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Rousey's dominance keeps her atop SI.com's pound-for-pound rankings
It was a can’t-lose situation, which in a way made it a no-win.
With the UFC’s mismatchmakers having stuck her in the octagon with an 18-1 underdog on Aug. 1, Ronda Rousey didn’t have much opportunity to impress. And in her case, astoundingly impressive performances were what several months ago had vaulted her to the No. 1 spot in the SI.com pound-for-pound MMA fighter rankings.
Competing in a bantamweight division nowhere near as deep and competitive as the weight classes of the sport’s other top performers, such as featherweight champion José Aldo, Rousey had earned her lofty position by being not run-of-the-mill dominant but thoroughly domineering to an unprecedented degree. Prior to her bout a little over a week ago in the main event of UFC 190, here was the “Rowdy Ronda” resume: 11 professional fights, all victories, all knockouts or submissions, all but one in the first round, seven in the very first minute. She was coming off 16-second and 14-second wins. Unprecedented dominance, indeed.
But Rousey’s Aug. 1 defense was against a woefully overmatched foe. Sure, Bethe Correia was unbeaten, too, but none of her nine wins had come against Top 10 competition. She was in way over her head, having been handed a shot at the champ merely on the strength of a trash-talk pedigree. But the Brazilian was no more than a convenient foil for the UFC’s plan to showcase its champ in front of a hungry-for-star-power Rio de Janeiro audience. In this storyline, Correia played the role of a toothless villain.
That did not bode well for Rousey’s precarious position at the top of our rankings. Even a victory, if it had come after a little back-and-forth competitiveness, easily could have knocked the champ down a few pegs in the rankings.
Classic Photos of Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey :: Jan. 23, 2016
Here are some candid and not so candid photos of UFC fighter Ronda Rousey, who hosted Saturday Night Live on Jan. 23. In this sketch she appears with Taran Killam as Dan.
Ronda Rousey :: Jan. 23, 2016
Kenan Thompson and Ronda Rousey during the City Council sketch on the Jan. 23, 2016 episode of Saturday Night Live.
Ronda Rousey :: Jan. 23, 2016
Ronda Rousey with SNL participants (from left) Jon Rudnitsky, Bobby Moynihan, Selena Gomez, Rousey, Aidy Bryant, Vanessa Bayer and Jay Pharoah during the monologue.
Ronda Rousey :: January 2016
Singer Selena Gomez, Ronda Rousey, and Cecily Strong are caught on stage in a practice for the Jan. 23 Saturday Night Live show.
Ronda Rousey :: Nov. 14, 2015
Ronda Rousey is attended to after suffering a second-round knockout at the hands of Holly Holm at UFC 193 in Australia.
Ronda Rousey :: Oct. 27, 2015
Ronda Rousey responds to questions during media day in Glendale, Calif., ahead of her showdown with Holly Holm.
Ronda Rousey :: Oct. 27, 2015
Rousey hosts Media Day ahead of her Nov. 14 fight in Australia.
Ronda Rousey :: Oct. 27, 2015
Ronda Rousey spars with a partner during a media training session.
Ronda Rousey :: Oct. 16, 2015
Rousey poses in front of a mural created in her honor in Venice, Calif.
Ronda Rousey :: Oct. 6, 2015
Ronda Rousey poses for a photo at the London NYC hotel ahead of UFC 193.
Ronda Rousey :: Sept. 17, 2015
Ronda Rousey poses with a fans during a UFC 193 Sydney fan event.
Ronda Rousey :: Sept. 16, 2015
Ronda Rousey and her November opponent, Holly Holm, take centre stage during a UFC 193 media event.
Ronda Rousey :: Sept. 16, 2015
Ronda Rousey takes selfies with fans during a UFC 193 media event at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
Ronda Rousey :: Sept. 16, 2015
Ronda Rousey arrives during a UFC 193 media event at Etihad Stadium.
