MMA Pound-for-Pound Rankings

UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz continued his winning ways in the main event of UFC 132 in an epic back-and-forth battle against nemesis Urijah Faber.

It was a great way to showcase one of the most exciting divisions in the sport, and casual fans were introduced to a new star. Having beaten the best in the 135-pound division, Cruz is positioned to make a solid run as UFC champion.

What's next?

The most popular choice would be an immediate rematch with Faber. Even though the vast majority agree that Cruz won the fight, the UFC could still play on the closeness of the bout to initiate the rubber match.

If the bout comes to fruition, fans can expect both fighters to either be featured on UFC Primetime or as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter.

There are a plethora of other contenders deserving of a shot at Cruz's strap outside of Faber. Demetrious Johnson, Brian Bowles, and Scott Jorgensen are the first that come to mind. With Cruz already owning a win over Bowles and Jorgensen, Johnson should get the nod if the UFC passes on the Faber bout.

With the win over Faber, Cruz moves up the pound-for-pound rankings.

Where did your favorite fighters end up in this edition? Take a peek inside and find out.

10) Gray Maynard

Lightweight contender Gray Maynard met a tougher than expected Frankie Edgar at UFC 125.

After an incredible first round, Maynard suddenly found himself in a dog fight with the tenacious champion. In the end, the bout was ruled a draw.

Injuries to both fighters killed the plans of the immediate rematch, which was set for UFC 130. When Maynard and Edgar are healthy, the UFC hopes to move on with the rubber match.

9) Jake Shields

Jake Shields' 15-fight win streak came to a decisive end at UFC 129 against Georges St-Pierre.

Despite the loss, Shields should take solace in the fact that few people gave him a chance to win, and he still managed to give St-Pierre one his toughest bouts to date.

The Cesar Gracie student returns on Sept. 17 at UFC Fight Night against rising welterweight contender Jake Ellenberger.

8) Cain Velasquez

Cain Velasquez's destruction of former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 was an eye-opening experience for doubters.

Size isn't everything. Velasquez's incredible conditioning, improved striking and dominant wrestling makes him a nightmare opponent for any man.

After being sidelined with a torn rotator cuff, he is finally set to make his return at UFC 138 against top contender Junior Dos Santos.

7) Dominick Cruz

If fans didn't know Dominick Cruz before UFC 132, they certainly know him now.

His bout with Urijah Faber was stuff of legend. Faber fought valiantly, but Cruz was able to move around effectively and outland the former WEC featherweight champion on the feet.

In one night, Cruz avenged the only loss on his professional record and defended his newly-acquired UFC title for the first time.

Could the rubber match between Cruz and Faber already be in the works?

6) Jon Fitch

Jon Fitch may not be the most exciting fighter in the world, according to some fans, but no one can deny his incredible work effort and accomplishments in the sport.

Since entering the UFC, Fitch has compiled a record of 13-1, with the one loss coming to welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. He recently drew in a back-and-forth bout with former champion B.J. Penn.

The rematch was scheduled for UFC 132, but Fitch was forced to withdraw due to a serious shoulder injury.

5) Frankie Edgar

Even though the bout ended in a draw, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard became stars at UFC 125.

After getting dropped several times in the opening round, Edgar showed an unbelievable amount of heart in battling back and going the distance with Maynard.

The immediate rematch was set for UFC 130, but injuries to both fighters have delayed the anticipated rubber match.

4) Jon Jones

Jon Jones' mind-blowing performance against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua impressed even pound-for-pound great Anderson Silva.

According to Silva, Jones is 'amazing' and the 'best in his category.' He expects Jones to be 'champion for a long time.'

Based on Jones' UFC 128 performance, it's hard to disagree with Silva.

Jones' first light heavyweight title defense will come against former champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135.

3) Jose Aldo

Jose Aldo didn't put on his best performance at UFC 129 against Mark Hominick, but he did show the ability to deal with adversity against an upper-echelon opponent.

After tiring early, Aldo huffed and puffed his way to victory with surprising takedowns and great head movement.

A superfight with former lightweight contender Kenny Florian is rumored for this fall.

2) Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva's vicious front kick to Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 was like something out of a movie.

Many expected a war between the two Brazilians, but Silva barely broke a sweat in the supposed superfight.

Fans were hoping for a dream bout between Silva and Georges St-Pierre, but the Brazilian will defend his middleweight title in his home country on Aug. 27 against former foe Yushin Okami.

1) Georges St-Pierre

When forced to choose, it's pretty much impossible to pick a clear-cut No. 1 candidate between Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva.

Both fighters are deserving of the top spot. It's like choosing between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in the NFL.

At UFC 129, St-Pierre may have finally lost a round, but he coasted to another workmanlike decision over former Strikeforce middleweight champion and fellow pound-for-pound standout Jake Shields.

Some criticize St-Pierre for not finishing opponents, but it all comes down what a person considers as more dominant––Netting a quick and nasty finish, or masterfully picking a world-class opponent apart for 25 minutes?