Ranking the Current UFC and Strikeforce Champs

There's a lot more that goes into the sport of mixed martial arts than the average fan may think.

In fact, a single performance can define a martial artist's career despite spending years after years training in the sport.

Over the years we've come to realize that the sport isn't merely about fame and fortune but dedication, desire, and the will to succeed.

These characteristics have transformed many martial artists into dominant champions at the highest stage of the sport.

In total, there are 11 champions in the UFC and Strikeforce organizations.

So, the following slides display a power ranking of every UFC and Strikeforce champion.

11. Miesha Tate

Miesha Tate was recently declared the Strikeforce bantamweight champion in a tournament win over Marloes Coenen.

Despite being a very young champion, Tate is quickly evolving as one of the more well-rounded fighters in women's MMA today.

More times than not Tate finds herself heading to the judge's scorecards but does have the tools for a knockout or submission finish.

10. Luke Rockhold

Luke Rockhold will get another opportunity to prove he's no slouch in the Strikeforce middleweight division when he takes on Keith Jardine this weekend.

Rockhold has posted a perfect 7-0 record since joining Strikeforce but has yet to successfully defend his title.

It's been Rockhold's submission skills that have allowed him to become the new sheriff in town in the 185-pound weight division.

9. Cristiane Santos

There's no denying that Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos is the No. 1 pound-for-pound women's fighter in the world.

After losing the first fight of her career, Santos has gone on an absolute tear, winning 11 consecutive fights en route to becoming the Strikeforce featherweight champion.

It's been Santos' knockout power that has transformed her into a legitimate threat as she's recorded nine wins by way of knockout.

8. Junior Dos Santos

Junior Dos Santos could very well be the next best thing in the heavyweight division.

However, despite how much potential Dos Santos has, he's yet to fully prove himself as he was just recently declared the new UFC heavyweight champion in his knockout victory over Cain Velasquez at UFC on FOX I.

Dos Santos certainly has the stand-up skills worthy of a reigning champion, but he'll need to prove he's capable of holding down the throne when he meets Alistair Overeem in 2012.

7. Gilbert Melendez

Gilbert Melendez is believed by many to be Strikeforce's best pound-for-pound fighter, and one of the best lightweights in the world.

Even without the UFC credentials, Melendez is arguably a top three 155-pound fighter in MMA today.

Melendez is currently on the best stretch of his career and continues to overwhelm his opponents with his stand-up, wrestling, and world-class conditioning.

6. Dominick Cruz

Dominick Cruz is fairly new to the UFC as he recently made the transition from the WEC along with Jose Aldo, Urijah Faber, and others.

It's quite possible that Cruz is the best 135-pound boxer in the world as his stand-up is second to none.

While Cruz doesn't necessarily finish his fights, his speed, quickness, and takedown skills have allowed him to become one of the best champions on the face of the earth.

5. Jose Aldo

Jose Aldo is the current UFC featherweight champion and has fallen to the jaws of defeat just one time over the course of his career.

Aldo's proven time and time again that he can exchange strikes with the best of them while maintaining a solid ground game and clinch.

On top of his extremely talented skill set, Aldo is arguably the most explosive fighter in the UFC today.

4. Frankie Edgar

Frankie Edgar isn't the most well-rounded fighter nor even the strongest.

But, Edgar has undoubtedly established himself as the toughest fighter in the UFC today as he often wears his heart on his sleeve.

Much like fellow champion Dominick Cruz, Edgar uses his speed and quickness to gain points on the judge's scorecards.

Edgar's improvement on takedowns and striking have allowed him to become the UFC lightweight champion.

3. Jon Jones

At just 24 years of age, Jon "Bones" Jones is believed by many to be the poster child of the UFC.

Jones has been exposed just one time in his UFC career and still managed to overcome adversity for a second round submission victory over Lyoto Machida at UFC 140.

However, it's Jones' record breaking lengthiness and reach that have allowed him to become the youngest champion in UFC history.

Jones' game is nearly flawless.

2. Georges St-Pierre

Injured or not, it's arguable that Georges St-Pierre is the pound-for-pound greatest fighter of all time.

While St-Pierre isn't exactly the definition of "flashy," he has earned a reputation as the most well conditioned fighter in MMA today.

St-Pierre uses his conditioning, takedowns, world class wrestling, and striking skills to outlast nearly every opponent that's come his way.

1. Anderson Silva

As if it were even a question.

Anderson Silva is not only arguably the greatest champion in the UFC today, but quite possibly in MMA history.

And it's possible that there will never be another fighter like Silva as he's written the record book with nine consecutive title defenses.

Silva is one of the most well-rounded fighters today and continues to dominate every man that stands in the Octagon with him.

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