Bleacher Report MMA Rankings for October 2015

Ladies and gentlemen, the Bleacher Report MMA rankings are back. After a couple of months off, we've returned with a few major changes.

Most obvious would be the different format. After a long while of cramming tweets into one long single-page article, we are now returning to the original slideshow format, dedicating a slide to each division. You will find the top 10 listed off there, with all the major statistics for each fighter. 

Second, two new divisions have been added; women's 135 pounds and women's 115 pounds. Other women's divisions were considered, but with the current MMA landscape, which sees talent from 105, 125 and 145 pounds flooding into the UFC's two divisions, it doesn't really make sense when any given ranked atomweight, flyweight or featherweight could leave her division at a moment's notice.

Finally, while the monthly rankings retain the same scoring system and panel-based approach, the lineup of voters has changed. The rankings now feature a five-man band of Chad Dundas, Nathan McCarter, Steven Rondina, Jonathan Snowden and Patrick Wyman. The scoring format remains the same, but obviously having five cards to work with is quite a bit different than having four. 

So read on, MMA fans, and feel free to politely comment down below. You can find each panelist's rankings on the following Twitter links.

Rules and Notes

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Each month, Bleacher Report MMA will deliver monthly top-10 rankings for each major men's MMA division, as well as the women's strawweight and bantamweight divisions. The rankings will typically come out during the first week of each month, but timing will be flexible, depending on where major events fall on the calendar. Bleacher Report's rankings panel consists of Chad Dundas, Nathan McCarter, Steven Rondina, Jonathan Snowden and Patrick Wyman.

Which fighters are ranked? How are they ranked? Rules are as follows:

• Fighters are ranked in their weight class by each member of the panel, receiving up to 10 points based on where they are placed (the No. 1 fighter receiving 10 points, the No. 2 fighter receiving nine and so on). Ties are left unbroken, and fighters sharing the same number of points are ordered alphabetically.
• Weight classes for men include 125 pounds, 135 pounds, 145 pounds, 155 pounds, 170 pounds, 185 pounds, 205 pounds and 206 to 265 pounds. Weight classes for women include 115 pounds and 135 pounds. 
• Fighters must have fought within the last 18 months and/or have a bout scheduled. If a fighter is removed from the rankings due to inactivity, he will only be readmitted after participating in a sanctioned MMA bout. Retirements and indefinite leaves from the sport are considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Fighters suspended for failed drug tests are immediately removed from the rankings. They are eligible to rejoin the rankings after serving their suspension and competing in a sanctioned MMA bout.
• Fighters suspended for behavioral reasons are handled on a case-by-case basis.
• Fighters are only eligible to be ranked in one weight class, determined at the panel's discretion.

This is a completely revamped panel from the one last seen in July, and there have been a couple of changes to the rules. If you have any questions, feel free to comment. Here are notes regarding some specific changes to fighters.

• Benson Henderson is now ranked at welterweight, given his full-time move to 170 pounds.
• Kelvin Gastelum returns to 170 pounds as well.
• Rousimar Palhares is currently out of consideration due to his suspension. When he is readmitted depends on the results of his hearing.
• Rashad Evans returns to consideration following his UFC 192 bout with Ryan Bader.
• Due to the increased frequency of this occurring, suspensions handed down by promotions without backing from athletic commissions are no longer recognized when ranking fighters. In the short term, this means that Jon Jones returns to the rankings. 

Women's Strawweight

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

No. 1 - Joanna Jedrzejczyk (50 points)
Promotion: UFC (C)
Record: 10-0 (4 knockouts, 1 submission)
Age: 28
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 65.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Jessica Penne, Win, TKO
Next Fight: (No. 9) Valerie Letourneau, UFC 193 (November 15)

No. 2 - Claudia Gadelha (45)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 13-1 (2 knockouts, 6 submissions)
Age: 26
Height: 5'4"
Reach: 63.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Jessica Aguilar, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 3 - Carla Esparza (34)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 10-3 (3 knockouts, 4 submissions)
Age: 27
Height: 5'1"
Reach: 63.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Loss, TKO
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 4 - Jessica Aguilar (33)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 19-5 (2 knockouts, 8 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 5'4"
Reach: 61.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Claudia Gadelha, Loss, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 5 - Tecia Torres (22)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 6-0 (0 knockouts, 0 submissions)
Age: 26
Height: 5'1"
Reach: 61.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Angela Hill, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Michelle Waterson, UFC 194 (December 12)