Ronda Rousey :: Aug. 4, 2015
Ronda Rousey and her mother, AnnMaria De Mars (3rd from right), present a championship belt to a judo school and social project owned by Olympic bronze medalist Flavio Canto in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Ronda Rousey :: Aug. 2, 2015
Ronda Rousey after her 34-second victory over Bethe Correia.
Ronda Rousey :: Aug. 1, 2015
Ronda Rousey and Bethe Correia at their weigh in.
Ronda Rousey :: July 15, 2015
Ronda Rousey accepts the Best Female Athlete award during The 2015 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey :: July 15, 2015
Former boxer Mike Tyson meets Ronda Rousey during a media training session at the Glendale Fight Club.
Ronda Rousey :: April 27, 2015
Ronda Rousey poses during a photo shoot for SI in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey :: April 27, 2015
Ronda Rousey trains during a photo shoot for SI in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey :: April 27, 2015
Ronda Rousey poses during a photo shoot for SI in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey :: March 23, 2015
Ronda Rousey talks with reporters after meeting with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state leaders urging them to join the 49 other states in legalizing mixed martial arts.
Ronda Rousey :: April 4, 2015
Ronda Rousey attends an NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Colorado Avalanche.
Ronda Rousey :: April 1, 2015
Rousey arrives at the 'Furious 7' Los Angeles Premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood.
Ronda Rousey and the Rock :: March 29, 2015
Ronda Rousey and the Rock at WrestleMania 31.
Ronda Rousey :: March 29, 2015
Ronda Rousey and Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 31 in Santa Clara
Ronda Rousey :: March 29, 2015
Ronda Rousey and Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 31 in Santa Clara.
Ronda Rousey :: March 26, 2015
Ronda Rousey and Robin Roberts on the "Good Morning America" set.
Ronda Rousey :: March 24, 2015
Ronda Rousey during her visit to "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
Ronda Rousey :: March 24, 2015
Ronda Rousey shows Jimmy Fallon what an armbar is during her visit to the "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."
Ronda Rousey :: March 20, 2015
Ronda Rousey and Bethe Correia of Brazil face off during the 189 World Media Tour Launch press conference in Rio de Janeiro.
Ronda Rousey and Bethe Correia:: March 20, 2015
Ronda Rousey and Bethe Correia of Brazil pose for the media during the 189 World Media Tour Launch press conference in Rio de Janeiro.
Ronda Rousey :: March 20, 2015
Ronda Rousey with fans in Brazil during the the UFC 189 World Media Tour Launch press conference
Ronda Rousey :: March 20, 2015
Ronda Rousey poses for the media during the UFC 189 World Media Tour Launch press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Ronda Rousey :: March 20, 2015
Ronda Rousey looks on during the UFC 189 World Media Tour Launch press conference in Rio de Janeiro.
Ronda Rousey :: March 14, 2015
Ronda Rousey speaks during a South by Southwest Sports panel at the Austin Convention Center in Texas.
Ronda Rousey :: March 10, 2015
Ronda Rousey is seen with Mario Lopez of Extra at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey speaks to members of the media at the Glendale Fighting Club ahead of her fight against Cat Zingano.
Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano face off during the UFC 184 Ultimate Media Day in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey warms up in the locker room before her bout against Cat Zingano in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey prepares to enter the Octagon in her bantamweight championship bout against Cat Zingano in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey gets ready to fight Cat Zingano at UFC 184.
Ronda Rousey :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey enters the Octagon in her bantamweight championship bout against Cat Zingano in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey grapples with Cat Zingano during UFC 184. Rousey won after Zingano tapped out 14 seconds into the bout.
Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey grapples with Cat Zingano during UFC 184. Rousey won after Zingano tapped out 14 seconds into the bout.
Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey grapples with Cat Zingano during UFC 184. Rousey won after Zingano tapped out 14 seconds into the bout.
Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey gets into position to put an armbar on Cat Zingano during UFC 184.
Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey puts the finishing touches on Cat Zingano to remain undefeated.
Ronda Rousey :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey celebrates her victory over Cat Zingano.
