Please note the rankings are voted on by a panel of MMA Freak writers. Also note that the previous rankings (6/10/14) are in parenthesis:
1. Chris Weidman (1)
Chris Weidman successfully defended his UFC Middleweight Championship against Lyoto Machida at UFC 175 and will now face Vitor Belfort. This will probably take place sometime in December at either UFC 181 or at UFC 182. This maybe Weidman’s greatest challenge.
2. Vitor Belfort (3)
Despite a positive random drug test earlier in the year, Vitor Belfort has been licensed to fight in Nevada against Chris Weiman. Their long delayed bout will probably be taking place sometime in December, either at UFC 181 or at UFC 182. Either way it’ll be a good fight.
3. Anderson Silva (7)
Anderson Silva has stated multiple times that he’ll return early next year and is still gunning for a fight with retired fighter Nick Diaz.
4. Lyoto Machida (2)
While he tried his best against Chris Weidman, Lyoto Machida came up short and will have to go back to the drawing board. However, there are plenty of match ups for Machida in the UFC so it is quite possible Machida will be able to earn a title shot again in the future.
5. Ronaldo Souza (4)
Ronaldo Souza will be facing off against Gegard Mousasi for the next shot at Chris Weiman in a rematch of their meeting in Dream. Despite Souza’s improved striking however, it is best if he looked to take the fight to the ground and not engage Mousasi on their feet.
6. Luke Rockhold (5)
With Michael Bisping coming off a loss and Vitor Belfort set to face Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold needs another opponent.
7. Tim Kennedy (6)
Tim Kennedy is set to face up and coming former world class wrestler turned dangerous striker Yoel Romero at UFC 178 on September 27th. While it isn’t a title shot nor a highly ranked opponent, it is still a chance for Kennedy to add another win to his active streak.
8. Michael Bisping (8)
After a loss to Tim Kennedy, Michael Bisping will be looking to rebound at UFC Fight Night 48 on August 23rd against Cung Le. This is by no means an easy fight as Le is a dangerous striker.
9. Gegard Mousasi (10)
Gegard Mousasi will be facing Ronaldo Souza at UFC Fight Night 50 on September 5th with the winner getting the next shot at the title.
10. Yushin Okami (9)
At the present time, Yushin Okami isn’t scheduled for anything anytime soon, but with two WSOF events planned there is the possibility.