No. 6 - Jessica Penne (18)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 12-3 (2 knockouts, 7 submissions)
Age: 32
Height: 5'5"
Reach: 67.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Loss, TKO
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 7 - Rose Namajunas (15)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 3-2 (0 knockouts, 3 submissions)
Age: 23
Height: 5'5"
Reach: 65.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Angela Hill, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 8 - Karolina Kowalkiewicz (14)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 7-0 (2 knockouts, 1 submission)
Age: 29
Height: 5'3"
Reach: 65.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Kalindra Faria, Win, Split Decision
Next Fight: Randa Markos, UFC on Fox 17 (December 19)

No. 9T - Valerie Letourneau (10)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 8-3 (4 knockouts, 1 submission)
Age: 32
Height: 5'7"
Reach: 68.5 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Maryna Moroz, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 1) Joanna Jedrzejczyk, UFC 193 (November 15)

No. 9T - Livia Renata Souza (10)
Promotion: Invicta FC (C)
Record: 8-0 (0 knockouts, 7 submissions)
Age: 24
Height: 5'4"
Reach: N/A
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Katja Kankaanpaa, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Alexa Grasso, Unknown Date

Movers and Shakers Since July

The most important bout in this weight classification came as soon as the calendar turned to August. Claudia Gadelha defeated former No. 1-ranked Jessica Aguilar soundly. It established her as the top contender at 115 pounds. However, she will not get that title shot due to an injury that set her back. Valerie Letourneau usurped Gadelha when she upset Maryna Moroz at UFC Fight Night 74 in August.

Paige VanZant continued her rise with a dominant showing against Alex Chambers in September. Also in September, DeAnna Bennett defeated Katja Kankaanpaa in their Invicta FC 14 co-main event. Bennett did fail to make weight for the fight, so technically it was a catchweight tilt. Kankaanpaa retired from MMA shortly after returning home.

There were only two scheduled strawweight bouts for October, and one is in the books. Rose Namajunas picked up a submission win over Angela Hill at UFC 192. It marked her first win since 2013. The other scheduled contest comes in Dublin between Aisling Daly and Ericka Almeida at UFC Fight Night 76 on October 24.

Fights to Watch in October

• No major fights scheduled in October.

Flyweight

Associated Press

No. 1 - Demetrious Johnson (50 points)
Promotion: UFC (C)
Record: 23-2-1 (4 knockouts, 9 submissions)
Age: 29
Height: 5'3"
Reach: 64.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: John Dodson, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 2 - Joseph Benavidez (43)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 22-4 (6 knockouts, 9 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 5'4"
Reach: 65.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: John Moraga, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 3 - John Dodson (41)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 17-7 (8 knockouts, 2 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 5'3"
Reach: 66.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Demetrious Johnson, Loss, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 4 - Jussier da Silva (28)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 18-3 (0 knockouts, 8 submissions)
Age: 30
Height: 5'5"
Reach: 67.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Wilson Reis, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 7) Henry Cejudo, The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2 Finale (November 21)

No. 5 - Kyoji Horiguchi (26)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 16-2 (9 knockouts, 1 submission)
Age: 24
Height: 5'5"
Reach: 66.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Chico Camus, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 6 - Ian McCall (24)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 13-5-1 (4 knockouts, 3 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 5'5"
Reach: 64.0 inches
Last Five: 2-3
Last Fight: John Lineker, Loss, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 7 - Henry Cejudo (23)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 9-0 (4 knockouts, 0 submissions)
Age: 28
Height: 5'4"
Reach: 64.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Chico Camus, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 4) Jussier da Silva, TUF: Latin America 2 Finale (November 21)

No. 8 - John Moraga (13)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 16-4 (2 knockouts, 8 submissions)
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 66.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Joseph Benavidez, Loss, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 9 - Ali Bagautinov (12)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 13-4 (5 knockouts, 4 submissions)
Age: 30
Height: 5'4"
Reach: 65.5 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Joseph Benavidez, Loss, Unanimous Decision 
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 10 - Zach Makovsky (10)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 19-6 (1 knockout, 6 submissions)
Age: 32
Height: 5'4"
Reach: 64.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: John Dodson, Loss, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

Movers and Shakers Since July

There have been two major storylines since the last installment of the Bleacher Report rankings. The first is that Demetrious Johnson remains an unstoppable force in the cage. The second is that Henry Cejudo, undefeated MMA prospect and 2008 Olympic gold medalist, seems to be the realest of deals.

