UFC’s Lightweight Division

To say that it has been a rough ride for the UFC’s 155 lbs division would be a bit of an understatement.  The trouble began when the first champion of the weight class Jens Pulver left the organization in 2002 amidst a contract dispute.  The UFC held a four-man tournament to crown a new champion, but failed to come up with a definitive winner when BJ Penn fought Caol Uno to a draw in the finals.  And so the division was completely dismantled as the Zuffa-owned promotion was struggling financially at the time.

Fast forward to 2006: after the success of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ reality series boosted UFC’s popularity and momentum, the organization decided to reinstate the lightweight division and crowned a new champion with a matchup between Kenny Florian and Sean Sherk.  But the troubles were not over – after Sherk’s very first title defense, Sean as well as the challenger Hermes Franca both tested positive for banned anabolics and were suspended by the California State Athletic Commission.  With the title once again vacated, BJ Penn defeated Joe Stevenson then Sean Sherk in back-to-back bouts, staking his claim as the new lightweight king.  However with Penn now set to challenge Georges St. Pierre for the welterweight title, the lightweight championship may once again be placed on hold if Penn wins.

All these tribulations left the division weakened: according to the latest Fightmatrix.com rankings, only 4 of the Top 10 and 8 of the Top 20 lightweights in the world compete in the UFC’s Octagon.    But don’t let the lack of top-ranked fighters fool you; this is a very deep division beyond the Top 20, with over 30 ranked fighters competing in UFC at 155 lbs.  Here is a closer look at the UFC’s 20 highest ranked lightweights.

The Champion: [#1] B.J. Penn

MMA Record: 13-4-1 (9-3-1 UFC)

Last bout: Defeated Sean Sherk by TKO at UFC 84

Next bout: A welterweight title shot against Georges St. Pierre at UFC 94

It seems like BJ Penn’s entire career revolved around the UFC’s lightweight title:  ‘The Prodigy’ fought for the belt in what was only his fourth professional bout, losing a majority decision to then-champion Jens Pulver.  After Pulver left UFC and vacated the title, BJ received another opportunity but came up short once again, fighting to a five round draw with Caol Uno.  Third time was a charm for Penn – after testing himself at higher weights, he returned to 155 and finally captured the once-again vacant title with a second round submission of Joe Stevenson.

After defeating Sean Sherk and making it look easy, Penn once again looks to move up in weight and try to recapture the welterweight title in an upcoming bout with the 170-lbs champion Georges St. Pierre.  Should he succeed, Penn will become the first fighter in the UFC history to hold championship belts in two weight classes simultaneously.  (He is currently one of only two fighters to ever hold titles in more than one weight class, the other one being the UFC hall of famer and former heavyweight and lightheavyweight champion Randy Couture).  BJ promised to come back and defend the lightweight belt even if he defeats St. Pierre, though with his tendency to fight no more than twice a year, this will prove a difficult task to pull off.

The Contenders:

[#2] Kenny Florian

MMA Record:  11-3 (9-2 UFC)

Last bout: Defeated Joe Stevenson by submission (rear naked choke) at UFC 91

Next bout: A title shot against BJ Penn (event not yet determined)

Florian’s first bout in the UFC was at 185 lbs, losing the welterweight finals of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ Season 1 to Diego Sanchez.  Since then, Florian went down two weight classes and achieved a 9-1 record, his only loss a decision to Sean Sherk in a championship bout.  Currently on a six win streak, Kenny established himself as the top contender to Penn’s title: though he was promised a shot after a decision victory over Roger Huerta, Florian sealed the deal with a very impressive first round submission over Joe Stevenson.  Since it’s not clear when BJ Penn will be ready to defend the lightweight title, a rematch with Sean Sherk may be the next logical step for Florian.

