Please note that the previous welterweight rankings were updated on January 17th and that those rankings will be listed in parenthesis:
~ 1 (1) ~
Johny Hendricks
Johny Hendricks is set for his championship bout at UFC 171 next month against Robbie Lawler to claim the belt that many believe is his. It is interesting to note that Hendricks is a more perfected version of his opponent in that they’re both wrestlers who specialize in striking.
~ 2 (2) ~
Carlos Condit
The number two contender in the UFC rankings, Carlos Condit is set to face Tyron Woodley at UFC 171 and could face the new champion. However, Woodley’s by no means a slouch and with his wrestling and improved striking with boxer Jake Thornton, he’s becoming dangerous.
~ 3 (3) ~
Robbie Lawler
Robbie Lawler is ready to cap off his career comeback at UFC 171 but will have a daunting task ahead of him in Johny “Big Rig” Hendricks. The question is whether Lawler can become a Cinderella man or whether he’ll become another victim of Hendricks’ heavy hands.
~ 4 (5) ~
Rory MacDonald
The Tristar Gym member probably pulled a Comeback of the Year candidate by coming back against Demian Maia after a dismal first round. Depending on how Carlos Condit does against Tyron Woodley, MacDonald may be next in line for a title shot or get the next chance.
~ 5 (4) ~
Jake Ellenberger
After injuries set back Jake Ellenberger’s 2014 debut, “The Juggernaut” is now set to face delayed opponent Tarec Saffiedine at UFC 172.
~ 6 (6) ~
Jake Shields
Like many of his contemporaries, Jake Shields is set to fight at UFC 171, but his opponent is that of dangerous striker Hector Lombard. Shields will need to try and out wrestle the heavy hitter.
~ 7 (7) ~
Demian Maia
Demian Maia definitely came out strong against Rory MacDonald at UFC 170, but couldn’t find his range or take downs after the first round. This marks the first time in his career that Maia has suffered back to back losses and now has to go back to the drawing board for a win.
~ 8 (8) ~
Tarec Saffiedine
His match up with Jake Ellenberger coming up at UFC 172 will definitely be Tarec Saffiedine’s largest challenge to date and will test him
~ 9 (9) ~
Ben Askren
Ben Askren is currently waiting on the fence until the inaugural ONE FC Welterweight Champion is determined, whom he will fight in May.
~ 10 (10) ~
Martin Kampmann
He is not retired but Martin Kampmann is currently sitting out on a break. Hopefully he returns soon but until he does he will be ranked.
Stay tune for the final part of the Best of 2013 series. Feel free to leave a comment.