UFC 143 Results: Ranking the Top 10 Bantamweights in the UFC

Renan Barao has officially proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division.

On Saturday night, he handed Scott Jorgensen a loss by unanimous decision, and with that win, he jumped from prospect to contender, and put himself in line for a shot at the title.

He'll likely fight again before a shot at the title, but he is right there in line for it.

Let's take a look at where he, along with Jorgensen, sit after their fights on Saturday.

No. 10: Ivan Menjivar

Ivan Menjivar is a promising prospect in the bantamweight division. With a 23-8 overall record, and 2-1 in the bantamweight division, he could make some noise in 2012.

His only loss in the division came at the hands of Brad Pickett, and he has since won two in a row.

Menjivar is an finisher, as he has finished 17 of his 23 opponents that he defeated, eight TKOs and nine submissions.

He's well rounded and dangerous; watch out.

No. 9: Brad Pickett

Up next is "One-Punch" Brad Pickett.

Pickett is 3-2 in his ZUFFA career, having only lost to Renan Barao by submission and Scott Jorgensen by unanimous decision.

The submission loss to Barao came in his most recent fight, where he was rocked on the feet, and then caught in a rear naked choke.

He will fight Damacio Page at UFC on Fuel 2.

No. 8: Eddie Wineland

Eddie Wineland is a former WEC bantamweight champion, but has proved unable to compete with the top bantamweights these days.

In his final WEC fight, Wineland won KO of the night with a slam victory over Ken Stone.

Since then, in two UFC fights, Wineland has dropped unanimous decisions to Urijah Faber and Joseph Benavidez.

That's some tough competition, but two losses are still two losses—unless your name is Dan Hardy.

No. 7: Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald is 14-1 in his career and is 4-0 in the UFC and WEC combined.

On Saturday night, he earned Knockout of the Night honors for his 56-second victory over Alex Soto.

McDonald looked as good as we've ever seen, and between he and Renan Barao, there is a new generation of bantamweights gunning for that belt.

He will next fight the former WEC bantamweight champ, Miguel Torres.

No. 6: Miguel Torres

Miguel Torres is the former bantamweight champion, but he is another fighter who has proven to be unable to keep up with this generation of top bantamweights.

At his peak, Torres had a record of 36-1, but over his past five fights, that has dropped to 39-4, as he has suffered losses to Brian Bowles, Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson.

Torres will  face Michael McDonald for his next fight.

No. 5: Scott Jorgensen

Scott Jorgensen is a top bantamweight, but may not ever have what it takes to become the champion. On Saturday night, he was defeated by unanimous decision by Renan Barao, and dropped back down in the rankings.

Jorgensen fought for the title once before, as he faced the current champ, Dominick Cruz at WEC 53 and lost every round on the scorecards. He isn't likely to get back to the title anytime soon though.

In his ZUFFA career, Jorgensen is 9-4, including a win over Jeff Curran at UFC 137, so he's definitely a top fighter, just not quite at the top of his game yet.

No. 4: Brian Bowles

Brian Bowles is the former WEC bantamweight champion, and is another fighter who has already been defeated by Dominick Cruz.

Bowles was outclassed in the two rounds against Cruz before a doctor's stoppage due to a broken hand suffered by Bowles.

At UFC 139, he faced Urijah Faber in a No. 1 contender's match and he tasted true defeat for the first time in his career, as he was submitted in the second round.

Bowles will now have to start his climb back up the bantamweight ladder.

No. 3: Renan Barao

Renan Barao has now proven that he is one of the best bantamweights in the world, as he defeated former title challenger, Scott Jorgensen, by unanimous decision on Saturday night.

Barao was being heralded by many as a future title challenger, and with his win over Jorgensen, he proved everyone right.

Due to timing difficulties, Barao will likely not get a title shot before taking another fight. Perhaps the winner of the Miguel Torres vs. Michael McDonald fight would make sense.

No. 2: Urijah Faber

Urijah Faber has now staked his claim as the No. 2 bantamweight in the world.

At UFC 139, he proved that he is one of the best bantamweights in the world, as he defeated former champion, Brian Bowles, via second round submission.

Faber will now get a second shot at the UFC bantamweight title, and a third shot at Dominick Cruz.

For now, he's going to coach on season 15 of The Ultimate Fighter.

No. 1: Dominick Cruz

Duh.

Cruz is the current champion, and he is well on his way to cleaning out the bantamweight division.

Cruz has defeated Brian Bowles, Urijah Faber, Scott Jorgensen, and two top contenders in the flyweight division.

A new contender has emerged from the pack in Renan Barao, and he may be the only challenge left for Cruz after his next fight.

For now, Cruz will face off against Urijah Faber on season 15 of The Ultimate Fighter, and they will fight for the title at the conclusion of the season.

Tim McTiernan is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. For the latest news on everything MMA, follow me on twitter @TimMcTiernan.