Jon Jones. Pic by SHERDOG.COM -click for source- Credit: Dave Mandel

Please note that due to inactivity Dominick Cruz is ineligible for rankings. Also note the rankings are done by a panel of MMA Freak writers:

~ 1 (tied) (1) ~

Jon Jones 

Jon Jones is currently on course for his UFC 172 title defense against challenger Glover Teixeira who could be his toughest challenge. In addition should he defeat Glover Teixeira he may have to face former opponent Alexander Gustafsson in a title rematch from last year.

~ 1 (tied) (2) ~

Jose Aldo

After having some choice words about UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis, Jose Aldo has said Chad Mendes earned a title shot. This makes the most logical sense as Mendes has won six matches in a row since his loss with Aldo and is ranked number one in UFC ranks.

~ 3 (tied) (6) ~

Renan Barao

Renan Barao is still waiting for his next fight choice. The logical choice would be a healthy Dominick Cruz or a rebounded Michael McDonald as he has already defeated number one contender Urijah Faber and several other top contenders already have matches coming up.

~ 3 (tied) (3) ~

Cain Velasquez

Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez is still recovering from surgery and waiting for Werdum versus Browne to weed his next challengers.

~ 5 (4) ~

Chris Weidman

Chris Weimand is set to face off against Lyoto Machida at UFC 173 after Vitor Belfort dropped out following the complete ban of TRT.

~ 6 (7) ~

Demetrious Johnson

Might Mouse Demetrious Johnson is still waiting on his next title defense but the most likely choice is probably going to be John Dodson.

~ 7 (tied) (10) ~

Johny Hendricks

Johny Hendricks engaged in a five round back and forth war with Robbie Lawler and did it with a torn bicep putting him out until May. That in no way takes away from his comeback in the fifth round and his achieving Fight of the Night honors along with finally becoming champion.

~ 7 (tied) (8) ~

Anthony Pettis

It is going to be a long time before we see Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez fight following the conclusion of their TUF 20 coaching stints.

~ 9 (9) ~

Ronda Rousey

After the merry go round that Joe Rogan set us on numerous rumors of Rousey’s next match proved to be false. Right now she’s filming.

~ 10 (5) ~

Anderson Silva

Recently Anderson Silva was quoted as saying he probably won’t be fighting this year so the likelihood he’ll be healed has increased a bit.

~ Contenders ~

The following fighter received votes for the pound for pound rankings this month and will be listed as a contender: Alexander Gustafsson.