Ronda Rousey :: February 2015
Ronda Rousey consoles Cat Zingano after their bout.
Ronda Rousey :: December 2014
Ronda Rousey attends Reebok and UFC Long-Term Partnership Announcement at Industria Studios in New York City.
Ronda Rousey :: November 2014
Ronda Rousey is seen at 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey :: November 2014
Ronda Rousey is seen at 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey :: November 2014
Ronda Rousey arrives at the UFC Time Is Now press conference in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey :: October 2014
Ronda Rousey sighting in West Hollywood, Calif.
Ronda Rousey :: September 2014
Ronda Rousey attends FOX Sports 1's "The Ultimate Fighter" Season Premiere Party in Hollywood.
Ronda Rousey :: August 2014
Ronda Rousey arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Expendables 3" in Hollywood.
Ronda Rousey :: July 2014
Ronda Rousey smiles at a weigh-in for the UFC 175 event at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey and Alexis Davis: July 2014
Ronda Rousey faces off with Alexis Davis during the UFC 175 weigh-in inside the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey :: July 2014
Ronda Rousey takes down Alexis Davis during their women's mixed martial arts bantamweight title bout at UFC 175 in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey :: May 2014
Kelsey Grammer, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronda Rousey and Sylvester Stallone pose during a photocall for "The Expendables 3" at the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France.
Ronda Rousey :: May 2014
Arnold Schwarzenegger kisses Ronda Rousey during a photocall for the film "The Expendables 3" at the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
Ronda Rousey :: May 2014
Ronda Rousey attends a photocall for "The Expendables 3" at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, France.
Ronda Rousey and Kellan Lutz :: May 2014
Actor Kellan Lutz and Ronda Rousey arrive for the screening of The Homesman at the 67th international film festival.
Ronda Rousey :: May 2014
Ronda Rousey attends "The Homesman" Premiere at the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival inFrance.
Ronda Rousey :: May 2014
Ronda Rousey hosts #TheLinkParty at the IceLink Boutique West Hollywood benefiting The Special Needs Network.
Ronda Rousey :: April 2014
Ronda Rousey is seen filming a scene for the "Entourage" movie in Beverly Hills in Los Angeles
Ronda Rousey :: February 2014
Ronda Rousey knees Sara McMann in their bantamweight championship bout during UFC 170 in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey :: February 2014
Ronda Rousey at an open training session for fans and media in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey and Jimmy Kimmel:: December 2013
Ronda Rousey made an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in early December 2013.
Ronda Rousey :: December 2013
Ronda Rousey poses for a portrait during a UFC photo session in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate :: December 2013
Ronda Rousey attempts to submit Miesha Tate in their UFC women's bantamweight championship bout during UFC 168 in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey and Josh Thomson :: July 2013
Rousey and UFC lightweight Josh Thomson pose for a photo during the UFC Fan Party in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey :: July 2013
Ronda Rousey signs an autograph during the UFC Fan Expo Las Vegas 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas,.
Ronda Rousey :: March 2013
Ronda Rousey attends the Fox Sports Media Group Upfront after party at Roseland Ballroom in New York City.
Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche :: February 2013
Ronda Rousey eventually got Liz Carmouche off her back and improved her record to 7-0 with the victory.
Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche :: February 2013
Ronda Rousey found herself in trouble early against Liz Carmouche, but withstood the challenge to win in the first round.
Ronda Rousey :: December 2012
Ronda Rousey shows off her UFC bantamweight championship belt during a news conference in Seattle, Wash. UFC president Dana White handed out the belt, saying the former Strikeforce title-holder will make her UFC debut on Feb. 23 against Liz Carmouche.
Ronda Rousey :: October 2012
Ronda Rousey during training session with coach Edmond Tarverdyan at Glendale Fighting Club.
Ronda Rousey and Dana White: September 2012
Rousey poses with Dana White at the Sons of Anarchy season 5 premiere screening in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey and Sarah Kaufman :: August 2012
Ronda Rousey secures an arm bar submission against Sarah Kaufman during their Strikeforce bout.
