UFC on Versus 3 Results: Mark Munoz and the Top 10 Middleweights in the UFC

UFC Live on Versus 3 featured several excellent middleweights looking to break into the top 10. C.B. Dollaway had an excellent opportunity to become mentioned among the top middleweights in the UFC if he could have defeated Mark Munoz, who had already been a borderline top-10 middleweight in the organization.

Also, Rousimar Palhares got back on track after his unfortunate loss to Nate Marquardt in his last fight. In that fight, Palhares was caught off guard while accusing Marquardt of greasing mid-fight. Also, Alessio Sakara fought and lost to highly-touted UFC newcomer Chris Weidman.

Has Munoz established himself as an unquestionable top-10 UFC middleweight? Is Palhares' win over Dave Branch enough to warrant his inclusion with the division's elite? Answers to these questions and more are answered in the following list of the top 10 middleweights in the UFC. 

10. Chris Leben

After an impressive 2010, where he won all three of his fights, Chris Leben's 2011 got off to a rough start. In a fight that he was expected by many to win, Leben was knocked out in the first round by Brian Stann. In 32 career fights, Anderson Silva is the only other fighter to have knocked out Chris Leben.

One of Leben's trainers, Burt Richardson, said that Leben was sick before the fight with Stann, which may have contributed to the loss. Still, Leben's spot in the top 10 UFC middleweights is on thin ice, though, and a notable win for one of the fighters who did not make this list could result in his exclusion.  

9. Mark Munoz

After a close decision loss to top contender Yushin Okami, Mark Munoz has now won two straight fights. At UFC on Versus 3, Munoz stopped C.B. Dollaway and showed improved striking in the process.

If Munoz is able to continually improve his striking, something that failed him in his loss to Okami, he could find himself moving into a position where he could contend for a title as early as 2012. 

8. Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping defeated Jorge Rivera at UFC 127, but he did so without showing much class. Allegedly, Bisping ran to Rivera's corner after the fight was stopped and spat at Rivera's cornermen. Now, Bisping can't exactly be penalized for this in these rankings, but Dana White has said that he will punish Bisping for his actions.

Bisping has now won three consecutive fights since losing to Wanderlei Silva in February 2010. Rumors have begun to swirl that Bisping could serve as the return opponent for Chael Sonnen. 

7. Brian Stann

Heading into his fight against Chris Leben, many thought that Brian Stann was taking on more than he could handle with a huge step up in competition from his previous opponent, Mike Massenzio. Stann proved those doubters wrong by finishing Leben in the first round.

Stann asked for a fight with Wanderlei Silva after his win, but Silva declined the fight. Now, Stann will welcome back former Sengoku Middleweight Champion Jorge Santiago to the UFC.

6. Demian Maia

After his infamous loss to Anderson Silva, Demian Maia has won two consecutive fights against Mario Miranda and Kendall Grove. Aside from Silva, the only other fighter that Maia has lost to is Nate Marquardt. 

In both of the losses Maia has suffered, his stand-up game was lacking. For that reason, Maia has begun to focus more of his training on striking. After dominating his last two opponents, it may be time for Maia to test himself against an elite middleweight again. 

5. Nate Marquardt

Nate Marquardt had two chances to become a top contender in 2010. In both fights, Marquardt came up short. Instead, Marquardt saw Chael Sonnen and Yushin Okami earn the shot that he has been trying to get since losing to Anderson Silva in July 2007. 

Perhaps, Marquardt's loss to Okami wasn't as devastating as it first appeared, though. There is a possibility that Okami will have to wait for a title shot if Silva fights Georges St-Pierre later in 2010. Marquardt's next run at a title shot will begin with Yoshihiro Akyama at UFC 128. 

4. Yushin Okami

With his most recent win in a fight against Nate Marquardt, Yushin Okami was promised a shot at the UFC Middleweight Championship. However, that promise may be broken if a superfight between Anderson Silva and Georges St. Pierre materializes. 

For now, Okami will have to await his fate until at least UFC 129 to find out if St-Pierre is able to defeat Jake Shields in the main event of that card.

3. Vitor Belfort

At UFC 126, Vitor Belfort became a sacrificial example of just how dangerous Anderson Silva can be when you stand with him. Belfort was knocked out by a Silva front kick in the first round of their title fight.

Belfort has voiced his desire to make a quick return to the Octagon. Belfort even went as far as to ask for Michael Bisping as his next opponent. Nothing official has been announced with regards to Belfort's next fight, though. 

2. Chael Sonnen

Clearly winning his fight against Anderson Silva at UFC 117 heading into the fifth round, Sonnen came within less than two minutes of being named the UFC Middleweight Champion. However, Silva submitted Sonnen and legal troubles ensued for the former top contender.

Still awaiting a decision on his money laundering case, Sonnen's next opponent has not been named. Sonnen's suspension for a positive drug test has expired, though. 

1. Anderson Silva

With his knockout of Vitor Belfort, Anderson Silva now has eight consecutive title defenses. Silva's next title defense could be his toughest and most meaningful ever, though.

If Georges St-Pierre defeats Jake Shields at UFC 129, there is a possibility that he would move up to middleweight and challenge Silva for the title. A win over St-Pierre would cement Silva as quite possibly the greatest fighter in MMA history.

UFC on Versus 3: Results, News and More

Sean Smith is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, you can follow Sean on Twitter @BR_Sean_Smith