forrest Lynn
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Editor, HeadKickLegend.com
Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 1, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
He's the guy on BE's radio show
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Editor, HeadKickLegend.com
Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 1, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Your Alvarez love is puzzling to me
Who’s he beat? Josh Neer? Kikuno?
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Editor, HeadKickLegend.com
Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 1, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm just saying
Getting dropped doesn’t prove he can’t box. Nick Diaz gets dropped in every fight.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
I do like Alvarez, but he's not one of my favorite LW's.
I’d take a guy like Melvin over him, but it would be very close IMO.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
i hate the way frankie boxes
But its good.
"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 Jul 1, 2011 12:52 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I like that he keeps BJ ranked but dropped Kenny
I’m not being sarcastic, I actually do like it. Not gonna say there’s a logical reason I can produce for it, but I’d probably do the same thing.
I don't see how Aoki is 4th
He’s a one dimensional submission guy. He’s fun to watch(when he’s winning) but I think Jim Miller, Alverez, Guillard, and probably even Guida would beat him.
Realistically
Aoki’s striking and wrestling isn’t that bad and his submission game really is that good.
He’s a terrible match up for anyone who’s TDD is really solid and who has excellent sub defense. Striking alone won’t let you beat Aoki, he doesn’t get KO’d on his feet and he’s crafty.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Aoki has won 5 in a row and 8/10 including a victory over perennial top 10 fighter Kawajiri. However, I also agree that he shouldn’t be 4th or even above Alvarez … even though Aoki submitted him. Personally, I think Aoki is in that next tier after Melendez, Alvarez, Maynard & Edgar.
by Johnnynumber5 on Jul 1, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agree 100%
5th or 6th seems about right.
Any top 5 fighter can fuck up for a split second and get maimed against Aoki. Even Gil almost got caught in an arm bar, and he was being extremely cautious.
I imagine he scares top fighters more than they’d like to admit. If you don’t fight 15 smart solid minutes, you could lose a year on the shelf.
He’s one his last two fights like this:
Its an actually death lock. I hear he’s training with Steven Seagal.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
actually it is !!!! ;-)
"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 Jul 1, 2011 12:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I know
My mind has been a mess. Too much hash, stressed out, new job etc.
What am I saying? Suck it up, Filt. You can’t let them see you cry… Be strong…. Can’t break down….
I mean, COME AT ME, BRO!!!!!!
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
i genuinely lol'ed
"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 Jul 1, 2011 2:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
As crazy as this might sound I think Melendez is the best LW in MMA right now… but I understand that based off of wins that it has to be Edgar at #1. I actually think Melendez is top 10 P4P in the entire sport! Can’t wait for UFC to absorb his contract and bring him on the roster.
As much flack as SF took (from ufc loyalists) for its roster I have to say that their champions are all very high level fighters that would be competitive in the UFC.The UFC champs are all a little better IMO but other than Jones vs Henderson I think it’d be a pleasure to watch them fight in the UFC.
Can we just get rid of Strikeforce already? No? OK … make it the UFC’s official minor leagues where the prospects and older fighters go to fight. Kind of like the senior PGA tour in golf or like the D-League in the NBA.
Seeing Pettis above Penn
Is jarring. I understand why since BJ hasn’t fought at lightweight since last August but just the sight of it is odd to me. And I love me some Anthony Pettis but that’s never going to look right to me.
by TMadeBurner on Jul 1, 2011 12:32 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I think El Niño should be 2.
El niño is spanish for "The niño btw.
by malo on Jul 1, 2011 12:45 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
my biggest complaint is Clay Guida being that high
He beat Pettis in unimpressive fashion, and suddenly he is better than guys like Sean Sherk, Kawajiri, and Melvin Guillard? Hell i would even put Siver ahead of Guida seeing as how his dominating win over Sot was much more impressive than Guidas lay and pray against Pettis. Not to mention that Sot was ranked higher than Pettis ever was at the time of the Siver fight.
Also, where are Matt Wiman and Jeramy Stephens?
Wiman beat Danzig (that’s right 2-4 in his last 6 fights, yes that one) yet he isn’t even ranked? The only reason why Danzig is ranked is because he beat a “soon to be cut from the UFC” Joe Stevenson
Hindsight should tell us that beating Joe Stevenson shouldn’t mean a spot in the top 25 anymore
Wow
you can tell how staked lw is when most of the guys at 11-20 easily have the potential to be top 5, crazy. And yeah I agree with the guy above me, darkotto23, about Guida.
Anderson Silva, Edson Barboza, Jose Aldo, Charles Oliveira, Thiago Alves = Muay Thai wrecking machines!
Also, no Terry Etim? I like that guy and he did beat the current number 25 guy…but Cobb was unranked at the time and Terry has a recent loss. I guess I just answered my own question lol.
Anderson Silva, Edson Barboza, Jose Aldo, Charles Oliveira, Thiago Alves = Muay Thai wrecking machines!
by SentientAndroid on Jul 1, 2011 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
What if
Jorge becomes the new champ in SF? I wonder how much this outcome would move him and Gil in the ranks.
by king of the dogs on Jul 1, 2011 2:14 PM EDT reply actions
Some blatent mistakes in the rankings.....And 155 is a mess and a Gp is needed
First off…155 is so hard to figure out these days and after several fighters I do not believe anyone has a chance in the near future to compete and win a title. I agree with Edgar and Maynard being the best 2 by far with Jim Miller a possible close 3rd since those were his only two losses. Aoki would be average in the UFC like all the japanese submission fighters and Melendez would not beat Miller,Sherk, or Guida this time around. I Can’t believe that Cerrone was left off the list cause I could see him beating Guillard since he has always made mistakes and has failed to show up. Nate Diaz will be a force agaiin and as for Alvarez…..who knows..The japanese guys he beat in the past have not looked good lately.
AT Heavyweigh do people really think that Werdum would beat Mir? Mir would knock him out and so would Carwin and Bigfoot is not a top 10 fighter.
Other issues…Jake Ellenberger is a top 10 fighter and Chael Sonnen has to be ranked #2 for his last performance and wrestling dominance. The UFC just gave him a gift with Stann who will get worked over with Ground and Pound.
And Last……Enough of Kenny FLorian.. He can’t wrestle and he would get schooled by chad Mendes just like he did by Maynard and Sherk. Aldo Should end him as a contender
This division is sick
So fucking stacked. Some real beasts. Love it.
The only substitute for victory is overkill.
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