UFC 125: Ranking the Top 10 Light Heavyweights in the UFC

UFC 125 Light Heavyweight Fights

Thiago Silva defeated Brandon Vera by unanimous decision

Light Heavyweight Fights in February 2011

Rich Franklin vs. Forrest Griffin

Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader

Kyle Kingsbury vs. Ricardo Romero

James Te-Huna vs. Alexander Gustafsson

Anthony Perosh vs. Tom Blackledge

Other Contenders

Phil Davis (8-0)

Last Fight: Win vs. Tim Boetsch @ UFC 123

Next Fight: TBA

Tito Ortiz (15-8-1)

Last Fight: Loss vs. Matt Hamill @ UFC 121

Next Fight: vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira @ UFC Fight Night 24

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-4)

Last Fight: Loss vs. Ryan Bader @ UFC 119

Next Fight: vs. Tito Ortiz @ UFC Fight Night 24

Jason Brilz (18-3-1)_

Last Fight: Loss vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira @ UFC 114

Next Fight: TBA

10. Randy Couture (19-10)

Last Fight: Win vs. James Toney @ UFC 118

Next Fight: vs. Lyoto Machida @ UFC 129

After considering retirement, Randy Couture has decided to continue fighting.

It hasn't been confirmed by the UFC yet, but there is a strong possibility that Couture will fight Lyoto Machida at UFC 129. It will be a fight of great importance if Couture wants to make one final run at a title.

9. Matt Hamill (10-2)

Last Fight: Win vs. Tito Ortiz @ UFC 121

Next Fight: TBA

Although it includes the disqualification win over Jon Jones, Matt Hamill now has five consecutive victories.

After beating Tito Ortiz fairly easily, Hamill is ready to test the water with another borderline light heavyweight contender.

8. Ryan Bader (12-0)

Last Fight: Win vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira @ UFC 119

Next Fight: vs. Jon Jones @ UFC 126

Ryan Bader will clash with Jon Jones in a fight between two of the brightest young stars in the light heavyweight division.

The winner could be well on their way to a shot at the title.

7. Thiago Silva (15-2)

Last Fight: Win vs. Brandon Vera @ UFC 125

Next Fight: TBA

After about one year out of action, Thiago Silva returned with a dominating performance over Brandon Vera.

Silva, one of the more underrated fighters in the division, will now likely see a top ten fighter in his next fight.

6. Rich Franklin (28-5, 1 NC)

Last Fight: Win vs. Chuck Liddell @ UFC 115

Next Fight: vs. Forrest Griffin @ UFC 126

Rich Franklin rebounded from a loss to Vitor Belfort with a devastating knockout against Chuck Liddell.

In victory, Franklin paid a price with a broken arm. Franklin has since recovered and is set to fight Forrest Griffin at UFC 126. Both fighters are aging, so a loss could mean the end of any hopes of fighting for a title again.

5. Jon Jones (11-1)

Last Fight: Win vs. Vladimir Matyushenko @ UFC Live on Versus 2

Next Fight: vs. Ryan Bader @ UFC 126

Jon Jones' upcoming fight with Ryan Bader will be one of the most important light heavyweight fights in UFC history. Both fighters are rising stars.

The winner could be on their way to becoming a champion,

4. Lyoto Machida (16-2)

Last Fight: Loss vs. Quinton Jackson @ UFC 123

Next Fight: vs. Randy Couture @ UFC 129

Lyoto Machida has now lost two fights in a row. His next fight will be with UFC legend Randy Couture.

Machida's career could be on the line in this fight.

3. Quinton Jackson (31-8)

Last Fight: Win vs. Lyoto Machida @ UFC 123

Next Fight: TBA

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson scored a very important win in his last fight against Lyoto Machida. Jackson is now right in the mix for a shot a regaining the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

Jackson's next opponent remains unknown, but it will surely be a top five contender.

2. Rashad Evans (16-1-1)

Last Fight: Win vs. Quinton Jackson @ UFC 114

Next Fight: vs. Mauricio Rua @ UFC 128

After a long wait, Rashad Evans finally knows when he will get his chance to reclaim the belt.

Evans will face Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128 in March.

1. Mauricio Rua (19-4)

Last Fight: Win vs. Lyoto Machida @ UFC 113

Next Fight: vs. Rashad Evans @ UFC 128

Knee surgery held Mauricio “Shogun” Rua out for quite awhile.

His return date has been set for UFC 128 in March, when he will defend his title for the first time against Rashad Evans.