Post UFC 123: Ranking The Top 10 Light-Heavyweights In The UFC

In the wake of UFC 123, we are left with questions as to whether the promotion's Light Heavyweight division's landscap has changed at all. 

With the current 205lb champ, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua sidelined by a post UFC 113 surgery, and # 1 contender, Rashad Evans waiting in the wings, what's left for the remaining members of this ever evolving weightclass?

Bleacher Report has now taken a look at how these fighters rank currently. 

# 10: Rich "Ace" Franklin

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DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 19: UFC fighter Vitor Belfort (R) battles UFC fighter Rich Franklin (L) during their Catch weight bout at UFC 103: Franklin vs. Belfort at the American Airlines Center on September 19, 2009 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Get

The nicest guy in MMA is currently trying to earn his keep in a new division since moving up from 185 a few years ago. This coming February, he'll be facing off against TUF poster boy, Forrest Griffin. 

# 9: Thiago Silva

January seems to be a very important month for Thiago Silva. This past January he took on Rashad Evans at UFC 108, in fight that could've easily been the Brazilian's had he been more aggressive in the earlier rounds. 

Now this coming New Years Day, Silva will be facing off against high level striker, Brandon Vera. Let's just hope that he doesn't end up saying "better luck next year" again. 

# 8 : Antônio Rogério Nogueira

The man affectionately nicknamed "Little Nog" has been trying to make a case for himself in the Light Heavyweight division this year. With a win over Jason Brilz and a loss to the young powerhouse, Ryan Bader. Nogueira is still a very dangerous member of the top 10. 

#7: Forrest Griffin

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 21: Tito Ortiz (L) battles Forrest Griffin (R) during their Light Heavyweight Fight at the UFC 106 at Mandalay Bay Events Center on November 21, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

While it has been a year since Griffin has last been in the Octagon, the man charged with providing the spark for the UFC's rise to the mainstream over the past five years is set to get back into the cage with Rich "Ace" Franklin in February. 

This has the makings of a great match up between to very likable fighters. 

# 6: Ryan "Darth" Bader

One of the two young guns within the Light Heavyweight division, this Ultimate Fighter season 8 winner has been knocking his way up the fight ladder over the past two years. 

With bone crushing power and a high level of wrestling skill, Bader is on a collision course with fellow 205 stud Jon Jones in February.

This will be a top match up to be on the look out for in 2011. 

#5: Jon "Bones" Jones

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LAS VEGAS - JULY 11: (R-L) Jon Jones connects with a right punch on Jake O'Brein during their light heavyweight bout during UFC 100 on July 11, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jones defeated O'Brein by second round tapout. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Vera, Bonnar, Matyushenko. This is a growing list of Jon Jones' victims in the Octagon, and the victims just keep on coming.

The rise of Jon Jones within the Light Heavyweight division is something of a supernova, and as the 23 year old continues to grow and mature both physically and as a fighter, it is definitely possible that you'll be seeing Mr.Jones in the hunt for a title shot in 2011. 

# 4: Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida

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MONTREAL- MAY 8: Lyoto Machida (R) fights Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua in their light heavyweight bout at UFC 113 at Bell Centre on May 8, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

In his loss last night against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Lyoto Machida has every right to keep his head high. 

Machida's offense - dodging fighting style allows him to frustrate nearly any opponent that he faces. However, as time goes on, and more fighters begin to decipher the methods of beating the Dragon, he'll continue to face challenges like the one's that he's had in 2010. 

# 3: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 28: UFC fighter Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson weighs in for his fight against UFC fighter Rashad Evans at UFC 114: Rampage versus Rashad at the Mandalay Bay Hotel on May 28, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

Jackson showed glimpses of the old "Rampage" at UFC 123 against Lyoto Machida, and seemed more focused and determined than in his previous efforts. 

Thanks to fellow 205er Mauricio Rua, Jackson was able to execute a game plan which helped minimize Machida's lunging fencer - like offense. 

If Jackson can keep this kind of focus up, he might have a shot at moving up the ranks to a title shot in 2011. 

# 2: "Suga" Rashad Evans

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 28: UFC fighter Rashad Evans weighs in for his fight against UFC fighter Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson at UFC 114: Rampage versus Rashad at the Mandalay Bay Hotel on May 28, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

The former Light Heavyweight champ is chomping at the bit to get a chance to regain his title. With his recent defeat of "Rampage" Jackson in the spring, It almost seems like a waste to have Evans sitting around just waiting.

Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea for UFC President, Dana White to create an interim title in the meantime?

Hey, it worked for the Heavyweight division... 

# 1: Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

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MONTREAL- MAY 8: Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua receives the light heavyweight belt after defeating Lyoto Machida at UFC 113 at Bell Centre on May 8, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

While "Shogun" showed us the blueprint to defeating the elusive counter-striking Lyoto Machida, he did pay a significant price for it. 

Sidelined for the better half of this year after a much needed knee surgery, Rua will have a worthy opponent in Rashad Evans upon his return in 2011.