There have been other fights, sure. Joseph Benavidez is still, for the most part, money in the bank. Kyoji Horiguchi is still one of the best fighters under 25 years old. Ali Bagautinov is back and doesn't seem much worse off after completing his suspension.

Johnson and Cejudo are the only fighters moving forward at 125 pounds right now, though, with Johnson forcing his way into the GOAT discussion and Cejudo striding confidently toward a title shot. 

Fights to Watch in October

• Patrick Holohan vs. Louis Smolka, UFC Fight Night 76 (October 24)

Bantamweight

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

No. 1 - T.J. Dillashaw (50 points)
Promotion: UFC (C)
Record: 12-2 (6 knockouts, 3 submissions)
Age: 29
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 68.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Renan Barao, Win, TKO
Next Fight: (No. 2) Dominick Cruz, UFC Fight Night 81 (January 17)

No. 2 - Dominick Cruz (44)
Promotion: UFC 
Record: 20-1 (7 knockouts, 1 submission)
Age: 30
Height: 5'8"
Reach: 68.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Takeya Mizugaki, Win, Knockout
Next Fight: (No. 1) T.J. Dillashaw, UFC Fight Night 81 (January 17)

No. 3 - Renan Barao (39)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 33-3 (1) (8 knockouts, 15 submissions)
Age: 28
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 70.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: T.J. Dillashaw, Loss, TKO
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 4 - Raphael Assuncao (32)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 23-4 (3 knockouts, 10 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 5'5.5"
Reach: 67.5 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Bryan Caraway, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 5 - Urijah Faber (28)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 32-8 (7 knockouts, 19 submissions)
Age: 36
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 67.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Frankie Edgar, Loss, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Frankie Saenz, UFC 194 (December 12)

No. 6T - Marlon Moraes (19)
Promotion: WSOF (C)
Record: 15-4-1 (5 knockouts, 5 submissions)
Age: 27
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 66.5 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Sheymon Moraes, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 6T - Aljamain Sterling (19)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 11-0 (2 knockouts, 5 submissions)
Age: 26
Height: 5'7"
Reach: 71.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Takeya Mizugaki, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Johnny Eduardo, UFC Fight Night 80 (December 10)

No. 8 - Bibiano Fernandes (15)
Promotion: ONE Championship (C)
Record: 18-3 (2 knockouts, 6 submissions)
Age: 35
Height: 5'7"
Reach: ???
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Toni Tauru, Win, Knockout
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 9 - Eduardo Dantas (9)
Promotion: Bellator
Record: 17-4 (4 knockouts, 6 submissions)
Age: 26
Height: 5'10"
Reach: 69.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Mike Richman, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Marcos Galvao, Unknown Date 

No. 10 - Marcos Galvao (6)
Promotion: Bellator (C)
Record: 17-6-1 (4 knockouts, 1 submission)
Age: 33
Height: 5'7"
Reach: 67.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Joe Warren, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Eduardo Dantas, Unknown Date

Movers and Shakers Since July

T.J. Dillashaw beat down Renan Barao once again to show that his first dominant performance wasn't a fluke, not that many fans and pundits were doubting him at this point. Also in July, Bibiano Fernandes defeated the drastically overmatched Toni Tauru to maintain his iron grip on the thin ONE Championship bantamweight division.

In August, Marlon Moraes defeated Sheymon Moraes in a one-sided fight. Aside from the rising Timur Valiev, it's hard to imagine World Series of Fighting having many more options for its dominant champion.

The big recent news in the division was the announcement of the long-awaited bout between T.J. Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz, which will take place in January on Fox Sports 1.

Fights to Watch in October

• No major fights scheduled in October.

