UFC on Fox 3 Fight Card: UFC Middleweight Rankings Before Palhares vs. Belcher

In less than two weeks, the UFC will return to Fox for one of its four major network-televised events of 2012. Though it is headlined by lightweight contenders Nate Diaz and Jim Miller, rising middleweights Rousimar Palhares and Alan Belcher will try to steal the show with a fight that is very important in determining the ordering of title hopefuls in the 185-pound division.

While there are others probably more deserving of a title shot right now, a spectacular win at UFC on Fox 3 could move Palhares or Belcher to the front of the line for a matchup against the winner of an upcoming middleweight title fight between champion Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen.

Before Palhares and Belcher shake up the division with their fight in early May, let's take a look at how the UFC's 185-pound fighters stack up from top to bottom.

The following rankings are computed based primarily on results against similar competition and do not include fighters who have not yet competed inside the Octagon, announced their retirement, been suspended, gone more than one year without competing or scheduled a fight in a new division.

Non-Ranked Middleweights

Hector Lombard

The UFC has signed Bellator's middleweight champion in a huge deal that will finally allow Lombard to test himself against the world's best 185-pound fighters. The 34-year-old Lombard has gone undefeated since November 2006, but his competition has been lacking due to a somewhat weak Bellator middleweight roster.

Rich Franklin

After failing to win back-to-back fights since September 2008, Franklin has decided to return to the middleweight division to potentially end his MMA career. The 37-year-old was once the division's champion, but the middleweight landscape has changed drastically since he last competed at 185 pounds.

Chris Leben

Following his deflating loss to Mark Munoz, it was discovered that Leben had tested positive for pain killers. The failed drug screening resulted in a one-year suspension, meaning the 31-year-old will be unable to compete until at least November 2012.

Karlos Vemola

In July 2010, Vemola made his UFC debut as a heavyweight. Now, less than two years later, Vemola is preparing for his 185-pound debut against Mike Massenzio. Considered a large light heavyweight, it will be interesting to see how Vemola handles losing 20 additional pounds.

Nick Catone

Injuries have slowed Catone's progression over the past few years, as the 30-year-old has been out of action since his March 2011 win over Costa Philippou. Having fought to a narrow decision with Mark Munoz, Catone has the potential to become a contender if he can remain healthy.

Caio Magalhaes

A winner of his first five professional fights, Magalhaes was recently signed by the UFC to fight Buddy Roberts, who will also be making his Octagon debut. The 24-year-old trains at Nova Uniao, home of many other Brazilian prospects.  

Buddy Roberts

A solid 11-2 start to his MMA career has given Roberts a chance to prove himself inside the Octagon against Magalhaes at UFC on FX 3. Roberts was previously expected to make his UFC debut against Sean Loeffler, but an injury suffered by Loeffler during pre-fight warm-ups led to the cancellation of the bout.

Sean Loeffler

Wins in 12 of his past 13 fights earned Loeffler a spot in the UFC, where he was expected to debut against Roberts at UFC on Fuel TV 1. However, moments before walking out to the Octagon, Loeffler injured his ankle and was unable to compete.

39. Michael Kuiper

MMA Record: 11-1

Last Fight: Lost against Rafael Natal at UFC 143

Next Fight: TBD

Undefeated in his first 11 fights, Michael Kuiper suffered his first defeat in his UFC debut against Natal. Despite the loss, the 22-year-old Dutch fighter has potential and should work his way up from the bottom of this list in the near future.

38. Steve Cantwell

MMA Record: 7-6

Last Fight: Lost against Riki Fukuda at UFC 144

Next Fight: TBD

After winning seven of his first eight fights and becoming WEC light heavyweight champion, Steve Cantwell has lost five straight. Surprisingly, the UFC has not decided to release Cantwell, who is still only 25 years old and could probably use a fight or two outside of the UFC to refocus and make improvements. 