[#6] Sean Sherk

MMA Record: 35-3-1 (7-3 UFC)

Last bout: Defeated Tyson Griffin by unanimous decision at UFC 90

Next bout: Unknown

Sean Sherk became the first lightweight title holder after UFC brought back the division when he defeated Kenny Florian in the inaugural championship bout.  He defended the title with a victory over Hermes Franca; however both fighters tested positive for anabolic steroids after the fight, and though Sherk vehemently denied ingesting any illegal supplements, he was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission while BJ Penn faced Joe Stevenson for the belt.  Sherk received an opportunity to regain the belt once he served his suspension, but was stopped by Penn in the third round, dealing Sherk his third career loss.  Sean rebounded nicely with a win over Tyson Griffin, proving that he is still one of the top contenders in the division.  Another victory is certain to bring Sherk back into the title picture.

[#8] Jim Miller

MMA Record: 13-1 (2-0 UFC)

Last bout: Defeated Matt Wiman by unanimous decision at UFC ‘Fight for the Troops’

Next bout: Unknown

Though Jim Miller has only had two bouts in the Octagon, he sports an impressive resume, with only a single loss (a decision to Frank Edgar) in 14 professional bouts.  In his UFC debut, Miller stopped another UFC newcomer David Baron, who has had a nice run as a welterweight prior to dropping to 155.  Miller then stepped in to replace injured Edgar on only a week’s notice, and soundly dominated Matt Wiman for a unanimous decision that landed him a spot in the Top 10.  Despite his lack of name recognition, Miller may be only a win or two away from a title shot.  A rematch with Edgar would be a good test of Miller’s wrestling ability – a very necessary skill in the division with several strong wrestlers near the top.

On the bubble:

[#12] Gray Maynard

MMA Record: 6-0, 1 NC (4-0 UFC, 1 NC)

Last bout: Defeated Rich Clementi by unanimous decision at UFC 90

Next bout: Unknown

Gray Maynard entered the UFC after a stint on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’, with only two professional bouts on his record.  His first official fight in the Octagon ended with a bizarre double-TKO as a result of Maynard’s slam on Rob Emerson, and was ruled a No Contest.  Since then Maynard went 4-0, with dominating decisions over Frank Edgar and Rich Clementi in his most recent bouts.  His methodical, control-over-damage style of fighting did not endear Gray to fans, and he will have to become a more exciting fighter before there is any talk of a title shot.

[#14] Frankie Edgar

MMA Record: 9-1 (4-1 UFC)

Last bout: Defeated Hermes Franca by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 14

Next bout: Unknown

Frank Edgar made a splash in the UFC with a decision win in a battle against Tyson Griffin that became an instant classic.  After two more wins, Edgar was poised to become a title contender before he ran into a bigger, stronger wrestler in Gray Maynard. Edgar is back on the winning track, earning the decision against the veteran Hermes Franca.  He has faced a lot of the same criticism as Maynard – unexciting methodical style, inability to finish top opponents – and needs to round his game a bit more to reach the elite level.  Edgar was most recently slated to face Matt Wiman but had to pull out with an injury, only to be replaced by Jim Miller whom Edgar had defeated in the past. After Miller dominated Wiman, a rematch between Miller and Edgar would make for an interesting bout.

[#19] Clay Guida

MMA Record: 24-9 (4-3 UFC)

Last bout: Defeated Mac Danzig by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 15

Next bout: Against Nate Diaz at UFC 94

Guida is known for his frenetic pace, seemingly endless energy, and good takedowns and control.  Though his style is not much different than Edgar’s and Maynard’s and most of his fights have also gone to a decision, the quicker pace of Clay’s fights allowed him to avoid the stigma of being labeled as a “boring wrestler”.  Guida’s recent victory over the ‘TUF’ winner Mac Danzig marked the first back-to-back UFC wins for Clay.  He will look to extend the win streak when he takes on another ‘Ultimate Fighter’ Nate Diaz at UFC 94.

[#20] Tyson Griffin

MMA Record: 12-2 (5-2 UFC)

Last bout: Lost to Sean Sherk by unanimous decision at UFC 90

Next bout: Unknown

Like Guida, Griffin is also a very fast-paced, well rounder fighter known for exciting battles.  After losing to Edgar in Griffin’s second UFC bout, Tyson was on a four-win streak and knocking on the door of a title shot when he was outboxed and outgrappled by Sean Sherk in a unanimous decision loss, knocking him back down into the middle of the pack.