Women's Bantamweight

Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

No. 1 - Ronda Rousey (50 points)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 12-0 (3 knockouts, 9 Submissions)
Age: 28
Height: 5'7"
Reach: 66.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Bethe Correia, Win, Knockout
Next Fight: (No. 7) Holly Holm, UFC 193 (November 15)

No. 2 - Miesha Tate (45)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 17-5 (3 knockouts, 6 Submissions)
Age: 29
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 66.5 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Jessica Eye, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 3 - Cat Zingano (38)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 9-1 (5 knockouts, 3 Submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 68.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Ronda Rousey, Loss, Submission
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 4 - Amanda Nunes (29)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 11-4 (9 knockouts, 2 Submissions)
Age: 27
Height: 5'8"
Reach: 69.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Sara McMann, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 5 - Alexis Davis (27)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 17-6 (9 knockouts, 2 Submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 67.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Sarah Kaufman, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 6 - Tonya Evinger (25)
Promotion: Invicta FC (C)
Record: 16-5 (7 knockouts, 6 Submissions)
Age: 34
Height: 5'7"
Reach: 67.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Pannie Kianzad, Win, TKO
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 7 - Holly Holm (19)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 9-0 (6 knockouts, 0 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 5'8"
Reach: 69 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Marion Reneau, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 1) Ronda Rousey, UFC 193 (November 15)

No. 8 - Sarah Kaufman (15)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 17-3 (10 knockouts, 0 submissions)
Age: 30
Height: 5'5"
Reach: 66.0 inches
Last Five: 2-2 (1 No-Contest)
Last Fight: Alexis Davis, Loss, Submission
Next Fight: Germaine de Randamie, UFC on Fox 17 (December 19)

No. 9 - Julianna Pena (14)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 7-2 (3 knockouts, 3 Submissions)
Age: 26
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 69.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Jessica Eye, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 10 - Sara McMann (10)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 8-3 (1 knockout, 3 Submissions)
Age: 35
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 67.0 inches
Last Five: 2-3
Last Fight: Amanda Nunes, Loss, Submission 
Next Fight: Unknown

Movers and Shakers Since July

The big news here is the inclusion of women in our rankings for the first time. The rise of Ronda Rousey has put women on the MMA map to stay.

The women's bantamweight division is an interesting place. The two women at the top, Rousey and Miesha Tate, seem entrenched there. But rising stars are emerging in the form of Julianna Pena and Amanda Nunes, who have the athleticism and power to make some serious noise in coming years.

There is a scrum underneath Rousey as fighters jockey for position and hope for a title shot and a big-money match. It will be fun to watch.

Fights to Watch in October

• No major fights scheduled in October.

Featherweight

Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

No. 1 - Jose Aldo (50 points)
Promotion: UFC (C)
Record: 25-1 (14 knockouts, 2 submissions)
Age: 29
Height: 5'7"
Reach: 70.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Chad Mendes, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 3) Conor McGregor, UFC 194 (December 12)

No. 2 - Frankie Edgar (42)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 19-4-1 (5 knockouts, 4 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 5'6"
Reach: 68.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Urijah Faber, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 4) Chad Mendes, TUF 22 Finale (December 11)

No. 3- Conor McGregor (36)
Promotion: UFC (IC)
Record: 18-2 (16 knockouts, 1 submission)
Age: 27
Height: 5’9”
Reach: 74.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Chad Mendes, Win, TKO
Next Fight: (No. 1) Jose Aldo, UFC 194 (December 12)

No. 4 - Chad Mendes (36)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 17-3 (7 knockouts, 2 submissions)
Age: 30
Height: 5’6”
Reach: 66.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2 
Last Fight: Conor McGregor, Loss, TKO
Next Fight: (No. 2) Frankie Edgar, TUF 22 Finale (December 11)

No. 5 - Max Holloway (27)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 14-3 (6 knockouts, 2 submissions)
Age: 23
Height: 5’11”
Reach: 69.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Charles Oliveira, Win, TKO (injury)
Next Fight: Jeremy Stephens, UFC 194 (December 12)

No. 6 - Patricio Freire (25)
Promotion: Bellator (C)
Record: 24-2 (10 knockouts, 8 submissions)
Age: 28
Height: 5’5”
Reach: 65 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Daniel Weichel, Win, Knockout
Next Fight: Daniel Straus, Bellator 145 (November 6)

No. 7 - Ricardo Lamas (24)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 15-4 (4 knockouts, 4 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 5’8”
Reach: 71 inches
Last Five: 3-2 
Last Fight: Chad Mendes, Loss, TKO
Next Fight: Diego Sanchez, TUF: Latin America 2 Finale (November 21)

No. 8 - Cub Swanson (12)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 21-7 (8 knockouts, 7 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 5’7”
Reach: 70.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Max Holloway, Loss, Submission
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 9 - Charles Oliveira (11)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 20-5(1) (6 knockouts, 12 submissions)
Age: 25
Height: 5’10”
Reach: 74.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Max Holloway, Loss, TKO (injury)
Next Fight: Myles Jury, UFC on Fox 17 (December 19)

