MMA Pound-for-Pound Rankings (Updated 10-27-2010)

Welcome to the Cain Velasquez era. The undefeated Salinas, California native makes his pound-for-pound debut after defeating Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 for the Heavyweight Championship.

Velasquez's debut pushes former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida out of the rankings.

These rankings factor in recent performances and quality of competition. Some of these placements are debatable (especially #1 and #2).

Everyone's opinion is valued. I'll try to chime in on the discussion. Thanks!

(Originally Published at SportsHaze.com)

1) Anderson Silva

At UFC 117, Anderson Silva proved why he is considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

After getting dominated throughout the bout, Silva caught Chael Sonnen in a fight-ending triangle late in the fifth round. It was a signature ending that will be remembered for years to come.

Great athletes always find a way to win. Silva has been doing it frequently. The win over Sonnen extended his UFC record for most consecutive title defenses (7) and UFC victories (12).

2) Georges St. Pierre

If anyone has a claim to Anderson Silva’s spot, It’s the French-Canadian. Having avenged the only two losses on his record, Georges St. Pierre is theoretically undefeated.

He has laid waste to the UFC Welterweight division.

At UFC 111, St. Pierre dominated Dan Hardy for five rounds to pick up a unanimous decision.

 A rematch with Josh Koscheck at UFC 124 is next on the agenda. Before that, the two must finish their coaching duties on the twelfth season of The Ultimate Fighter.

3) Jose Aldo

"Run This Town", a single by Jay-Z, was a fitting entrance song for Jose Aldo at WEC 51.

After watching his complete decimation of Manny Gamburyan, Aldo reminded fans why he is the top dog in the Featherweight division and one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

With only two title defenses, people are already clamoring for Aldo’s jump to Lightweight. A bout with Kenny Florian was offered, but Aldo respectfully declined in hopes of cleaning out his division.

Josh Grispi and Mark Hominick appear to be the frontrunners for a Featherweight Title shot.

4) Frankie Edgar

Frankie Edgar proved he wasn’t a one-trick pony at UFC 112. At UFC 118, Edgar defeated B.J. Penn for the second consecutive time to retain his UFC Lightweight title.

It almost felt like a passing of the torch.

The celebration won’t last too long. A bully from a long time past awaits at UFC 125.

5) Jon Fitch

In MMA, Jon Fitch puts in work like a man on an assembly line. 13 of his 23 victories have come by decision.

Still, the decisions can’t topple this Welterweight standout’s impressive résumé. Fitch has compiled a 13-1 UFC record. His lone loss came from Georges St. Pierre at UFC 87.

At UFC 117, Fitch defeated Thiago Alves in a bout that many thought would decide the next contender for the Welterweight Title.

UFC President Dana White has instead opted to go with former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields. With Shields next in line for a title shot, Fitch’s future hangs in limbo.

6) Jake Shields

It was far from pretty, but Jake Shields managed to escape Anaheim, California with a split decision victory at UFC 121 over Martin Kampmann.

The sloppy nature of the bout left fans wondering if Shields is truly deserving of a Welterweight Title shot. His record speaks for itself. Shields hasn’t lost a bout in nearly six years.

Still, a performance like that makes you wonder about Shields’ chances against the top dogs in the division.

7) Fedor Emelianenko

Like every fighter, Fedor is only human.

At Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum, Fedor suffered his first authentic MMA loss to two-time ADCC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum.

It was a tough loss that reminded MMA fans that no fighter is invincible.

Fedor remains one of the great fighters of the sport and perhaps the best Heavyweight in the world.

8) Dominick Cruz

Post-Miguel Torres, Dominick Cruz looks like the guy to bring stability back to the WEC Bantamweight division.

At WEC 47, Cruz defeated Brian Bowles to become the Bantamweight Champion. His first defense came in his second decision victory over Joseph Benavidez at WEC 50.

The only loss on Cruz’s record comes from Urijah Faber in a Featherweight title bout back in March 2007. With Faber coming to Bantamweight, a rematch could be inevitable.

Things have changed since 2007. Cruz’s aggressive offense and solid defense makes him a nightmare opponent for anyone. His next title defense will be against Scott Jorgensen at WEC 53.

9) Mauricio Rua

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua righted a terrible wrong in his UFC 113 bout with Lyoto Machida.

Many thought Shogun beat Machida back in October 2009. Machida was awarded a controversial decision that set up the immediate rematch at UFC 113.

A first round KO by Shogun erased the decision and years of living in Wanderlei Silva’s shadow.

By becoming the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Shogun earned the first major MMA title in his illustrious career.

His first defense will likely be against Rashad Evans; however, a knee injury will keep him sidelined until early 2011.

10) Cain Velasquez

Despite his well publicized size advantage, Brock Lesnar failed to halt the Cain train at UFC 121.

The first round mugging Cain Velasquez gave Lesnar came as a shock to most fans. Others expected nothing less than dominance from the American Kickboxing Academy standout.

Velasquez’s first Heavyweight Title defense is expected to come against unbeaten contender Junior Dos Santos.