Ronda Rousey :: August 2012
Ronda Rousey reacts after defeating Sarah Kaufman by submission during the Strikeforce event in San Diego on Aug. 18.
Ronda Rousey :: July 2012
Ronda Rousey attends ESPN Magazine's 4th Annual Body Issue celebration at Belasco Theatre on July 10, 2012 in Los Angeles.
Ronda Rousey :: March 2012
Ronda Rousey during the weigh-in for her bout against Meisha Tate.
Ronda Rousey :: March 2012
Ronda Rousey walks to the cage before her bantamweight bout against Tate in March. Rousey won via an armbar submission.
Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate :: March 2012
Ronda Rousey reacts after submitting Meisha Tate during their bantamweight bout in Columbus, Ohio.
Ronda Rousey :: March 2012
Rousey takes questions from the media after her victory over Meisha Tate.
Ronda Rousey :: October 2012
Ronda Rousey during a photo shoot for SI at the Glendale Fighting Club in California.
Ronda Rousey :: October 2012
Ronda Rousey during a photo shoot for SI at the Glendale Fighting Club in California.
Ronda Rousey :: October 2012
Ronda Rousey during a photo shoot for SI at the Glendale Fighting Club in California.
Ronda Rousey :: October 2012
Ronda Rousey during a photo shoot for SI at the Glendale Fighting Club in California.
Ronda Rousey :: October 2012
Ronda Rousey catches her breath after a workout.
Ronda Rousey :: October 2012
Ronda Rousey during a photo shoot for SI at the Glendale Fighting Club in California.
Ronda Rousey :: November 2011
Ronda Rousey attends the UFC On FOX: Live Heavyweight Championship in Anaheim, Calif.
Ronda Rousey and Sarah D'Alelio :: August 2011
Rousey and Sarah D'Alelio pose at the weigh-in before their Strikeforce match in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey :: August 2011
Ronda Rousey during the Strikeforce Challengers 4 at The Pearl at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey and Sarah D'Alelio :: August 2011
Sarah D'Alelio and Ronda Rousey during the Strikeforce Challengers 4 at The Pearl at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Rousey would win the bout via tapout in the first round.
Ronda Rousey :: April 2008
Ronda Rousey (far left) in a Summer Olympics preview portrait with Rau'shee Warren (boxing), Demetrius Andrade (boxing), Marci Van Dusen (freestyle wrestling), and Sarah Hammer (cycling).
Ronda Rousey and Valerie Gotay: April 2008
Ronda Rousey throws Valerie Gotay over her shoulder as she poses for a portrait during the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Media Summitt in Chicago.
Ronda Rousey and Annett Boehm: August 2008
Rousey and Germany's Annett Boehm compete in the 70 kg judo bronze-medal match at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Rousey would win the match and the bronze.
Ronda Rousey :: August 2008
Rousey stands on the podium after winning bronze at the 2008 Olympics.
Ronda Rousey: 2007
A happy Ronda Rousey after she won the 70Kg Judo final in the 2007 XV Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Ronda Rousey :: April 2006
Ronda Rousey with her gold medal at the Fighting Films Birmingham Women's World Cup at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England.
Ronda Rousey :: August 2004
Claudia Heill from Austria fights Ronda Rousey during the Judo half-middle weight (-63kg) event at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Ronda Rousey :: June 2004
Ronda Rousey and Anastasia Krivosta compete in their 63 kg. match during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Judo at the San Jose State University Event Center in California. Rousey won the match to move on in the competition.
Then Rousey went out and found a new way to rise above it all.
Facing a brawler with no more than a miniscule puncher’s chance, one whose aggressiveness would put her in the crosshairs of the champ’s divine grappling game, Rousey showed not the least bit of interest in taking the fight to the mat. She came out throwing punches, not distance-gauging jabs but big bombs aimed to shut up—and shut down—the challenger. The Rousey ruckus backed up Correia, and the buzzsaw of punches continued until the referee jumped in 34 seconds into the fight. It was a knockout performance.