No. 10 - Dennis Bermudez (3)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 14-5 (4 knockouts, 3 submissions)
Age: 28
Height: 5’6”
Reach: 66 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Jeremy Stephens, Loss, TKO
Next Fight: Unknown

Movers and Shakers Since July

The champion has been on the shelf with a rib injury since his intended meeting with Conor McGregor at UFC 189 was scratched. In his absence, there has been plenty of jockeying for position. McGregor defeated Chad Mendes to become interim champion on July 11 and is now slated to finally get his date with Aldo at UFC 194 on December 12.

Just in case that fight doesn't come off, however, the UFC is hedging its bets, putting Frankie Edgar vs. Chad Mendes on the TUF 22 finale card the night before. Either one of those guys would make an able fill-in if Aldo or McGregor can't go.

Aside from the old dogs battling it out for championship consideration, the guy to watch at 145 pounds may be Max Holloway. If he storms past Jeremy Stephens at UFC 194, he'll be in line for a title shot sometime during 2016. 

Fights to Watch in October

• Darren Elkins vs. Robert Whiteford, UFC Fight Night 76 (October 24)

Lightweight

Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

No. 1 - Rafael dos Anjos (49 points)
Promotion: UFC (C)
Record: 24-7 (4 knockouts, 8 submissions)
Age: 30
Height: 5’9”
Reach: 70.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Anthony Pettis, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 4) Donald Cerrone, UFC on Fox 17 (December 19)

No. 2 - Khabib Nurmagomedov (46)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 22-0 (7 knockouts, 7 submissions)
Age: 27
Height: 5’10”
Reach: 70.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Rafael dos Anjos, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 7) Tony Ferguson, TUF 22 Finale (December 11)

No. 3 - Anthony Pettis (38)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 18-3 (7 knockouts, 8 submissions)
Age: 28
Height: 5’10”
Reach: 73.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Rafael dos Anjos, Loss, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 6) Eddie Alvarez, UFC Fight Night 81 (January 17)

No. 4 - Donald Cerrone (37)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 28-6 (1) (5 knockouts, 15 submissions)
Age: 32 
Height: 6’0”
Reach: 73.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: John Makdessi, Win, TKO (Retirement)
Next Fight: (No. 1) Rafael dos Anjos, UFC on Fox 17 (December 19)

No. 5 - Will Brooks (28)
Promotion: Bellator (C)
Record: 16-1 (5 knockouts, 4 submissions)
Age: 29
Height: 5’10”
Reach: 71.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Dave Jansen, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Marcin Held, Bellator 145 (November 6)

No. 6 - Eddie Alvarez (26)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 26-4 (14 knockouts, 7 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 5’9”
Reach: 69.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Gilbert Melendez, Win, Split Decision
Next Fight: (No. 3) Anthony Pettis, UFC Fight Night 81 (January 17)

No. 7 - Tony Ferguson (21)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 19-3 (9 knockouts, 6 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 5’11”
Reach: 76.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Josh Thomson, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 2) Khabib Nurmagomedov, TUF 22 Finale (December 11)

No. 8T - Beneil Dariush (13)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 12-1 (2 knockouts, 6 submissions)
Age: 26
Height: 5’10”
Reach: 72.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Michael Johnson, Win, Split Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 8T - Michael Johnson (13)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 16-9 (7 knockouts, 2 submissions)
Age: 29
Height: 5’10”
Reach: 72.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Beneil Dariush, Loss, Split Decision
Next Fight: Nate Diaz, UFC on Fox 17 (December 19)

No. 10 - Justin Gaethje (3)
Promotion: WSOF (C)
Record: 15-0 (12 knockouts, 1 submission) 
Age: 26
Height: 5’11”
Reach: 71.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Luis Palomino, Win, TKO
Next Fight: Unknown

Movers and Shakers Since July

MMA's most competitive weight class has been strangely quiet over the second half of the year. Nos. 1-6 on this list have all been idle, which cleared the way for some intrigue among the last four spots. Tony Ferguson trumped Josh Thomson in mid-July and now sits a stone's throw from the top five. Ferguson has a huge matchup against the returning Khabib Nurmagomedov set for December.

