B/R Official MMA Rankings for March: The Top 10 Fighters at Light Heavyweight

Though there was only one fight between top-tier light heavyweights during the month of February, Ryan Bader's upset of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in Japan significantly shook up the rankings for the 205-pound division.

Coming into the bout several pounds overweight, though he explained it was due to an injury, Jackson's loss reignited speculation that he had no motivation for the competition aspect of fighting anymore. However, Jackson quickly shut down that conversation by saying he would return to fight again.

Meanwhile, Bader's victory catapulted him back into the mix for a shot at the light heavyweight title, as he has now won two straight fights since his back-to-back defeats against champion Jon Jones and Tito Ortiz.

Let's take a look at where Bader, Jackson and the rest of MMA's top light heavyweights stand after the month of February.

 

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

10. Quinton Jackson

Promotion: UFC

Record: 32-10

Most Recent Fight: Lost against Ryan Bader at UFC 144

Next Fight: TBD

Previous Ranking: 5

Whether his loss to Ryan Bader in February was due in part to injury or not, the 33-year-old Jackson still suffered a major setback by suffering his second straight loss in his return to Japan.

At this point, Jackson would probably be best served taking the biggest fights possible before calling it a career, hopefully on a higher note than he left after his appearance against Bader.

A rematch with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua would make for an intriguing retirement fight sometime in the near future.

9. Alexander Gustafsson

Promotion: UFC

Record: 13-1

Most Recent Fight: Won against Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141

Next Fight: vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC on Fuel TV 2

Previous Ranking: 9

With four straight victories, all by stoppages, Alexander Gustafsson has become one of the brightest young contenders in the light heavyweight division.

Since the lone loss of his career against Phil Davis, Gustafsson has become a more well-rounded fighter and appears primed to make a run at a shot at the 205-pound title.

With a win over the highly-regarded Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Gustafsson could put himself in position for a fight with one of the division's elite fighters.

8. Forrest Griffin

Promotion: UFC

Record: 18-7

Most Recent Fight: Lost against Mauricio Rua at UFC 134

Next Fight: vs. Tito Ortiz at TBD

Previous Ranking: 8

While the former UFC champion and The Ultimate Fighter winner is clearly on the downside of his career after three losses in his past five fights, Forrest Griffin remains one of the toughest opponents for any light heavyweight.

Griffin's chances of getting a shot at reclaiming his title are becoming slimmer, but he still has some entertaining fights left in him and will be looking to spoil what could be Tito Ortiz's final fight later this year.

7. Ryan Bader

Promotion: UFC

Record: 14-2

Most Recent Fight: Won against Quinton Jackson at UFC 144

Next Fight: TBD

Previous Ranking: N/A

With an impressive upset win over Quinton Jackson, Ryan Bader is back in the hunt for the light heavyweight title.

Learning from his losses to Jon Jones and Tito Ortiz, Bader reverted to his wrestling background to gain an edge over Jackson on the scorecards.

Now, Bader will look to pick up another win or two against top 205-pound fighters and earn himself a potential rematch with Jones for the belt.

6. Phil Davis

Promotion: UFC

Record: 9-1

Most Recent Fight: Lost against Rashad Evans at UFC on FOX 2

Next Fight: TBD

Previous Ranking: 7

Phil Davis' loss to Rashad Evans at UFC on FOX 2 showed that the former NCAA wrestling champion still has plenty of work to do before he can become a serious threat to become champion in the 205-pound division.

Despite his impressive amateur wrestling credentials, Davis has still not mastered the ability to set up his takedowns in MMA bouts.

At 27 years old, Davis still has plenty of time to make adjustments and earn a title shot, but he will need to show serious improvement in his striking.

5. Lyoto Machida

Promotion: UFC

Record: 17-3

Most Recent Fight: Lost against Jon Jones at UFC 140

Next Fight: TBD

Previous Ranking: 6

Against current champion Jon Jones, Lyoto Machida failed to reclaim his light heavyweight title, but the Brazilian arguably fared better against Jones than any opponent.

Still, like many aging 205-pound fighters, Machida's chances of becoming champion again may depend on how soon Jones leaves the division for heavyweight.

4. Mauricio Rua

Promotion: UFC

Record: 21-6

Most Recent Fight: Lost against Dan Henderson at UFC 139

Next Fight: TBD

Previous Ranking: 4

Following his epic battle with Dan Henderson, Rua is still awaiting news on who his next opponent will be. Since they are both coming off losses, a rematch between the Brazilian and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson could be next.

A rematch with Henderson could even be a possibility, as Henderson's hopes of earning the next shot at Jon Jones faded with Rashad Evans' victory over Phil Davis at UFC on FOX 2.

3. Dan Henderson

Promotion: UFC

Record: 29-8

Most Recent Fight: Won against Mauricio Rua at UFC 139

Next Fight: TBD

Previous Ranking: 3

With his incredible fight against Mauricio Rua, Dan Henderson positioned himself for a shot at the UFC light heavyweight title.

However, if he wants a shot at UFC gold for the first time, he will have to wait for Rashad Evans' championship bout against Jon Jones.

Even if Henderson does decide to wait, there has been no guarantee that a title shot would be his. That being said, there aren't many other logical opponents out there for "Hendo" at this time.

2. Rashad Evans

Promotion: UFC

Record: 17-1-1

Most Recent Fight: Won against Phil Davis at UFC on FOX 2

Next Fight: vs. Jon Jones at UFC 145

Previous Ranking: 2

Barring another injury to him or his opponent, Rashad Evans will finally get his chance to win back the light heavyweight crown against former teammate Jon Jones at UFC 145.

In his 19-fight career, Evans' only loss came against Lyoto Machida in the former The Ultimate FIghter winner's first title defense as champion at UFC 98.

If Evans can somehow find a way to dethrone Jones, it would go a long way toward cementing himself as one of the greatest 205-pound fighters ever.

1. Jon Jones

Promotion: UFC

Record: 15-1

Most Recent Fight: Won against Lyoto Machida at UFC 140

Next Fight: vs. Rashad Evans at UFC 145

Previous Ranking: 1

At 24 years old, Jon Jones is already being considered one of the best light heavyweights in the history of MMA. With a win over former teammate Rashad Evans, Jones would certainly validate that conversation.

In 16 professional fights, Jones has already dominated three former UFC champions and will look to make that four at UFC 145.

As scary as it is, against a rival like Evans, we may see Jones more motivated than he has ever been.