The GOAT's UFC Power Rankings: Light Heavyweight Division Top Five

Many fans of the UFC have their own opinions as to who is the "best" fighter in each respective weight division.  Similar to every week in the NFL, The GOAT will update Power Rankings after each UFC pay-per-view event.

The GOAT ranking system combines a proprietary formula that has been developed using mathematical modeling along with subjective analysis from 15 years of MMA viewing.

The GOAT strongly encourages those to post an argument for a fighter that you feel is over/under rated. All valid reasoning will be taken into consideration for the subsequent article as The GOAT continually pursues improvement to the system.

MMA POWER RANKINGS (UFC)

1. Shogun Rua

Current LHW title holder with an eight-year history of quality opponents, quality wins, and an overall record of 19-4 in the toughest division in MMA.  It will be difficult to remain champ for long in the UFC, but if he does...HOF.

2. Lyoto Machida

Arguably the best looking fighter in the UFC, Machida may also have the best skill set in the UFC.  He has a 16-1 record with convincing wins over top tier fighters in the sport (Penn, Evans, Rua, Ortiz).  He dominated Rashad Evans in Evans' only loss.  Machida also won his first bout with Rua, albeit controversial. Look for Machida to regain his belt in the next 18 months.

3. Rashad Evans

As a former title holder, Rashad also has a very impressive list of victories and an overall record 15-1-1.  Rashad is more technical in his approach to a fight and has won a majority of his fights through decision.  Rashad is a D-I wrestler and has high level BJJ in his background.. He trains with the Jackson Submission Team, which is a strong indicator that he will be prepared for all of his upcoming fights.

4. Anderson Silva

Should probably be higher, but does not have enough fights here.  If the Griffin fight is any indicator, Spider could hold the belt in this division too.

5. Thiago Silva

Possibly the most underrated fighter in the division by many rankings.  The guy doesn't even have a Getty Images picture on file (Please note sarcasm with Thiago Silva soccer player photo).  At 14-2 with 11 stoppages, Silva has shown he belongs in the top of his class.  My main concern with Silva is that he has yet to beat an elite fighter in his career, but came very close in his bout with Evans fighting with herniated discs.  On the flipside, if a fighter's only losses are against Evans and Machida, it should be a sign of his ability.