Beneil Dariush defeated Michael Johnson in early August, but the disputed nature of the split decision leaves those two fighters deadlocked at No. 8 in the B/R rankings. With a victory over Nate Diaz in December, Johnson would likely take the lead in that two-horse race.

Meanwhile, WSOF has a one-night tournament scheduled for November 20 to determine the next challenger for its champion, Justin Gaethje. 

Fights to Watch in October

• Dustin Poirier vs. Joseph Duffy, UFC Fight Night 76 (October 24)

Welterweight

Christian Petersen/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

No. 1 - Robbie Lawler (49 points)
Promotion: UFC (C)
Record: 26-10 (1) (20 knockouts, 1 submission)
Age: 33
Height: 5'11"
Reach: 74.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1 
Last Fight: Rory MacDonald, Win, Knockout
Next Fight: (No. 5) Carlos Condit, UFC 195 (January 2)

No. 2 - Johny Hendricks (43)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 17-3 (8 knockouts, 1 submission)
Age: 32
Height: 5'9"
Reach: 69.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Matt Brown, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 3 - Rory MacDonald (39)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 18-3 (7 knockouts, 6 submissions)
Age: 26
Height: 6'0"
Reach: 76.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Robbie Lawler, Loss, Knockout
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 4 - Tyron Woodley (35)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 15-3 (5 knockouts, 5 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 5'8"
Reach: 74.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Kelvin Gastelum, Win, Split Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 5 - Carlos Condit (30)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 30-8 (15 knockouts, 13 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 6'2"
Reach: 76.0 inches
Last Five: 2-3
Last Fight: Thiago Alves, Win, Knockout
Next Fight: (No. 1) Robbie Lawler, UFC 195 (January 2)

No. 6 - Ben Askren (24)
Promotion: ONE Championship (C)
Record: 14-0 (1) (4 knockouts, 4 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 5'10"
Reach: 71.0 inches
Last Five: 4-0, 1 No-Contest
Last Fight: Luis Santos, No-Contest
Next Fight: Luis Santos, ONE Championship 34 (November 13)

No. 7 - Demian Maia (21)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 21-6 (3 knockouts, 10 submissions)
Age: 37
Height: 6'0"
Reach: 72.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Neil Magny, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Gunnar Nelson, UFC 194 (December 12)

No. 8 - Matt Brown (11)
Promotion: UFC 
Record: 20-13 (12 knockouts, 6 submissions)
Age: 34
Height: 6'0"
Reach: 75.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Tim Means, Win, Submission
Next Fight: (No. 10) Kelvin Gastelum, TUF: Latin America 2 Finale (November 21)

No. 9 - Dong-Hyun Kim (10)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 20-3-1 (1) (8 knockouts, 2 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 6'1"
Reach: 76.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Josh Burkman, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Jorge Masvidal, UFC Fight Night 79 (November 28)

No. 10T - Kelvin Gastelum (5)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 11-1 (4 knockouts, 4 submissions)
Age: 23
Height: 5'9"
Reach: 71.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Nate Marquardt, Win, Knockout
Next Fight: (No. 8) Matt Brown, TUF: Latin America 2 Finale (November 21)

No. 10T - Benson Henderson (5)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 22-5 (2 knockouts, 10 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 5'9"
Reach: 70.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Brandon Thatch, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Thiago Alves, UFC Fight Night 79 (November 28)

Movers and Shakers Since July

A scheduled fight between Tyron Woodley and Johny Hendricks at UFC 192 was supposed to provide the division with its next contender, but a terrible weight cut left the former champion sidelined and unable to compete. Woodley is supposed to get the next shot after Condit, but whether that will actually happen is anybody's guess.

Demian Maia defeated Neil Magny in a one-sided domination at UFC 190, but otherwise, the division has been mostly silent since the epic Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald title fight in July.

Fights to Watch in October

• No major fights scheduled in October.