37. Rafael Natal

MMA Record: 14-3-1

Last Fight: Won against Michael Kuiper at UFC 143

Next Fight: TBD

After going winless in his first two Octagon appearances, Rafael Natal has rebounded with back-to-back wins over Kuiper and Paul Bradley. The Brazilian still has a long way to climb before he is in middleweight title contention, but Natal has at least solidified a spot on the UFC roster with his recent outings.

36. Tom Lawlor

MMA Record: 7-4, 1 NC

Last Fight: Lost against Chris Weidman at UFC 139

Next Fight: vs. Jason MacDonald at UFC on Fuel TV 3

A loser of three out of his past four fights, Tom Lawlor needs to turn things around against Jason MacDonald or his spot in the UFC may be in jeopardy. Lawlor's most recent victory was over MacDonald's fellow Canadian Patrick Cote in October 2010.

35. C.B. Dollaway

MMA Record: 11-4

Last Fight: Lost against Jared Hamman at UFC on Versus 5

Next Fight: vs. Jason Miller at UFC 146

Having lost his past two fights, C.B. Dollaway's UFC career will be in serious trouble when he steps into the Octagon for his next fight against a tough opponent in "Mayhem" Miller. Should Dollaway lose against Miller in May, the former The Ultimate Fighter participant would have an equal number of wins and losses during his UFC career.

34. Magnus Cedenblad

MMA Record: 10-4

Last Fight: Lost against Francis Carmont at UFC on Fuel TV 2

Next Fight: TBD

After winning seven straight fights, Magnus Cedenblad was given the opportunity to make his UFC debut in his home country of Sweden at UFC on Fuel TV 2. However, Cedenblad was defeated by an equally-promising opponent in Carmont.

33. Dongi Yang

MMA Record: 10-2

Last Fight: Lost against Court McGee at UFC Fight Night 25

Next Fight: vs. Brad Tavares at UFC on Fuel TV 3

Undefeated in his nine fights prior to signing with the UFC, Dongi Yang has already lost twice in three Octagon appearances. However, Yang has been competitive in both of his losses against McGee and Chris Camozzi, so a win over Tavares would go a long way toward erasing those losses from the memory of the UFC brass.

32. Chris Camozzi

MMA Record: 16-5

Last Fight: Won against Dustin Jacoby at UFC on Fox 2

Next Fight: vs. Nick Catone at UFC on FX 4

After a brief release from the UFC, Chris Camozzi returned to the promotion with a loss to Francis Carmont. Not wanting to return to the regional promotions, though, Camozzi bounced back with a victory against Jacoby in January and will look to remain with the world's premier MMA organization for an extended period by picking up a second straight win over Catone.

31. Brad Tavares

MMA Record: 7-1

Last Fight: Lost against Aaron Simpson at UFC 132

Next Fight: vs. Dongi Yang at UFC on Fuel 3

Brad Tavares' UFC career started off strong with wins over Seth Baczynski and Phil Baroni. However, a step up in competition against Aaron Simpson led to the first official loss of Tavares' career.

Injuries have held Tavares out of competition for almost one year, but he is set to return against Yang in May.

30. Jason MacDonald

MMA Record: 25-15

Last Fight: Lost against Alan Belcher at UFC Fight Night 25

Next Fight: TBD

After a loss to Belcher in September, the 36-year-old Jason MacDonald has acknowledged that his MMA career is nearing an end. With a series of Canadian events coming in the near future, MacDonald will likely retire after fighting in his home country one last time.

29. Mike Massenzio

MMA Record: 13-6

Last Fight: Lost against Rousimar Palhares at UFC 142

Next Fight: vs. Karlos Vemola at UFC on Fox 3

The last time Mike Massenzio lost back-to-back fights, he was released from the UFC in August 2010. In May, Massenzio will attempt to avoid repeating that history by picking up a win against Vemola, who will be making his middleweight debut.