So Rousey remains No. 1 in these rankings, even as her star has burst out into ever more prominence in the popular culture. Just as inside the octagon, the 28-year-old makes all the right moves outside it—from starring on the silver screen alongside Sylvester Stallone and the Entourage boys, to winning a couple of ESPY Awards and then burning serial domestic abuser Floyd Mayweather in her acceptance speech. None of that extracurricular activity plays into the SI tally, though. In our eyes, Rousey remains on top of the MMA game simply because she’s the most dominant fighter the octagon has ever seen.
On to the rankings …
Heavyweight
1. Fabricio Werdum (20-5-1)
2. Cain Velasquez (13-2)
3. Junior dos Santos (17-3)
4. StipeMiocic (13-2)
5. Andrei Arlovski (24-10, 1 NC)
6. Travis Browne (17-3-1)
7. Ben Rothwell (35-9)
8. Mark Hunt (10-10-1)
9. Alistair Overeem (39-14)
10. Frank Mir (17-9)
Maybe not next month, but soon, we could see a new name on this list. Well, not a new name, exactly. Fedor Emelianenko, who some regard as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, or at least the best heavyweight ever, is said to be negotiating with the UFC and Bellator to return to the sport after a three-year retirement.
Light heavyweight
1. Daniel Cormier (16-1)
2. Anthony Johnson (19-5)
3. Alexander Gustafsson (16-3)
4. Ryan Bader (19-4)
5. Phil Davis (13-3, 1 NC)
6. Glover Teixeira (22-4)
7. Ovince Saint Preux (18-6)
8. Liam McGeary (10-0)
9. JimiManuwa (14-1)
10. Emanuel Newton (25-8-1)
Gustafsson has lost two of his last three fights, most recently via knockout at the hands of Johnson, but the UFC has chosen him to be the first challenger for Cormier. Their dance will headline UFC 192 in Houston on Oct. 3.
Middleweight
1. Chris Weidman (13-0)
2. Luke Rockhold (14-2)
3. Ronaldo Souza (22-3, 1 NC)
4. Yoel Romero (10-1)
5. VitorBelfort (24-11)
6. LyotoMachida (22-7)
7. Tim Kennedy (18-5)
8. Michael Bisping (26-7)
9. GegardMousasi (37-5-2)
10. Thales Leites (25-5)
Bisping continues to linger on the outskirts of contention, his decision win over Leites securing his spot on this list, but far below the champ and his top suitors.
Welterweight
1. Robbie Lawler (26-10, 1 NC)
2. Johny Hendricks (17-3)
3. Rory MacDonald (18-3)
4. TyronWoodley (15-3)
5. Matt Brown (20-13)
6. Ben Askren (14-0)
7. Carlos Condit (30-8)
8. Demian Maia (21-6)
9. Kelvin Gastelum (10-1)
10. Stephen Thompson (11-1)
And the next challenger for Lawler’s belt is … Condit? “The Natural Born Killer” is coming off a win, but has dropped three of his last five, including losses to Woodley and Hendricks. Hmm. The title fight is Nov. 15 in Melbourne.
Lightweight
1. Rafael dos Anjos (24-7)
2. Anthony Pettis (18-3)
3. Donald Cerrone (28-6, 1 NC)
4. Benson Henderson (21-5)
5. Eddie Alvarez (26-4)
6. Myles Jury (15-1)
7. Will Brooks (16-1)
8. Tony Ferguson (18-3)
9. Michael Johnson (16-8)
10. EdsonBarboza (15-3)
Johnson fell a notch following this past weekend’s puzzling split-decision loss to Beneil Dariush, who is 12-1 and on the verge of staking a place on this list.
