UFC Heavyweight Division:Who's Closest To Contention with Brock Lesnar?

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Before UFC 99 Kongo was on my list as number five but a decimation on the part of a lower ranked Velasquez sets him back two spots. I won't be surprised if he faces Gonzaga, Hague, or the Dos Santos/McCully winner next.

He's ranked higher than Dos Santos because he's beaten Hardonk, who is ranked higher than Struve, it's that simple. He's also beaten ranked names, which is something Gonzaga can't say, which is why he tops him. He's also saved by time, so his loss to Carmelo Marrero means virtually nothing.

#6 Heath Herring

I'm sad to put Herring here because I hate the guy. But he's beaten Kongo and a loss to the champ means nothing. Jake O' Brien has a win over him but the win over Kongo is too overpowering to tilt him any lower. I hope he loses and gets cut, but until then he's No. 6.

#5 Shane Carwin

The man beat Gonzaga and has been on TV twice with exciting knockouts. His popularity is building. He's got it all.

#4 Cain Velasquez

He was number eight, but a win over Kongo makes him fly up the list. He's higher than Carwin because Kongo is higher than Gonzaga. It sucks but that's how it is.

In all reality Carwin would kill this kid, but he's on a better path then Carwin and that puts him a step up.

#3 Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

This was a hard pick. It was a toss-up for who gets the number three or two spot with him against Couture. Couture's lone loss in the division is to the champ which is better than the brazilian's loss to Mir.

While Couture's highest win is over Gonzaga, which is not as good as Nogueira's win over Herring. In the end Nogueira is lower because he is not as popular, but at UFC 102 this problem will be resolved.

#2 Randy Couture

This guy has beaten Gonzaga and only loss to the champ. A win at 102 will give him the number one spot most likely. For sure if Lesnar is still the champ by then.

#1 Frank Mir

And finally the man most deserving to face Brock Lesnar for the title is in fact the man slated to face Brock Lesnar for the title. Mir's two helpers were a win over No. 3 Nogueira, and a win over the Champ.

There you have it. Comment any question or disagreements. I love stating my point so i'll be happy to argue anything on these rankings.

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