28. Alessio Sakara

MMA Record: 15-9, 1 NC

Last Fight: Lost against Brian Stann at UFC on Fuel TV 2

Next Fight: TBD

Against tough competition in Stann and Chris Weidman, Alessio Sakara has lost two straight fights. However, given recent rumblings that the UFC plans on breaking into the Italian market, Sakara's spot on the UFC roster should be safe for at least one more fight.

27. Riki Fukuda

MMA Record: 18-5

Last Fight: Won against Steve Cantwell at UFC 144

Next Fight: vs. Costa Philippou at UFC 148

After a controversial loss to Nick Ring in his UFC debut, Riki Fukuda picked up his first win inside the Octagon by defeating Cantwell in February. In a surprisingly big step up in competition, Fukuda will have a chance to make a huge move in the rankings by defeating Philippou in July.

26. Nick Ring

MMA Record: 12-1

Last Fight: Lost against Tim Boetsch at UFC 135

Next Fight: vs. Court McGee at UFC 149

In September, Nick Ring finally suffered the first loss of his career at the hands of Boetsch. However, considering Boetsch's recent knockout of Yushin Okami, that loss appears much less damaging than it originally did.

With an impressive win over McGee in his next fight, Ring could still find himself on track for a fight with a middleweight contender before the end of 2012.

25. Jared Hamman

MMA Record: 13-4

Last Fight: Lost against Costa Philippou at UFC 140

Next Fight: TBD

Jared Hamman has one of the more solid chins in the middleweight division, but even he couldn't withstand Philippou's power in December, when he suffered his first loss at middleweight. Hamman was scheduled to return in March, but an injury forced him out of a bout against Kyle Noke.

24. Court McGee

MMA Record: 13-2

Last Fight: Lost against Costa Philippou at UFC on FX 2

Next Fight: vs. Nick Ring at UFC 149

The Ultimate Fighter winner Court McGee began his UFC career with three straight wins before suffering his first loss inside the Octagon against Philippou in March. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old McGee appears to have a bright future and will have a chance to get back on track against Ring in July.

23. Francis Carmont

MMA Record: 18-7

Last Fight: Won against Magnus Cedenblad at UFC on Fuel 2

Next Fight: TBD

A training partner of welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, Francis Carmont has won seven straight fights and is beginning to look like a potential contender in the middleweight division. After beating Cedenblad in the Swede's home country, Carmont should expect a significant step up in competition for his next fight. 

22. Tim Credeur

MMA Record: 12-4

Last Fight: Lost against Ed Herman at TUF 13 Finale

Next Fight: TBD

Injuries have crippled Tim Credeur's standing in the middleweight division, as he has only competed twice in the past three years. Credeur was expected to return to the Octagon in October, but he was forced out of a bout against Brad Tavares.

Unless Credeur fights within the next month, which is extremely unlikely considering he doesn't have a fight scheduled, he will be temporarily removed from these rankings until he returns.

21. Kyle Noke

MMA Record: 19-6-1

Last Fight: Lost against Andrew Craig at UFC on FX 2

Next Fight: TBD

Since beginning his UFC career with three straight wins, Kyle Noke has lost two fights in a row, though he spent most of his past appearance against Craig battling through an injury. Noke is a tough competitor and will be a good barometer for up-and-coming fighters, but he has some work to do if he wants to become a contender himself.

20. Clifford Starks

MMA Record: 8-1

Last Fight: Lost against Ed Herman at UFC 143

Next Fight: TBD

A winner of his first eight professional fights, Clifford Starks lost for the first time against Herman in February. Starks' wrestling background makes him a dangerous fighter, but the 31-year-old's late start in the sport has given him little time to develop as a fighter.

19. Andrew Craig

MMA Record: 7-0

Last Fight: Won against Kyle Noke at UFC on FX 2

Next Fight: TBD

Though it was a big win in his UFC debut, the significance of Andrew Craig's victory over Noke in March was lessened when it was discovered that his Australian opponent was fighting through an injury in the second and third rounds. Still, Craig remains an undefeated fighter and an intriguing addition to the division.