[#23] Hermes Franca 

MMA Record: 19-7 (6-4 UFC)

Last bout: Defeated Marcus Aurelio by unanimous decision at UFC 90

Next bout: Against Joe Lauzon at UFC Fight Night 17

Hermes Franca is a long time UFC veteran, having once a lost split decision to Yves Edwards back at UFC 47 in what would have likely been a title match if UFC didn’t temporarily scrap the division.  After wins over Jamie Varner, Nathan Diaz, and Spencer Fisher, Hermes earned a shot at the newly-minted title, losing a decision to Sean Sherk in a bout where both contenders tested positive for anabolics and were suspended after the fight.  Since his suspension, Franca has gone 1-1, and is stuck in somewhat of a gatekeeper position.  A win over Lauzon will get another streak going and give Franca a much needed boost.

[#24] Roger Huerta

MMA Record: 25-2-1 (6-1 UFC)

Last bout: Lost to Kenny Florian by unanimous decision at UFC 87

Next bout: Against Spencer Fisher (rumored, event unknown)

Roger ‘El Matador’ Huerta was once the hottest prospect in the division, on a long streak including six wins in the Octagon within only 15 months from his UFC debut.  Huerta received a highly publicized contender bout with Kenny Florian, and was frustrated and outworked, losing a unanimous decision.  The loss was compounded by some comments Huerta made prior to the fight, apparently dissatisfied with his compensation and contractual status.  After a brief hiatus, Huerta resolved the issues with his employers and signed for another multi-fight contract with the UFC.  Spencer Fisher has been rumored as Huerta’s next opponent, though Joe Stevenson’s name has also been thrown around.

[#27] Spencer Fisher

MMA Record: 22-4 (7-3 UFC)

Last bout: Defeated Shannon Gugerty by submission (triangle choke) at UFC 90

Next bout:  Against Roger Huerta (rumored, event unknown)

One of the best strikers in the lightweight division, Fisher has lightning fast hands and is responsible for many highlight-reel knockouts.  Spencer also employs strong jiu-jitsu, but a weakness in wrestling has held him back from becoming a title contender.  Currently on a two win streak after a decision loss to Frankie Edgar, Fisher needs a win over a name opponent to elevate him above the pack.  Roger Huerta will be a good measuring stick of Spencer’s standing in the division if the fight is signed.

[#28] Nathan Diaz

MMA Record: 10-2 (5-0 UFC)

Last bout: Defeated Josh Neer by split decision at UFC Fight Night 15

Next bout: Against Clay Guida at UFC 94

Riding high off his win over Manny Gamburyan in the ‘TUF’ Season 5 finale, Nate Diaz has been burning through the division, with three consecutive submission wins followed by a split decision victory over Josh Neer.  Neer has given Diaz a much harder time than his previous UFC opponents, serving as a gauge of Nate’s current position in the division. Though his streak is still intact, the level of competition will drastically increase at this point for Diaz.  A win over a Guida will place Nate a step closer to a title shot.

Other notables:

[#29] Joe Stevenson

MMA Record: 31-9 (6-3 UFC)

Last bout: Lost to Kenny Florian by submission (rear naked choke) at UFC 91

Next bout: Unknown

Another ‘Ultimate Fighter’ winner on this list, Stevenson entered the UFC as a welterweight but dropped down to 155 lbs after a decision loss to Josh Neer.  After winning four fights, Joe received a title shot and was stopped in the second round by BJ Penn.  After a rebound win over Gleison Tibau, Stevenson once again found himself battling for the top contender slot, but was chocked out in the first round by Kenny Florian.  After being near the top of the division for so long, Joe ‘Daddy’ will have to start at the back of the line.

[#31] David Baron

MMA Record: 16-3 (0-1 UFC)

Last bout: Lost to  Jim Miller by submission (rear naked choke) at UFC 89

Next bout: Unknown

Frenchman David Baron made his name as one of Europe’s top welterweights, punctuating a five-win streak with a submission over Hayato ‘Mach’ Sakurai.  For his UFC debut, Baron dropped down to 155 lbs but didn’t receive a warm welcome to the division, succumbing to a choke against Jim Miller.  Don’t hold out for seeing Baron on TV any time soon as he will likely be relegated to preliminary bouts until he picks up a win or two.

