• With Jose Aldo’s latest victory, he takes a big leap from #21 to #16 in the Absolute rankings.  He is also much closer to taking the #1 spot at Featherweight.
• Chael Sonnen’s latest victory inches him past Paulo Filho to enter the Top 5 All-Time Middleweight list.
• Ben Henderson finally breaks into the Top 25 at Lightweight, filling the last position on the list.
• Megumi Fujii moves past Tara LaRosa and Yuka Tsuji, to claim the #1 Women’s position.  Fujii’s continued elite position coupled with LaRosa’s lack of tough opposition caused this shift, though the three are still very close.

For example, here are all the ranked welterweights who last fought outside of the UFC:

http://www.fightmatrix.com/mma-ranks/welterweight/?OrgFilter=-1

Thanks to our reader GLF for the suggestion!

Although on a five fight win streak, he lost his two fights prior to that to fighters who have since fallen off the relevancy radar.  Cobb also had the benefit of facing off against fighters who were momentarily peaking, like Drew Fickett, and Kazunori Yokota.  Still, he has earned his FightMatrix ranking the traditional way, by earning points.  His points though, will be on the line Friday against [#36 LW] Antonio McKee (26-4-2) in a five round MFC Lightweight title bout.

McKee is no slouch and a dominant win over McKee in his home organization would speak volumes.  McKee fought nearly even with Jacob Volkmann just over a year ago and prior to that, hadn’t lost since 2003, with that loss being in a Welterweight fight.

We’ll be posting a “FightMatrix Program” for this card later in the week.  Maybe we can also lure in a comment from Brian prior to the match-up.

“[#35FW] Daniel Pineda (14 – 7 – 0) has rattled off 4 stoppage wins, after losing via kneebar to [*] Chas Skelly (7 – 0 – 0) at Bellator 19 in May 2010.  These wins include

• 1st round rear naked choke on lightweight [*] Reynaldo Trujillo (8 – 7 – 0) in July 2010
• 1st round heel hook on lightweight prospect [#332LW] Levi Forrest (6 – 1 – 0) in January 2011
• KO in under 1:00 of the 1st round over lightweight [*] Ray Blodgett (5 – 1 – 0) in April 2011
• 3rd round rear naked choke on WEC veteran [#141FW] Frank Gomez (10 – 4 – 0) in July 2011.

Pineda has won every one of his victories via stoppage, and he has only gone to a decision once in his career.  These aren’t 0-1 fighters he is beating, they are legit prospects and tough veterans.  At 26 years old, the Houston, Texas native has a lot of time to hone his skills and make it to the big show.”

Pineda is now ranked [#40FW] and sports a (15 – 7 – 0) record with a 5th stoppage win in a row in December 2011 over featherweight [*] Gilbert Jiminez (5 – 4 – 1).  He will be making his UFC debut this friday at UFC on FX 1 against undefeated St. Paul, Minnesota fighter [#227FW] Pat Schilling (5 – 0 – 0).  Pineda has the edge in experience, but Schilling is a finisher.  In fact, 4 of Schilling’s 5 wins come by way of submission, while Pineda has lost 6 times by submission.  With both of these guys being relatively unknown to the general UFC audience at this point, this could be either fighter’s coming out party.

Twitter – @Jonathan_Grand

Last 3 Fights: Jim Miller (2-1-0)
2011-08-14: L vs. [#3LW] Ben Henderson (15-2-0) via UD (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
2011-03-19: W vs. [#53LW] Kamal Shalorus (7-1-2) via TKO (Punches) in 2:15 of round 3
2010-12-11: W vs. [#100LW] Charles Oliveira (14-2-0) via Submission (Kneebar) in 1:59 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Melvin Guillard (2-1-0)
2011-10-08: L vs. [#11LW] Joe Lauzon (21-6-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 0:47 of round 1
2011-07-02: W vs. [#54LW] Shane Roller (10-5-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:12 of round 1
2011-01-22: W vs. [#37LW] Evan Dunham (12-2-0) via TKO (Knees) in 2:58 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jim Miller 159, Melvin Guillard 104
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Welterweight (170)
[#35] Josh Neer (32-10-1, 171.0lb) vs. [#53] Duane Ludwig (21-11-0, 170.5lb)