18. Ed Herman

MMA Record: 20-7

Last Fight: Won against Clifford Starks at UFC 143

Next Fight: TBD

Following absence due to knee injury, Ed Herman has looked like a whole new fighter and picked up three straight victories. A win in his next fight, which could come against a highly-ranked opponent, would give Herman his longest winning streak since July 2005. 

17. Cung Le

MMA Record: 7-2

Last Fight: Lost against Wanderlei Silva at UFC 139

Next Fight: vs. Rich Franklin at UFC 148

With the right focus, Cung Le has all the tools to be an elite middleweight even at 39 years old. In his UFC debut against Silva, Le had the momentum and looked to be on his way to victory. However, the former Strikeforce champion faded and lost after attempting a few too many flashy kicks while looking for a highlight knockout.

Le will now welcome Franklin back to the 185-pound division in a matchup that could put the winner on track for a Cinderella title shot late in their careers.  

16. Jason Miller

MMA Record: 23-8, 1 NC

Last Fight: Lost against Michael Bisping at TUF 14 Finale

Next Fight: vs. C.B. Dollaway at UFC 146

Jason "Mayhem" Miller made his highly-anticipated return to the UFC in December, but things did not go nearly as well as he would have hoped. After appearing as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter, Miller was finished by opposing coach Bisping in the third round.

In all likelihood, Miller will need to defeat Dollaway in May to retain a spot on the UFC roster.

15. Aaron Simpson

MMA Record: 11-3

Last Fight: Lost against Ronny Markes at UFC on Fuel TV 1

Next Fight: TBD

Aaron Simpson has announced that he'll be making the move to welterweight for his next fight, but he will remain listed in these middleweight rankings until his next fight is announced for the 170-pound division. Simpson became a gatekeeper of sorts at 185 pounds, so a move to another division seems like the right move for the 37-year-old fighter.

14. Ronny Markes

MMA Record: 13-1

Last Fight: Won against Aaron Simpson at UFC Fuel TV 1

Next Fight: TBD

The 24-year-old Ronny Markes is considered one of the brightest prospects in the middleweight division, but he wasn't nearly as dominant against Simpson as the pre-fight hype led many to believe he should have been. The Nova Uniao fighter has plenty of time to develop, so a step down in competition might be a good move for him right now.

13. Wanderlei Silva

MMA Record: 34-11-1, 1 NC

Last Fight: Won against Cung Le at UFC 139

Next Fight: vs. Vitor Belfort at UFC 147

Despite losing six of his past nine fights, Wanderlei Silva continues to plug away for one final run at a UFC title fight. After beating Le, Silva was able to shake off retirement speculation for at least one more fight, which will come against Vitor Belfort after the pair of fighters serve as coaches on Brazil's first season of The Ultimate Fighter.

12. Costa Philippou

MMA Record: 10-2, 1 NC

Last Fight: Won against Court McGee at UFC on FX 2

Next Fight: vs. Riki Fukuda at UFC 148

Though he has won three straight fights, Costa Philippou has been given a fight that would seem like a step backward after defeating Jorge Rivera, Jared Hamman and Court McGee. Nonetheless, Philippou will need to show up against Fukuda to continue his rise toward the top of the middleweight division.

11. Alan Belcher

MMA Record: 17-6

Last Fight: Won against Jason MacDonald at UFC Fight Night 25

Next Fight: vs. Rousimar Palhares at UFC on Fox 3

Not long after a career-threatening eye injury, Alan Belcher will have a chance to break into the Top 10 of the middleweight division with a win over Palhares at UFC on Fox 3. Heading into the bout, Belcher has won three straight fights in dominant fashion.

10. Rousimar Palhares

MMA Record: 14-3

Last Fight: Won against Mike Massenzio at UFC 142

Next Fight: vs. Alan Belcher at UFC on Fox 3

Rousimar Palhares' only losses in his past 14 fights have come against top light heavyweight contender Dan Henderson and in a fight against Nate Marquardt in which the Brazilian was knocked out while incorrectly protesting that his opponent had greased his legs to avoid submissions.

