This may be the closest UFC ranking that we will see in this column. The UFC Lightweight division is one of the most stacked in the company. Led by 
UFC Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, it’s hard to see anyone holding the belt for a long period of time.
UFC Ranking#1: Frankie Edgar – 8 – 1 – 1 UFC Record
With a career 13 – 1 – 1 record, Edgar has become one of the most popular fighters in the sport. With victories over B.J. Penn (twice) Sean Sherk, and an amazing fight against Gray Maynard at UFC 125, it’s hard to argue who may be a better fighter in this division. His lone career loss came to Maynard at UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Lauzon, in April 2008. Since the loss, he has gone 5 – 0 – 1, going the distance in all but 1 fight (23 rounds).
Last Fight: Split decision Draw vs. Maynard at UFC 125
Next Fight: Gray Maynard at UFC 130
UFC Ranking#2: Gray Maynard – Undefeated career record
Maynard, once a The Ultimate Fighter after-thought has become one of the top fighters in the UFC. He could have been known as the guy who knocked himself out in a fight, or the tough guy with a tramp stamp. Instead, with victories over Edgar, Nate Diaz, Kenny Florian and Roger Huerta, he has cemented his spot as one of the best. Maynard is also one of the few fighters left in the sport without a loss, compiling a 10 – 0 – 1 – 1 NC career record.
Last Fight: Split decision draw vs. Edgar at UFC 125
Next Fight: Edgar at UFC 130
UFC Ranking#3: Anthony Pettis – The final WEC Lightweight Champion
This third degree black belt in Taekwondo has started his MMA career with a 13 – 1 record. He went 5 – 1 in the WEC, with his lone loss coming by way of split decision against Bart Palaszewski, in a fight that could have gone either way. At WEC 53, his win over Ben Henderson made him the final WEC Lightweight Champion, setting up a unification bout with the winner of the Maynard – Edgar fight. Since that fight ended in a draw and a rematch was given to Maynard, Pettis’ unification bout is on the line later this year.
Last Fight: Unanimous decision victory over Ben Henderson at WEC 53
Next Fight: Clay Guida at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale
UFC Ranking#4: George Sotiropoulos – 7 – 0 UFC Record
Sotiropoulos has had an impressive career thus far, compiling a 14 – 2 career record. He holds huge victories over Joe Stevenson and Joe Lauzon inside the Octagon. He has proved his loss to Tommy Speers during TUF 6 was a fluke. Since moving to the lightweight division, Sotiropoulos has won five in a row on his way to two Fight of the Night award wins. He needs a couple more victories over top guys to move into the title picture, but it’s not that far away.
Last Fight: Second round submission victory over Lauzon at UFC 123
Next Fight: Dennis Siver at UFC 127
UFC Ranking#5: Guida – Unimpressive 8 – 5 UFC record
The thing about Guida is his record doesn’t mean anything to the fans. His high paced, always on the move demeanor has made him one of the most popular fighters in the history of the sport. His wins over Takanori Gomi, Diaz and Mac Danzig have made him one of the best. Training with Greg Jackson has also done wonders for Guida, much like it has for Jon Jones, Rashad Evans and countless other fighters. Should he win his next fight, he might catapult himself into a title shot.
Last Fight: Second round submission over Gomi at UFC 125
Next Fight: Pettis at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale
see: UFC Ranking: Heavyweight
see: UFC Ranking: Welterweight
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