~ (1)Benson Henderson (18-2) ~
Henderson had two very close competitive bouts with former lightweight champion, Frankie Edgar, each time edging out the decision. Henderson looked indestructible in his most recent bout against title contender Nate Diaz. After that shutout victory, it left many fans to wonder who was next for Henderson. After the fall of Strikeforce, the UFC picked up several fighters from the organization, one being Gilbert Melendez. The two are set to square off inside the octagon in April.
~ (2)Gilbert Melendez (21-2) ~
A string of injuries helped Melendez out of the final showing of Strikefoce. After the closing of Strikeforce, Melendez was granted an immediate title shot and placed as the UFC number one contender status in the lightweight division. This is going to be a great match and a fight many fans have talked about for years.
~ (3)Anthony Pettis (16-2) ~
After a dominating performance over Donald Cerrone, Pettis even managed to add a few more “Showtime” highlight strikes to his repertoire. Since this victory, he decided to go down a weight class and challenge current UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo. The two are set to face each other August 3rd.
~ (4)Michael Chandler (11-0) ~
He is the current lightweight Bellator champion. In his last outing, he submitted former Judoka Olympian Rick Hawn via (rear naked choke). Chandler now patiently waits the victor of the current Bellator tournament finale.
~ (5)Nate Diaz (16-8) ~
Since losing his title shot to current UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson, Diaz went back to the drawing board and now is scheduled to face former Strikeforce titlist Josh Thompson at UFC on Fox 7.
~ (6)Gray Maynard (11-1-1, NC 1) ~
An injury has forced Maynard out of any competition since mid-2012. He is currently slated against T.J. Grant at UFC 160.
~ (7)Jim Miller (22-4) ~
Miller has been making some serious waves in the UFC lightweight division. He has gone 2-4 in his last four outings. His only recent losses come from current UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson and Nate Diaz. Miller is set to face former Strikeforce challenger and New Jersey native in his home state on April 27th.
~ (8)Eddie Alvarez (24-3) ~
Alvarez finished off his Bellator contract with a victory over Patricky Freire. Since his victory, Alvarez believed he was UFC bound. Currently, he is involved in a legal matter discussing the clause in his contract that states Bellator can keep Alvarez as long as Bellator (matches an offer). He continues to await the outcome.
~ (9)Donald Cerrone (19,5 NC 1) ~
In Cerrone’s last outing, he was stopped due to strikes by Anthony Pettis. Cerrone is now scheduled to face former Elite XC champion in K.J. Noons at UFC 160.
~ (10)T.J. Grant (20-5) ~
Since dropping to the UFC lightweight class, the former UFC welterweight has been on a hot streak going 4-0 at his new home. His next opponent is Gray Maynard who is looking to break this win streak. Tune in to see if Grant can make it 5-0 at his new respected weight class May 26.