Middleweight

Mitch Viquez/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

No. 1 - Chris Weidman (50 points)
Promotion: UFC (C)
Record: 13-0 (6 knockouts, 3 submission)
Age: 31
Height: 6'2"
Reach: 78.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Vitor Belfort, Win, TKO
Next Fight: (No. 2) Luke Rockhold, UFC 194 (December 12)

No. 2 - Luke Rockhold (44)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 14-2 (3 knockouts, 9 submission)
Age: 30
Height: 6'3"
Reach: 77.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Lyoto Machida, Win, Submission
Next Fight: (No. 1) Chris Weidman, UFC 194 (December 12)

No. 3 - Ronaldo Souza (38)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 22-3, 1 NC (2 knockouts, 16 submissions)
Age: 35
Height: 6'1"
Reach: 72.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Chris Camozzi, Win, Submission
Next Fight: (No. 4) Yoel Romero, UFC 194 (December 12)

No. 4 - Yoel Romero (37)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 10-1 (2 knockouts, 8 submissions)
Age: 38
Height: 5'10"
Reach: 75.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Lyoto Machida, Win, Knockout
Next Fight: (No. 3) Ronaldo Souza, UFC 194 (December 12)

No. 5 - Lyoto Machida (26)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 22-7 (9 knockouts, 2 submissions)
Age: 37
Height: 6'1"
Reach: 74.0 inches
Last Five: 2-3
Last Fight: Yoel Romero, Loss, Knockout
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 6 - Vitor Belfort (25)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 24-11 (17 knockouts, 3 submissions)
Age: 38
Height: 6'0"
Reach: 74.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Chris Weidman, Loss, TKO
Next Fight: Dan Henderson, UFC Fight Night 77 (November 7)

No. 7 - Michael Bisping (18)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 27-7 (15 knockouts, 4 submissions)
Age: 36
Height: 6'2"
Reach: 75.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Thales Leites, Win, Split Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 8 - Gegard Mousasi (10)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 37-6-2 (19 knockouts, 12 submissions)
Age: 30
Height: 6'2"
Reach: 76.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Uriah Hall, Loss, Knockout
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 9 - Tim Kennedy (9)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 18-5 (6 knockouts, 8 submission)
Age: 36
Height: 5'11"
Reach: 74.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Yoel Romero, Loss, Knockout
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 10 - Thales Leites (8)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 25-5 (4 knockouts, 14 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 6'1"
Reach: 78.8 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Michael Bisping, Loss, Split Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

Movers and Shakers Since July

Middleweight has been fairly quiet since July. There have not been many fights in the division for it to make noise, except for one person. Uriah Hall is 2-0 since July, and the knockout over Gegard Mousasi shocked nearly everyone. Hall is now 4-1 in his last five, and he returns in November against Robert Whittaker.

The division will end the year with the top four fighters in the division fighting. We will enter 2016 with a fresh look at the middleweight division.

Fights to Watch in October

• Brandon Halsey vs. Rafael Carvalho, Bellator 144 (October 23)

Light Heavyweight

Juan DeLeon/Associated Press

No. 1 - Jon Jones (50 points)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 21-1 (9 knockouts, 6 submissions)
Age: 28
Height: 6'4"
Reach: 84.5 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Daniel Cormier, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 2 - Daniel Cormier (45)
Promotion: UFC (C)
Record: 17-1 (6 knockouts, 5 submissions)
Age: 36
Height: 5'11"
Reach: 72.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Alexander Gustafsson, Win, Split Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 3 - Anthony Johnson (40)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 20-5 (14 knockouts, 0 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 6'2"
Reach: 78.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Jimi Manuwa, Win, Knockout
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 4T - Ryan Bader (31)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 20-4 (6 knockouts, 4 submissions)
Age: 32
Height: 6'2"
Reach: 74.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Rashad Evans, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 4T - Alexander Gustafsson (31)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 16-4 (10 knockouts, 3 submissions)
Age: 28
Height: 6'5"
Reach: 79.0 inches
Last Five: 2-3
Last Fight: Daniel Cormier, Loss, Split Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 6 - Phil Davis (25)
Promotion: Bellator
Record: 15-3 (3 knockouts, 5 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 6'2"
Reach: 79.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Francis Carmont, Win, Knockout
Next Fight: (No. 8) Liam McGeary, Unknown Date

No. 7 - Glover Teixeira (21)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 23-4 (13 knockouts, 7 submissions)
Age: 35
Height: 6'2"
Reach: 76.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Ovince Saint Preux, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Patrick Cummins, UFC Fight Night 77 (November 7)

No. 8 - Liam McGeary (13)
Promotion: Bellator (C)
Record: 11-0 (5 knockouts, 5 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 6'6"
Reach: 81.0 inches
Last Five- 5-0
Last Fight: Tito Ortiz, Win, Submission
Next Fight: (No. 6) Phil Davis, Unknown Date

No. 9T - Rashad Evans
Promotion: UFC
Record: 19-4-1 (7 knockouts, 2 submissions)
Age: 36
Height: 5'11"
Reach: 75.0 inches
Last Fight: Ryan Bader, Loss, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 9T - Ovince Saint Preux
Promotion: UFC
Record: 18-7 (9 knockouts, 5 submissions)
Age: 32
Height: 6'3"
Reach: 80.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Glover Teixeira, Loss, Submission
Next Fight: Unknown

Movers and Shakers Since July

The light heavyweight division plods forward with the future of its greatest fighter still in question, and it still has no real hope of finding a true replacement for him.