If Palhares can defeat Belcher at UFC on Fox 3, he will take a big step toward a middleweight title shot that has eluded him during his career.

9. Chris Weidman

MMA Record: 8-0

Last Fight: Won against Demian Maia at UFC on Fox 2

Next Fight: vs. Mark Munoz at UFC on Fuel TV 4

After beating Maia in his most recent fight, Chris Weidman has thrown himself into the mix for a shot at the 185-pound title. If he can beat Munoz, Weidman could become the leading candidate for a shot at the winner of an upcoming title fight between champion Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen.

8. Brian Stann

MMA Record: 12-4

Last Fight: Won against Alessio Sakara at UFC on Fuel TV 2

Next Fight: TBD

Brian Stann will have to win a few fights to make up for the ground he lost by losing to Chael Sonnen. However, at this point, the UFC will probably be looking for any reason they can to throw Stann into a title fight to promote his story as a war hero.

7. Vitor Belfort

MMA Record: 21-9

Last Fight: Won against Anthony Johnson at UFC 142

Next Fight: vs. Wanderlei Silva at UFC 147

As a coach on Brazil's first season of The Ultimate Fighter, Vitor Belfort is set to meet fellow coach Silva in June. With a win over Silva, Belfort will take one step closer to potentially earning the rematch with Anderson Silva that he has been asking for.

6. Mark Munoz

MMA Record: 12-2

Last Fight: Won against Chris Leben at UFC 138

Next Fight: vs. Chris Weidman at UFC on Fuel TV 4

Mark Munoz was set to compete for a shot at the title against Chael Sonnen at UFC on Fox 2. However, an injury late in training camp forced Munoz out of that bout. Now, a matchup against Weidman could afford Munoz the same opportunity to earn a spot in a championship bout.

5. Yushin Okami

MMA Record: 26-7

Last Fight: Lost against Tim Boetsch at UFC 144

Next Fight: TBD

Yushin Okami looked great in the first two rounds of his fight against Boetsch in his home country of Japan. However, an amazing comeback by Boetsch in the final round left Okami with consecutive losses for the first time in his MMA career.

4. Tim Boetsch

MMA Record: 15-4

Last Fight: Won against Yushin Okami at UFC 144

Next Fight: vs. Michael Bisping at UFC 148

Yes, this is the same Tim Boetsch who was released from the UFC three years ago. After knocking out Okami, that same Boetsch is one of the top contenders in the middleweight division. It may very well turn out that Boetsch's victory over the Japanese fighter was a fluke, but "The Barbarian" has earned his spot in the Top 5 for now.

3. Michael Bisping

MMA Record: 22-4

Last Fight: Lost against Chael Sonnen at UFC on Fox 2

Next Fight: vs. Tim Boetsch at UFC 148

Though he was named the loser in a close decision, Michael Bisping just as easily could have picked up his fifth straight win against Sonnen in January. Despite the loss, Bisping proved he's one of the best middleweights in the world and should only need a win or two to put himself in position for a title shot.

2. Chael Sonnen

MMA Record: 27-11-1

Last Fight: Won against Michael Bisping at UFC on Fox 2

Next Fight: vs. Anderson Silva at UFC 148

With his win over Bisping, Chael Sonnen set up one of the biggest rematches ever against Anderson Silva. Sonnen dominated Silva before getting caught in a triangle choke in the first meeting between the elite middleweight fighters. After that performance nearly two years ago, Sonnen has been considered the most capable fighter of ending Silva's long reign over the division.

1. Anderson Silva

MMA Record: 31-4

Last Fight: Won against Yushin Okami at UFC 134

Next Fight: vs. Chael Sonnen at UFC 148

Eventually, the 37-year-old Anderson Silva is going to slip up and lose the title he has held for more than five years. However, if there was ever a fight that he didn't want to lose it in, it would be his upcoming bout against his biggest rival, Sonnen.