Please note that due to inactivity, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is ineligible. Also note the rankings are done by a panel MMA Freak writers:
~ 1 (1) ~
Jon Jones
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon “Bones” Jones is currently on course for his UFC 172 title fight with title challenger Glover Teixeira. He’s also had a few words to say about who should get his title shot next and Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson aren’t on the list.
~ 2 (3) ~
Alexander Gustafsson
Following his UFC Fight Night 37 win against Jimi Manuwa, Alexander Gustafsson is once again in the title picture depending on factors. However, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has made it clear he doesn’t believe Gustafsson hasn’t earned the rematch just yet.
~ 3 (2) ~
Glover Teixeira
Glover Teixeira like UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones is preparing for their UFC 172 match and is Teixeira’s chance to shine.
~ 4 (4) ~
Rashad Evans
Due to his injury which derailed his UFC 170 match with Daniel Cormier, Rashad Evans will probably be out until later this year, probably fall.
~ 5 (5) ~
Phil Davis
Phil Davis gets the honor or welcoming the reinvented and beefed up to light heavyweight Anthony “Rumble” Johnson back to the UFC. Considering the tear Johnson was on in World Series of Fighting this is actually a little on the scary side and worrisome for Davis.
~ 6 (6) ~
Daniel Cormier
Following his successful light heavyweight debut at UFC 170, Daniel Cormier is set to face Dan Henderson in recent breaking news at UFC 175 on July 5th.
~ 7 (10) ~
Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson proved that he’s still dangerous when he snapped a three fight loosing streak against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. He’s also made it very clear that his career is starting to wind down and the loss of his TRT exemption won’t retire him before his contract is up.
~ 8 (9) ~
Chael Sonnen
While The Ultimate Fighter Brazil season three is airing, Sonnen is preparing to face Wanderlei Silva at The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale.
~ 9 (7) ~
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua’s second loss to Dan Henderson resulted in a broken nose which will probably sideline him until late 2014 or longer. It is also notable that he has once again been denied a winning streak that would’ve been his first in almost five years.
~ 10 (8) ~
Ryan Bader
There is still no word as to when Ryan Bader’s next fight will be but it may have to do with the fact that his wife is expecting their second kid.
~ Contenders ~
The following fighters received votes for the light heavyweight rankings and are listed as contenders: Emanuel Newton, Jimi Manuwa.