B/R MMA Rankings for January: Top 10 Featherweights in MMA

There are many reasons for the rapid growth of the Ultimate Fighting Championship over the past several years as they've become one of the world's leading organizations.

A major reason for this success is the excitement and competition the UFC provides to fans and viewers across the globe.

The UFC is now broken up into eight different weight divisions with the newly addition of flyweights. While each weight division is significant in its own, few can match the depth and potential of the featherweight division.

The 145-pound division is quickly becoming one of the most popular as it is home to some of the world's greatest fighters.

So, the following slides display B/R's top 10 featherweights for the month of January.

These rankings are the combined effort of some of Bleacher Report MMA's best writers, as we continue to try to provide you with the best content on the web.

10. Mark Hominick

Previous Ranking: 5

Promotion: UFC

MMA Record: 20-10

Most Recent Fight: Lost to Chan Sung Jung at UFC 140

Next Scheduled Fight: N/A

After being ranked fifth in the December rankings, Mark Hominick endured a significant drop after his most recent defeat against Chan Sung Jung at UFC 140.

In a matter of seven seconds, Hominick found himself a victim of one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history.

Hominick has now lost two consecutive bouts and is quickly dropping down the featherweight rankings.

However, Hominick's boxing skills allow him to remain a force amongst the UFC's 145-pounders.

9. Diego Nunes

Previous Ranking: 8

Promotion: UFC

MMA Record: 17-2

Most Recent Fight: Defeated Manvel Gamburyan at UFC 141

Next Scheduled Fight: N/A

While Diego Nunes was declared victorious in his recent outing over Manvel Gamburyan, his win wasn't the slightest bit impressive.

In fact, many felt Gamburyan was given the raw end of the deal as he controlled the majority of the fight.

However, Nunes was able to escape with the victory where he displayed vicious leg kicks that ultimately allowed him to win his first fight in nearly a full year.

8. Chan Sung Jung

Previous Ranking: NR

Promotion: UFC

MMA Record: 12-3

Most Recent Fight: Defeated Mark Hominick at UFC 140

Next Scheduled Fight: N/A

Chan Sung Jung entered UFC 140 not even ranked in the top 10 of the featherweight division.

However, that all changed in a matter of seven seconds as he entered in on Mark Hominick and connected on a blow that would knock his opponent senseless.

Sung Jung is currently on the best stretch of his MMA career as he's finally proving he can be successful at the highest level of the sport.

7. Pat Curran

Previous Ranking: 9

Promotion: Bellator

MMA Record: 16-4

Most Recent Fight: Defeated Marlon Sandro at Bellator 48

Next Scheduled Fight: N/A

With the recent shake up in the featherweight rankings, Pat Curran found himself moving up two spots to the seventh position.

Curran is red-hot as of late, winning three consecutive bouts en route to winning the 2011 Bellator Featherweight Tournament.

Many mistake Curran for a sub-par fighter, but in reality, he's one of the more well-rounded fighters in Bellator and has out-conditioned nearly every past opponent.

6. Erik Koch

Previous Ranking: 7

Promotion: UFC

MMA Record: 13-1

Most Recent Fight: Defeated Jonathan Brookins at UFC Fight Night: Shields vs. Ellenberger

Next Scheduled Fight: Dustin Poirier at UFC 143

Erik Koch continues to shine as one of the UFC's most promising prospects in the featherweight division.

While Koch began his career as a dangerous submission artist, his knockout power is coming into play in his most recent bouts, earning two 'Knockout of the Night' awards.

Koch will face his toughest opponent to date when he meets another rising star in Dustin Poirier in a showdown that will push one man closer to a potential title shot.

5. Dustin Poirier

Previous Ranking: 6

Promotion: UFC

MMA Record: 11-1

Most Recent Fight: Defeated Pablo Garza at UFC on FOX I

Next Scheduled Fight: Erik Koch at UFC 143

Dustin Poirier is quickly becoming known as a legitimate contender in the 155-pound weight division, as he's posted a perfect 3-0 record inside the Octagon.

Poirier has become a serious threat due to his well-rounded skill set, as he has the potential to both submit and knock out his opponents at any given time.

At just 22 years of age, Poirier has all the ingredients to wear UFC gold in his promising future.

4. Kenny Florian

Previous Ranking: 4

Promotion: UFC

MMA Record: 14-6

Most Recent Fight: Lost to Jose Aldo at UFC 136

Next Scheduled Fight: N/A

Kenny Florian hasn't missed a beat in this month's rankings, as he's been sidelined for several injuries and medical concerns he endured throughout his weight drop to the featherweight division.

While Florian is set return to the lightweight division, he'll remain considered a 145-pounder until he takes the Octagon at 155 pounds.

Florian is one of the most established fighters in MMA today and certainly has all the skills to make one last run towards a UFC championship.

3. Hatsu Hioki

Previous Ranking: 3

Promotion: UFC

MMA Record: 25-4-2

Most Recent Fight: Defeated George Roop at UFC 137

Next Scheduled Fight: Bart Palaszewski at UFC 144

Despite not having lost a fight since November 2009, Hatsu Hioki is questioned by many for how much of a contender he truly is.

Hioki's split decision and narrow victory over George Roop at UFC 137 didn't help his cause as the Japan product lacked explosiveness and variety.

However, until Hioki is knocked off, he'll remain a serious title contender in the 145-pound rankings.

2. Chad Mendes

Previous Ranking: 2

Promotion: UFC

MMA Record: 11-0

Most Recent Fight: Defeated Rani Yahya at UFC 133

Next Scheduled Fight: Jose Aldo at UFC 142

Chad Mendes will be 25 minutes away from the No. 1 spot and a UFC championship when he takes on the current featherweight champion Jose Aldo at UFC 142.

Mendes is undoubtedly the best wrestler amongst his fellow 145-pounders and is nearly unstoppable in his takedowns.

"Money Mendes" is quickly improving his stand-up allowing him to become a more complete fighter and is the perfect fit for UFC gold in his near future.

1. Jose Aldo

Previous Ranking: 1

Promotion: UFC

MMA Record: 20-1

Most Recent Fight: Defeated Kenny Florian at UFC 136

Next Scheduled Fight: Chad Mendes at UFC 142

As expected, Jose Aldo remains atop the featherweight rankings, as he is in fact the UFC undisputed 145-pound champion.

Aldo hasn't lost for as long as most can remember, as he has posted a perfect 2-0 record since joining forces with the UFC.

Aldo is home to nearly every skill and is a mastermind in the stand-up. Along with his vicious knees, clinch, and ground game, Aldo is the consensus No. 1 featherweight in the world. 

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