The Top 10 Pound-For-Pound MMA Fighter Rankings

In the world of Mixed Martial Arts, fighter rankings change all the time.  These rankings are based off of performaces of the top competitors in the world's top organizations. 

The weight classes chosen for pound-for-pound status are the highly visible and competitive divisions from Featherweight (145lbs) to Heavyweight (265lbs).

While a majority of top talent reside in the UFC, elite fighters can come from anywhere and prove their mettle in a number of arenas.  The truly great fighters continue to prove themselves against the best possible competition.

These are the best fighters in the world, regardless of their weightclass.

Number 10:  BROCK LESNAR

Brock is still pretty new to the sport and has a lot to learn and prove, but he has certainly stepped up to the plate in his last 3 bouts.  An intimidating physical specimen, Brock is a champion goliath overlooking the Heavyweight division.  With a plethora of upcoming Heavyweight talent, the UFC really has a Heavyweight belt worth fighting over.  It will be interesting to see how the champion responds to upcoming challenges.

Number 9: VITOR BELFORT

There is no question that when Vitor Belfort fights to his potential, he is one of the most devastating fighters around.  Questions do arise, however, about his heart, gas tank, and consistency.  The Vitor we have seen in recent fights has showed a re-surging and dominant athlete.  While there have been critics to argue whether or not Vitor "earned" his upcoming Middleweight title shot in the UFC, no one in their right mind can denounce the fact that he is a legitimate threat.

Number 8:  GEGARD MOUSASI

Although still very young, Mousasi has rapidly become one of the most elite fighters in the world.  Training with Fedor Emelianenko, Gegard has adopted a stone cold demeanor and methodical approach to his fights.  Deservedly a champion, Mousasi is a very dangerous opponent anywhere the fight goes.  Expect Gegard's name to stay around this list, but his biggest problem will be continuing to find top competition within the StrikeForce promotion.

Number 7:  MAURICIO RUA

After a rough start in the UFC, Mauricio Rua regained his once prolific status in his extremely controversial decision loss to champion Lyoto Machida.  Rua appeared to do everything right to beat his opponent, but the judges decided to gift the tough fought battle to the champion.  Machida still has a better recent track record, but Rua has a chance to topple the champion in their upcoming rematch, and potentially claim a top 5 pound-for-pound spot in the process.

Number 6:  LYOTO MACHIDA

Mauricio Rua was the first fighter to make the karate master look vulnerable in his UFC career.  By being handed the controversial win, Lyoto will no doubt be looking to win the rematch decisively and extend his rule over the division.  With no shortage of capable challengers, Lyoto has to work as hard as ever if he wants to remain recognized as one of the best fighters on the planet.

Number 5:  JOSE ALDO

Everyone knew that Jose Aldo was a serious threat going into his recent Featherweight title fight, but not many could have predicted that he would look as good as he did against the very highly respected Mike Thomas Brown.  Jose showed patience in methodically dismantling the champion, leaving not much interest for a rematch in the near future.  Aldo will be looking to continue improving and continuing to keep our highlight reels full.

Number 4:  BJ PENN

Penn looked surprisingly vulnerable in his Welterweight loss to Georges St. Pierre two fights ago, but he remains the top fighter in the Lightweight division without argument.  A proud champion, BJ enjoys beating his opponents in all aspects of the game.  Expect Penn to bring his "A" game in taking on a powerful and talented Lightweight, much like himself, in his upcoming title defence against Diego Sanchez.

Number 3:  GEORGES ST. PIERRE

The dominant Welterweight has plenty of talented challengers waiting to claim the crown, but it is difficult to imagine that happening any time soon.  Although ranked just below Anderson for the time being, the younger St. Pierre could very well challenge many of the UFC career records in time.  Look for a showcase of St. Pierre's skill in his upcoming title defense against British slugger, Dan Hardy.

Number 2:  ANDERSON SILVA

Arguably the most dominant fighter the UFC has seen yet, Anderson Silva has no shortage of first-rate challenges before he hangs up the gloves.  The next of these challenges should be interesting as he is matched against a nearly equally proficient striker in Vitor Belfort.  Anderson's technical and tactical mastery could very well carry him to another win, and if so, on to more records and super-fights in his legendary UFC run.

Number 1:  FEDOR EMELIANENKO

A somewhat contentious ranking for a fighter outside of the world's largest fight promotion, Fedor has earned this position due to his outstanding record and his recent string of stateside performances that have been spectacular and inspiring.  An almost invincible fighting machine, Fedor will continue to face worthy Heavyweight competition in the near future for StrikeForce.  If he successfully cleans out that division, however, Emelianenko may find it difficult to stay relevant outside of the UFC.