UFC Fight Night 29 Results: Top 10 Welterweights in the UFC
UFC Fight Night 29 was critically panned, but it did cause some important shakeups in the welterweight division. A top-five 170-pounder was taken down by split decision in a bout that was decent at best.
Not only that, but a normally grinding South Korean welterweight earned himself a highlight-reel knockout against a native hero. It earned him a $50,000 bonus check and a memory for the rest of his life.
Want to find out who these men are? You can right now, as we run down the top 10 welterweights in the UFC.
10. Dong Hyun Kim
1 of 10
Last Fight: Knockout win vs. Erick Silva
Next Fight: n/a
Current Top 10 Wins: n/a
Had you put a bet down on Dong Hyun Kim having the best knockout of the night at UFC Fight Night 29, I may have slapped you until your sanity returned.
If you did bet on that, I am sure you made a pretty penny.
Kim, who looked to be slowing in the fight, landed a home run punch on the button against Erick Silva in Brazil. Silva was instantaneously out, and Kim found himself in the top 10 for possibly the first time.
That knockout was a lot better than watching him lay on top of his opponent for 15 minutes, not doing much damage.
9. Tarec Saffiedine
2 of 10
Last Fight: Decision win vs. Nate Marquardt
Next Fight: n/a
Current Top 10 Wins: n/a
Though he has yet to debut in the UFC, Tarec Saffiedine has to be in the top 10, considering he is under contract. The Belgian was the final Strikeforce champion and will likely have a high-profile bout upon entering the UFC.
The striker has shown well-rounded skills in his last few bouts. Working with Team Quest has greatly paid off, as fans eagerly await his entering the Octagon.
8. Demian Maia
3 of 10
Last Fight: Decision loss vs. Jake Shields
Next Fight: n/a
Current Top 10 Wins: Dong Hyun Kim
Demian Maia's stock may have taken the biggest hit at UFC Fight Night 29, as he was outwrestled by Jake Shields. He was a top-five fighter coming into the bout after three big wins, but this loss is a temporary setback for the Brazilian.
There is no doubt that his grappling is top notch. His striking was better than that of Shields in the fight, too, but most of the fight was competed on the ground.
A rebound fight is imperative. A loss would be hugely damaging, but a win would put him back into contention.
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7. Jake Shields
4 of 10
Last Fight: Decision win vs. Demian Maia
Next Fight: n/a
Current Top 10 Wins: Demian Maia, Martin Kampmann, Carlos Condit
Jake Shields took a victory in Brazil, but he didn't gain too many fans doing it.
Just like that, he is now in contention, though many fans likely don't want to shell out money to see him fight for the welterweight title again.
Shields used superior wrestling and great jiu-jitsu to control Demian Maia on the ground. His striking looked suspect, as usual, but his grinding approach usually puts him in the driver's seat.
6. Jake Ellenberger
5 of 10
Last Fight: Decision loss vs. Rory MacDonald
Next Fight: n/a
Current Top 10 Wins: Jake Shields
Jake Ellenberger desperately needs a win to erase his last loss. His bout against Rory MacDonald was possibly his worst performance ever.
Ellenberger's combination of wrestling and knockout striking make him among the most dangerous fighters at 170. He can either drag you to deep waters or put you to sleep early with his dynamite-filled paws.
5. Martin Kampmann
6 of 10
Last Fight: Knockout loss vs. Carlos Condit
Next Fight: n/a
Current Top 10 Wins: Jake Ellenberger, Carlos Condit
Martin Kampmann may be ranked a tad high here, but look at his only two losses in his last five fights—he was clobbered by the second- and third-ranked fighters in Carlos Condit and Johny Hendricks.
Kampmann is as well-rounded and tough as they come. He is riding a two-fight skid right now, so once he gets back in the cage, he needs a win at the risk of becoming irrelevant.
He has no scheduled fight right now.
4. Rory MacDonald
7 of 10
Last Fight: Decision win vs. Jake Ellenberger
Next Fight: vs. Robbie Lawler at UFC 167
Current Top 10 Wins: Jake Ellenberger
Rory MacDonald in many eyes is next in line for a title shot after his recent performances. However, with Georges St-Pierre as his teammate, that may not happen.
MacDonald is well rounded, athletic and explosive. His takedowns are GSP-esque, his striking is solid and he has little-to-no holes in his game.
He is easily the future of the division.
3. Carlos Condit
8 of 10
Last Fight: Knockout win vs. Martin Kampmann
Next Fight: vs. Matt Brown at UFC on Fox 9
Current Top 10 Wins: Martin Kampmann, Dong Hyun Kim, Rory MacDonald, Jake Ellenberger
Carlos Condit may have one of the best resumes in the welterweight division right now. Just look at the list of his victims in the top 10.
He smashed Martin Kampmann, devastated Dong Hyun Kim, came back on Rory MacDonald and decisioned Jake Ellenberger.
With a list of victims like that, it's no wonder he is ranked at No. 3.
2. Johny Hendricks
9 of 10
Last Fight: Decision win vs. Carlos Condit
Next Fight: vs. Georges St-Pierre at UFC 167
Current Top 10 Wins: Carlos Condit, Martin Kampmann
The top contender to Georges St-Pierre may also be one of the most dangerous tests to date for the long-reigning champ.
Johny Hendricks has one-punch knockout power. He has top-notch wrestling. Plus, he has heart for days.
We will see if his wrestling is up to par against one of the best MMA wrestlers in GSP. That will be tested while he quizzes GSP's chin with his immense stopping power.
1. Georges St-Pierre
10 of 10
Last Fight: Decision win vs. Nick Diaz
Next Fight: vs. Johny Hendricks at UFC 167
Current Top 10 Wins: Carlos Condit, Jake Shields
Not much needed to be explained here. Georges St-Pierre has been the champion since taking the belt back in his rematch against Matt Serra.
Since then, he has rarely lost a round. He has beat every challenger put in front of him. He has done it in mostly dominant fashion.
He is one of the all-time best.
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