Featherweight
1. José Aldo (25-1)
2. Frankie Edgar (19-4-1)
3. Conor McGregor (18-2)
4. Chad Mendes (17-3)
5. Ricardo Lamas (15-4)
6. PatricioFreire (22-2)
7. Max Holloway (13-3)
8. Cub Swanson (21-7)
9. Charles Oliveira (20-4, 1 NC)
10. Jeremy Stephens (24-11)
Nice contenders-on-the-verge eliminator bout coming up on Aug. 23, when Holloway and Oliveira clash in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. And, oh yeah, Aldo vs. McGregor should be rescheduled anytime now.
Bantamweight
1. T.J. Dillashaw (12-2)
2. Dominick Cruz (20-1)
3. RenanBarão (33-3, 1 NC)
4. Urijah Faber (31-8)
5. Raphael Assunção (23-4)
6. BibianioFernandes (16-3)
7. Marcos Galvão (17-6-1)
8. Aljamain Sterling (11-0)
9. Joe Warren (12-4)
10. Eduardo Dantas (16-4)
Dillashaw’s second win over Barão was as much of a whooping as the first, and it boosts the champ to the top of this list, above injured ex-champ Cruz. Can’t wait for those two to dance.
Flyweight
1. Demetrious Johnson (22-2-1)
2. Joseph Benavidez (22-4)
3. John Dodson (17-6)
4. Ian McCall (13-5-1)
5. Henry Cejudo (9-0)
6. Jussierda Silva (18-3)
7. John Lineker (25-7)
8. Zach Makovsky (19-6)
9. John Moraga (16-4)
10. KyojiHoriguchi (15-2)
Last time Johnson and Dodson tangled, it was the champ’s toughest defense. The rematch is Sept. 5 in Las Vegas, in the marquee bout of UFC 191.
Women’s bantamweight
1. Ronda Rousey (12-0)
2. Cat Zingano (9-1)
3. Miesha Tate (17-5)
4. Alexis Davis (17-6)
5. Jessica Eye (11-3, 1 NC)
6. Sarah Kaufman (16-3, 1 NC)
7. Amanda Nunes (11-4)
8. Liz Carmouche (10-5)
9. Holly Holm (9-0)
10. Sara McMann (8-3)
The pecking order: Rousey, a huge gap, then everyone else on the list. But the others are jockeying for the opportunity to challenge the champ. Next up is Tate III. Holm is rising, McMann falling.
Women’s strawweight
1. Joanna Jedrzejczyk (10-0)
2. Claudia Gadelha (13-1)
3. Carla Esparza (10-3)
4. Jessica Aguilar (19-5)
5. Rose Namajunas (2-2)
6. MarynaMoroz (6-0)
7. Joanne Calderwood (9-1)
8. KarolinaKowalkiewicz (7-0)
9. Jessica Penne (12-3)
10. Tecia Torres (6-0)
Gadelha hasn’t yet been named Jedrzejczyk’s next challenger, but she earned a rematch of their December 2014 split decision with a thumping of Aguilar.
Pound-for-pound
1. Ronda Rousey
2. José Aldo
3. Chris Weidman
4. Demetrious Johnson
5. Robbie Lawler
6. FabricioWerdum
7. T.J. Dillashaw
8. Cain Velasquez
9. Frankie Edgar
10. Daniel Cormier
Dillashaw wasn’t on this list last month, but his second beatdown and finish of Renan Barão earned him a spot. Emphatically.
Paradoxically, Jeff Wagenheim considers himself a pacifist (except when driving in traffic) but nonetheless writes about mixed martial arts, the world's most combative sport (other than driving in traffic). As a veteran of three decades in magazines and newspapers, he's a bit grayer than most who attend UFC fights, even along press row. (A fan watching an MMA media panel show recently referred to him as "that crazy hippie uncle," to which Jeff responds, "Groovy, man!") Wagenheim also has tackled pro football for SI.com, and writes about sports and the arts for The Boston Globe. When he's not on the road chasing the UFC, Jeff spends Sunday afternoons spinning Sleepy LaBeef and Boozoo Chavis records for a popular (but not pop) radio show in western Massachusetts.