[#34]  Josh Neer

MMA Record:  34-7-1 (3-4 UFC)

Last bout: Lost to Nate Diaz  by split decision at UFC Fight Night 15

Next bout: Against Mac Danzig at UFC Fight Night 17

Neer began his career as a welterweight, going 2-3 at 170 in the UFC with a notable win over Joe Stevenson in Stevenson’s first UFC fight after winning ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ contest, a loss that forced Joe to drop down in weight.   Neer eventually followed him down, and made a successful lightweight debut with a win over Din Thomas.  Most recently Neer lost to another ‘TUF’ winner Nate Diaz in a very close split decision.  He will soon test his skill against yet another ‘TUF’ winner Mac Danzig.

[#36]  Rich Clementi

MMA Record:  33-13-1 (5-4 UFC)

Last bout: Lost to Gray Maynard by unanimous decision at UFC 90

Next bout: Against Gleison Tibau (event not yet determined)

After participating in the comeback season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ as a welterweight, Rich Clementi breathed new life into his career with a move to 155 lbs.  With three consecutive wins as a lightweight, Clementi was inching close to a title shot but suffered a setback when he lost a lackluster decision to Gray Maynard.  He is rumored to take on Gleison Tibau at an upcoming UFC event in early 2009.

[#38] Marcus Aurelio

MMA Record:  16-7 (2-3 UFC)

Last bout: Lost to Hermes Franca by unanimous decision at UFC 90

Next bout: Unknown

Pride FC veteran Aurelio was considered one of the top lightweights in the world when he entered UFC after the Pride buyout.  The Octagon has not been kind to Marcus: he lost three of his five UFC bouts by decision, his only wins over the unheralded Luke Caudillo & Ryan Roberts.  After losing his last two fights, a rumor has it that Aurelio has been cut from the UFC though it has not been confirmed.

[#40] Joe Lauzon

MMA Record:  19-7 (4-1 UFC)

Last bout: Defeated Kyle Bradley by TKO at UFC Fight Night 15

Next bout: Against Hermes Franca at UFC Fight Night 17

Joe Lauzon blasted into the UFC with a first round knockout of former champion Jens Pulver in what was supposed to be Pulver’s big comeback match.  After coming up short in the fifth season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’, Lauzon won two more bouts before being stopped by Kenny Florian.  Joe is back on the winning track, and has a big test coming up when he takes on Hermes Franca. A win over Franca will greatly elevate Lauzon’s ranking.

[#44]  Jeremy Stephens

MMA Record:  16-4 (3-2 UFC)

Last bout: Defeated Rafael dos Anjos by KO at UFC 91

Next bout: Unknown

After going 2-1 in untelevised bouts, Jeremy Stephens finally got a chance to showcase himself to the fans with a main-card bout against Spencer Fisher.  Though Stevens lost the decision, he put on a solid performance against the veteran in an entertaining bout.  In his next fight, Stephens demonstrated great power with a brutal knockout of Rafael dos Anjos, after being controlled on the ground early in the fight.  Jeremy is an exciting prospect with bright future in the lightweight division.

[#50] Mac Danzig

MMA Record:  23-6-1 (2-1 UFC)

Last bout:  Lost to Clay Guida by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 15

Next bout:  Against Josh Neer at UFC Fight Night 17

Rounding out this list is yet another ‘TUF’ winner Mac Danzig.  Danzig was a welterweight on the reality show, but dropped down to 155 immediately after defeating Tommy Speer in the finale.  He has gone 1-1 as a lightweight in the UFC, stopping Mark Bocek but losing a decision to Clay Guida.  Mac will next face Josh Neer – a man who has proven to be a tough task for TUF alumni.  A win will keep Danzig relevant in the division.

Next week, we will look at the top lightweights outside of the UFC.