Last 3 Fights: Josh Neer (3-0-0)
2011-10-01: W vs. [#114WW] Keith Wisniewski (28-13-1) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 2
2011-08-20: W vs. [#736WW] Blas Avena (7-6-0) via TKO (Punches and Elbows) in 2:54 of round 1
2011-06-25: W vs. [#73WW] Jesse Juarez (17-7-0) via TKO (Injury) in 5:00 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Duane Ludwig (2-1-0)
2011-08-14: W vs. [#60WW] Amir Sadollah (5-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2010-11-13: W vs. [#211WW] Nick Osipczak (5-3-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2010-03-21: L vs. [#27FW] Darren Elkins (13-2-0) via TKO (Ankle Injury) in 0:44 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Josh Neer 111, Duane Ludwig 159
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Bantamweight (135)
[#49] Jared Papazian (14-6-0, 135.5lb) vs. [#65] Mike Easton (10-1-0, 135.0lb)

Last 3 Fights: Jared Papazian (3-0-0)
2011-09-15: W vs. [#296BW] Marvin Garcia (7-1-0) via UD (50-45, 48-47, 48-47)
2011-06-24: W vs. [#90BW] Abel Cullum (19-6-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2011-03-27: W vs. [#129BW] Kana Hyatt (9-10-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Mike Easton (3-0-0)
2011-10-01: W vs. [#252BW] Byron Bloodworth (6-2-0) via TKO (Knees and Punches) in 4:52 of round 2
2009-10-03: W vs. [#48FW] Chase Beebe (18-8-1) via SD (49-46, 46-49, 48-47)
2009-04-25: W vs. [#415BW] Josh Ferguson (8-4-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 4:06 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jared Papazian 127, Mike Easton 111
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Heavyweight (265)
[#64] Pat Barry (6-4-0, 242.0lb) vs. [#93] Christian Morecraft (7-2-0, 256.0lb)

Last 3 Fights: Pat Barry (1-2-0)
2011-10-01: L vs. [#30HW+] Stefan Struve (22-5-0) via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 3:22 of round 2
2011-06-26: L vs. [#13HW+] Cheick Kongo (17-6-2) via KO (Punch) in 2:39 of round 1
2011-01-22: W vs. [#40HW+] Joey Beltran (13-6-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Christian Morecraft (1-2-0)
2011-06-26: L vs. [#25HW+] Matt Mitrione (5-1-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:28 of round 2
2011-03-26: W vs. [#94HW+] Sean McCorkle (13-2-0) via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 4:10 of round 2
2010-08-07: L vs. [#30HW+] Stefan Struve (22-5-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:22 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Pat Barry 111, Christian Morecraft 208
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Middleweight (185)
[#62] Jorge Rivera (19-9-0, 185.5lb) vs. [#152] Eric Schafer (12-6-2, 185.0lb)

Last 3 Fights: Jorge Rivera (1-2-0)
2011-08-06: L vs. [#28MW] Constantinos Philippou (9-2-0) via SD (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
2011-02-27: L vs. [#9MW] Michael Bisping (22-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:54 of round 2
2010-03-31: W vs. [*] Nate Quarry (12-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:29 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Eric Schafer (1-2-0)
2011-10-08: L vs. [#35MW] Aaron Simpson (11-2-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2011-09-03: W vs. [#665MW] Chris Albandia (8-6-0) via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 1:41 of round 1
2010-03-21: L vs. [#48LHW] Jason Brilz (18-5-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jorge Rivera 167, Eric Schafer 104
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Lightweight (155)
[#53] Kamal Shalorus (7-1-2, 155.5lb) vs. [#151WW] Habib Nurmagomedov (16-0-0, 155.0lb)

Last 3 Fights: Kamal Shalorus (1-1-1)
2011-03-19: L vs. [#12LW] Jim Miller (20-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:15 of round 3
2010-12-16: W vs. [#9FW] Bart Palaszewski (36-14-0) via SD (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
2010-06-20: D vs. [#89LW] Jamie Varner (18-6-1) via Draw in 5:00 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Habib Nurmagomedov (3-0-0)
2011-10-22: W vs. [#542MW] Arimarcel Santos (28-25-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:33 of round 1
2011-09-15: W vs. [NA] Vadim Sandulitsky (0-1-0) via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 3:01 of round 1
2011-08-05: W vs. [#658WW] Hamiz Mamedov (4-4-0) via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 3:51 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Kamal Shalorus 307, Habib Nurmagomedov 90
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Welterweight (170)
[#31] Charlie Brenneman (14-3-0, 170.5lb) vs. [#65] Daniel Roberts (12-3-0, 170.5lb)

