UFC 144 Results: Jake Shields and the Top 10 Welterweights in the UFC

On Saturday, Jake Shields returned to the Octagon to face off against Yoshihiro Akiyama, who was making his debut in the welterweight division.

If Akiyama were to win, he would have jumped into the top-ten welterweights, and could have shown the world that he always belonged at welterweight.

However, Jake Shields was able to outstrike Akiyama and earn the unanimous decision victory, 30-27 on all three judges' scorecards.

Shields reminded everyone that he is still a top fighter. Let's see just how close to the top he is.

No. 10: Rory MacDonald

Rory MacDonald could be the future of MMA.

But for now, he's on the lower end of the top 10 welterweights in the UFC.

MacDonald is 12-1 in MMA and currently on a two-fight win streak with wins over Nate Diaz and Mike Pyle. MacDonald's lone loss was an incredibly close fight against Carlos Condit, which you can be sure he wants to avenge.

He will now fight Che Mills at UFC 145.

No. 9: Martin Kampmann

With Carlos Condit recently winning the interim UFC welterweight title, the win that Kampmann holds over him looks even more impressive.

Kampmann is one of the best welterweights around, but he is more and more becoming the gatekeeper of the division. His fight against Thiago Alves on Friday will be very telling.

Kampmann is 18-5 with 13 finishes and wins over Rick Story, Carlos Condit and Paulo Thiago. Not a bad resume.

No. 8: Diego Sanchez

Diego Sanchez is now 2-2 in his return to the welterweight division, as he lost to Jake Ellenberger at UFC on Fuel 1.

He does have wins over Martin Kampmann and Paulo Thiago, so he is certainly still a top welterweight, he's just going to need to go back to the drawing board.

Sanchez is always good for a war, and has won three straight fight of the nights. Let's keep hoping for more of those.

No. 7: Jon Fitch

It has finally happened. Jon Fitch is not the No. 2 welterweight in the world.

In Fitch's last fight, he was knocked out in just 12 seconds by Johny Hendricks. It was a huge upset and the first time that a Fitch fight has not gone the distance since 2007.

Fitch has long been looking for a title shot. Before, it was not even a question of who the No. 2 welterweight was, but now, finally, he doesn't have the top claim to a title shot.

No. 6: Johny Hendricks

With the win at UFC 141, Johny Hendricks announced to the division that he is a threat to anyone—even Jon Fitch.

Hendricks knocked Fitch out in a mere 12 seconds and put the division on alert.

Next up for Hendricks will be Josh Koscheck at UFC on Fox 3.

No. 5: Jake Shields

Going into Saturday night, Jake Shields had lost two fights in a row, and his back was up against the proverbial wall.

Shields delivered when he needed to, as he earned a 30-27 unanimous decision on all judges' scorecards to defeat Yoshihiro Akiyama.

Shields is going to be looking to get a crack at the interim title, and with another win, he may be able to stake a claim to a shot at a belt once again.

No. 4: Jake Ellenberger

At the UFC's inaugural event on Fuel TV, Jake Ellenberger and Diego Sanchez went to war, and had a great fight for three rounds.

Ellenberger pulled out the unanimous decision victory, and he's now won six fights in a row, including a knockout victory over Jake Shields.

Ellenberger is now looking for a second shot at the interim welterweight title, and Carlos Condit, who he fought once before where he lost a split decision.

No. 3: Josh Koscheck

At UFC 143, Josh Koscheck had a difficult fight against Mike Pierce, which Kos ended up winning by split decision.

It was a grinding fight, as many thought it would be, but most were surprised at Pierce's ability to hang in there with Kos.

A fight with a top contender is likely next for Koscheck.

Koscheck is always willing to step up and fight on short notice for the UFC, and you've got to respect that warrior spirit, even if you don't like the guy.

No. 2: Carlos Condit

Carlos Condit is undoubtedly one of the best welterweights in the world. His wins over Rory MacDonald and Jake Ellenberger look more and more impressive by the day.

With his win over Nick Diaz at UFC 143, he has proven that he is one of the best.

He is now the No. 2 welterweight in the world and has the interim UFC welterweight title around his waist.

It's still unclear if he'll have to defend the title or if his next fight will be against the champ.

No. 1: Georges St-Pierre

Shocking, right?

Georges St-Pierre is the clear No. 1 welterweight in the world, and if you don't believe me, just ask his six straight title defenses.

GSP is one of the best fighters in the world, but unfortunately, he'll be out until the fall rehabbing a torn ACL.

In the meantime, Carlos Condit has the interim title, and he will be the one that guys are going after for the belt.

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