Please note that the lightweight rankings were last updated on April 1, 2013 (no April Fools) and those rankings will be listed in parenthesis:
~ 1 (3) ~
Anthony Pettis
He maybe injured but Anthony “Showtime” Pettis definitely earned the title in fine fashion at UFC 164 by submitting Benson Henderson. While he is recovering from knee surgery we can expect a challenger for him to rise among the elite in the lightweight division.
~ 2 (2) ~
Gilbert Melendez
Though he lost to Benson Henderson in April, Gilbert Melendez’s brawl with Diego Sanchez made a statement without a doubt. After a performance like that one could make a case for Melendez to get granted a title shot against new Champion Anthony Pettis.
~ 3 (1) ~
Benson Henderson
Henderson’s win in April against Gilbert Melendez was eclipsed by his title loss to Pettis at UFC 164. However, a win against Josh Thomson would be one step towards another title shot and possible rubber match. Another factor is the other contenders in the division as well.
~ 4 (10) ~
T.J. Grant
Injuries sidelined both Anthony Pettis and T.J. Grant from their anticipated match at the last UFC on Fox this year. Hope he doesn’t get anymore concussions that prevent his competition anytime soon. He’s still considered a top contender for the belt to say the least.
~ 5 (5) ~
Nate Diaz
Nate Diaz’s 2013 didn’t start well when he was finished by Josh Thomson but then turned around and finished Gray Maynard in the TUF 18 Finale. Though he has expressed interest in moving back up to welterweight there’s no official word on when that would be.
~ 6 (7) ~
Jim Miller
Officially Jim Miller went undefeated this last year with a win at UFC 168 and a no contest against Pat Healy at UFC 159 back in April.
~ 7 (8) ~
Eddie Alvarez
Eddie Alvarez returned to Bellator into a title fight and took the belt that was first his. Either he rematches Michael Chandler or faces a tournament winner in either Dave Jansen or Will Brooks.
~ 8 (4) ~
Michael Chandler
More then likely Michael Chandler will be facing Eddie Alvarez for a chance to get his belt back and possibly on Bellator’s first pay per view.
~ 9 (N/A) ~
Josh Thomson
Josh Thomson’s only post Strikeforce fight last year was his win against Nate Diaz. He now faces former champion Benson Henderson.
~ 10 (6) ~
Gray Maynard
There’s a reason why “The Bully” dropped to barely on the rankings as Gray Maynard went 0-2 this year to brutal technical knockouts.
Stay tuned for the continued rankings updates and the next round of the Best of 2013 Top 10’s. Leave a comment to voice your opinion!