There is some talent to be had, of course. Glover Teixeira bounced back from an ugly outing against Phil Davis to show he wasn't entirely a hype job. Liam McGeary has established himself as one of the most interesting fighters at 205 pounds over in Bellator. Oh, and Anthony Johnson? He still punches super-duper hard.

Still, the long-term matchmaking options for the division are bleak. It will be interesting to see how things shake out over the coming months.

Fights to Watch in October

• No major fights scheduled in October.

Heavyweight

Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

No. 1 - Fabricio Werdum (50 points)
Promotion: UFC (C)
Record: 20-5 (6 knockouts, 10 submissions)
Age: 38
Height: 6'4"
Reach: 77.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Cain Velasquez, Win, Submission
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 2 - Cain Velasquez (45)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 13-2 (11 knockouts, 0 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 6'1"
Reach: 77.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Fabricio Werdum, Loss, Submission
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 3- Junior dos Santos (40)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 17-3 (12 knockouts, 2 submissions)
Age: 31
Height: 6'4"
Reach: 77.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Stipe Miocic, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 9) Alistair Overeem, UFC on Fox 17 (December 19)

No. 4 - Stipe Miocic (34)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 13-2 (9 knockouts, 1 submission)
Age: 33
Height: 6'4"
Reach: 80.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Mark Hunt, Win, TKO
Next Fight: (No. 7) Ben Rothwell, UFC Fight Night 76 (October 24)

No. 5 - Andrei Arlovski (26)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 25-10-1 (17 knockouts, 3 submissions)
Age: 36
Height: 6'4"
Reach: 77.0 inches
Last Five: 5-0
Last Fight: Frank Mir, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 6 - Travis Browne (22)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 17-3-1 (13 knockouts, 2 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 6'7"
Reach: 80.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Andrei Arlovski, Loss, TKO
Next Fight: Matt Mitrione, UFC Fight Night 81 (January 17)

No. 7 - Ben Rothwell (20)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 35-9 (20 knockouts, 12 submissions)
Age: 33
Height: 6'4"
Reach: 79.0 inches
Last Five: 4-1
Last Fight: Matt Mitrione, Win, Submission
Next Fight: (No. 4) Stipe Miocic, UFC Fight Night 76 (October 24)

No. 8T - Josh Barnett (14)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 34-7 (8 knockouts, 20 submissions)
Age: 37
Height: 6'3"
Reach: 78.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Roy Nelson, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: Unknown

No. 8T - Alistair Overeem (14)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 40-14-1 (19 knockouts, 17 submissions)
Age: 35
Height: 6'4"
Reach: 80.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Roy Nelson, Win, Unanimous Decision
Next Fight: (No. 3) Junior dos Santos, UFC on Fox 17 (December 19)

No. 10 - Mark Hunt (6)
Promotion: UFC
Record: 10-10-1 (7 knockouts, 0 submissions)
Age: 41
Height: 5'10"
Reach: 74.0 inches
Last Five: 3-2
Last Fight: Stipe Miocic, Loss, TKO
Next Fight: Antonio Silva, UFC 193 (November 15)

Movers and Shakers Since July

After more than a decade as one of the division's top stars, Frank Mir didn't get a single vote from our panel. His lethargic loss to Andrei Arlovski may have closed the door on a Hall of Fame career.

It's an interesting time for the heavyweight division. Every fighter in the top 10, from the champion on down, seems to be on the downward slide of his career. The closest thing to new blood, Stipe Miocic, is already 33 years old. It's a division in desperate need of a youth injection. Perhaps the UFC will find answers in Eastern Europe, where a collection of prospects is waiting for its opportunity to shine?

Fights to Watch in October

• Stipe Miocic vs. Ben Rothwell, UFC Fight Night 76 (October 24)