Last 3 Fights: Charlie Brenneman (2-1-0)
2011-10-01: L vs. [#24MW] Anthony Johnson (10-4-0) via KO (Head Kick) in 2:49 of round 1
2011-06-26: W vs. [#23WW] Rick Story (13-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2011-01-22: W vs. [#270WW] Amilcar Alves (13-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Daniel Roberts (1-2-0)
2011-06-26: L vs. [#84WW] Rich Attonito (10-5-0) via UD (29-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2011-04-30: L vs. [#36WW] Claude Patrick (14-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2011-01-01: W vs. [#120WW] Greg Soto (9-2-0) via Submission (Kimura) in 3:45 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Charlie Brenneman 111, Daniel Roberts 208
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Lightweight (157)
[#56] Fabricio Camoes (13-6-1, 157.5lb) vs. [#130FW] Tom Hayden (7-0-0, 155.5lb)

Last 3 Fights: Fabricio Camoes (2-1-0)
2011-05-06: W vs. [#118LW] Efrain Escudero (18-4-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2011-02-18: W vs. [#252LW] Steve Lopez (12-6-1) via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) in 0:23 of round 1
2010-03-27: L vs. [#51LW] Kurt Pellegrino (17-7-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:20 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Tom Hayden (3-0-0)
2011-05-07: W vs. [#794LW] Harry Johnson (5-7-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 2:15 of round 1
2010-06-26: W vs. [*] Mike Baskis (3-3-0) via DQ (Illegal Knee Strike) in 1:50 of round 2
2009-08-09: W vs. [#369FW] Dustin Neace (23-18-1) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in ? of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Fabricio Camoes 259, Tom Hayden 258
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Featherweight (145)
[#40] Daniel Pineda (15-7-0, 145.0lb) vs. [#227] Pat Schilling (5-0-0, 145.0lb)

Last 3 Fights: Daniel Pineda (3-0-0)
2011-12-16: W vs. [#397FW] Gilbert Jimenez (5-4-1) via TKO (Spinning Backfist) in 1:37 of round 2
2011-07-22: W vs. [#165FW] Frank Gomez (10-4-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:25 of round 3
2011-04-09: W vs. [#550LW] Ray Blodgett (5-1-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:58 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Pat Schilling (3-0-0)
2011-06-03: W vs. [NA] Cody Larson (0-12-0) via Submission (Punches) in 1:20 of round 1
2010-10-23: W vs. [#1022LW] Tom Waters (4-3-0) via Submission (Kneebar) in 2:34 of round 1
2010-06-19: W vs. [NA] Dustin Smith (5-8-0) via Submission in 3:02 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Daniel Pineda 35, Pat Schilling 231
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Bantamweight (135)
[#45] Nick Denis (10-2-0, 135.5lb) vs. [#177] Joseph Sandoval (6-1-0, 135.0lb)

Last 3 Fights: Nick Denis (2-1-0)
2011-10-28: W vs. [#63BW] Nick Mamalis (23-8-0) via KO (Suplex and Chokeslam) in 1:03 of round 2
2010-03-07: L vs. [*] Yuji Hoshino (17-7-7) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 0:47 of round 2
2009-12-12: W vs. [*] Sean Quinn (5-4-0) via KO (Punches) in 3:42 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Joseph Sandoval (2-1-0)
2011-10-01: L vs. [#57BW] Walel Watson (9-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:17 of round 1
2011-06-25: W vs. [#653BW] Randy Hinds (5-5-0) via Submission (Punches) in 1:05 of round 2
2011-03-11: W vs. [NA] Sean Shakour (3-3-0) via UD ()

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Nick Denis 84, Joseph Sandoval 111
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Notes about the Fight Card
- Highest-rated fighter always listed first.
- A ‘*’ ranking suggests a fighter is inactive.
- An ‘NA’ ranking suggests the fighter is too low for a ranking or we do not have division info for them.

Fight Card Statistics

Highest Pre-Bout Raw Rating: Jim Miller (186)
Highest Stored DD Rating: Jim Miller
Highest Pre-Bout Fight Raw Rating: Jim Miller vs. Melvin Guillard (334)
Highest Stored Fight DD Rating: Jim Miller vs. Melvin Guillard (122)
Average Pre-Bout Fight Raw Rating: 82
Event Matchmaking Competitiveness Rating (of 5*): Very Good [***½]
Average Per Fight MMA Rankings Impact (of 5*): Fair [**½]
Total Event MMA Rankings Impact (of 5*): Moderate [***]

• This release includes rating modification with regard to community adjustments, so there will be fluctuations throughout.