UFC 118 was a lightweight smorgasbord with the lightweight crown on the line between BJ Penn and Frankie Edgar. Add the Gray Maynard/Kenny Florian fight, which will be for the next title shot and some clarity was given to MMA’s most competitive division.
1. Gray Maynard
Even though BJ Penn regains the lightweight strap against Frankie Edgar, I still have to give the overall nod to Gray. Gray is undefeated with a win over former champ Edgar. Let’s face it, it should have been Gray facing Penn last year anyway for the title. He’s my #1 lightweight for now.
2. BJ Penn
Well he did it. He got his strap back, but he’s still not my #1 lightweight in the world. BJ certainly has the tools to be the best, but we’ll find out for sure when he takes on Gray Maynard in the next title fight.
3. Frankie Edgar
I wasn’t sold that Frankie won the first fight, but BJ Penn corrected the error. Frankie is still one of the toughest kids around, but not the UFC’s best lightweight.
4. Gilbert Melendez
Melendez needs some new challenges. Taking out Shinya Aoki and Josh Thomson is as impressive a string of victories as we’ve seen. Facing a healthier Thomson and Eddie Alvarez are logical next steps, but I wouldn’t bet on Gil in either of those fights.
5. Kenny Florian
Losing to Gray is yet another set-back for one of the finest all around mixed martial artists around. A nice next step would be Sean Sherk.
6. Shinya Aoki
He’s accomplished everything he can in Japan. He needs new challenges before he loses his relevance.
7. Eddie Alvarez
His dominance over Josh Neer was impressive. I’m looking forward to his next fight with Pat Curran.
8. Evan Dunham
9. George Sotiropolous
10. Benson Henderson
