Please note that due to recent and upcoming fights at light heavyweight, Chael Sonnen and Rashad Evans will not be listed as middleweights. Also note that the last rankings (11/10/13) used an UFC style rankings system and those rankings are listed in parenthesis:
~ 1 ~
Chris Weidman (Champion)
Chris Weidman’s 2013 consisted of dethroning Anderson Silva by dominating him then knocking him out and then defeating him a second time by dominating him again, then finishing him via a rather nasty broken leg injury. He’s now set to face Vitor Belfort sometime this year.
~ 2 (2)~
Vitor Belfort
A successful 2013 for Vitor Belfort was marred by his use of TRT though he claims to be off of it now. He’s next in line for a title shot against new Champion Weidman for a date to be determined. A possible follow up may include a rematch with Luke Rockhold at some point.
~ 3 (1) ~
Anderson Silva
Until there’s definite news of Anderson Silva’s retirement the longtime middleweight and pound for pound king still be ranked until ineligible. However, coming back from such a nasty leg injury is unlikely considering his age and the length of time such an injury needs to heal.
~ 4 (3) ~
Lyoto Machida
Lyoto Machida reinvented himself at middleweight with a successful debut against Mark Munoz. He is now set to face Gegard Mousasi at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Mousasi. It should be noted that before Silva’s injury Machida said he was willing to face his stablemate.
~ 5 (4) ~
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza
The man known as “Jacare” has gone 2-0 in the UFC since the Strikeforce merger. He’s now set to face Francis Carmont at UFN 36.
~ 6 (5) ~
Michael Bisping
Michael Bisping had a split 2013 with a win over Alan Belcher but lost to Vitor Belfort. He’s now targeted for a match with Tim Kennedy.
~ 7 (8) ~
Gegard Mousasi
It’s been almost six years since Gegard Mousasi competed at middleweight but he’s making a return to face Lyoto Machida February 15th.
~ 8 (10) ~
Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold’s only match in 2013 was his loss to Vitor Belfort, however he recently rebounded with a win against Costas Philippou.
~ 9 (9) ~
Mark Munoz
2013 was a split year for Mark Munoz who defeated Tim Boetsch but then lost to training partner Lyoto Machina in his middleweight debut.
~ 10 (N/A) ~
Yushin Okami
Yushin Okami had a split year with the loss resulting in his premature release from the UFC. He’s now signed to World Series of Fighting.
Who do you think should be ranked where in the middleweight rankings? Feel free to leave a comment!