UFC: Power Ranking the Top 10 Heavyweights in UFC

UFC Live on Versus 4 proved to be a huge event for the heavyweight division, as Cheick Kongo and Matt Mitrione both picked up huge wins. Neither fighter is on the cusp of a title shot, but both are within striking distance of making a big move toward the top of the division.

With an epic title fight between Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos on the horizon, Brock Lesnar out of action and the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix in full swing; this is an interesting time for the heavyweight division to say the least.

Without further delay, here are the top 10 heavyweights competing in the UFC.

10. Cheick Kongo

Pat Barry had him on the brink of defeat at UFC Live on Versus 4, but Cheick Kongo mounted a comeback of monumental proportions as he planted his feet and knocked Barry unconscious with two thundering right hands.

Even though he sneaks onto this list, Kongo still has to be considered a gatekeeper in the top-heavy heavyweight division.

9. Mike Russow

Mike Russow is currently riding a 10-fight winning streak but still doesn't have a fight scheduled after defeating Jon Madsen in March.

Time will tell how far Russow can rise in the heavyweight division, but his only loss in 16 career fights came against the highly-regarded Sergei Kharitonov.

8. Brendan Schaub

Since losing to Roy Nelson in the finals of Season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter, Brendan Schaub has torn through his next four opponents in the UFC. Schaub has risen so quickly that he has arguably surpassed Nelson.

Schaub will need to pass one more test before he is ranked above Nelson in these rankings, though, and that test will come against MMA legend Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera. Schaub will fight Nogeuira in the Brazilian's home country.

7. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

After an extended absence, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is expected to return to the Octagon for the first time in more than a year at UFC 134. Nogueira will meet Brendan Schaub at the event, which will be held in Nogeuira's home country of Brazil.

At 35 years old, Nogueira has clearly taken a step backward, but he is still a tough fight for most heavyweights and will be an excellent test for the up-and-coming Schaub.

6. Roy Nelson

With his loss to Frank Mir at UFC 130, it looks like Roy Nelson is headed for a role as a gatekeeper in the UFC. Momentarily, it looked as if Nelson could be considered as a serious contender, but two straight crushing defeats have practically erased that idea.

Nelson's next opponent has not yet been named, but he might first want to focus on battling his weight.

5. Frank Mir

In his best performance in quite some time, Frank Mir completely dominated Roy Nelson for three rounds at UFC 130. More importantly, though, Mir showed improved wrestling, which will be vital if he hopes to make an unlikely run at the heavyweight title.

It will be interesting to see who the UFC matches Mir up with next. Outside of an intriguing third fight with Lesnar, there aren't many viable options for opponents within the UFC.

4. Shane Carwin

After being dominated by Junior Dos Santos, it is beginning to look as if Shane Carwin's new role in the UFC will be as a gatekeeper and test dummy for the future stars of the heavyweight division.

Fighters like Dos Santos and Velasquez are just too conditioned and well-rounded to see a scenario where Carwin would ever get another realistic shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

3. Brock Lesnar

Diverticulitis has struck Brock Lesnar once again, but this time it cost him a chance at earning a rematch with UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez. After filming Season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter, where he coached against Junior Dos Santos, Lesnar became ill and pulled out of his UFC 131 fight with Dos Santos.

Lesnar has said he plans on returning to fighting, but his health has become a serious question mark, and the rise of fighters like Velasquez and Dos Santos make it seem very unlikely that we'll ever see a UFC belt around Lesnar's waist again.

2. Junior Dos Santos

After winning a second fight to determine the top heavyweight contender in the last year, Junior Dos Santos will once again play the waiting game until it is known when UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez will be available to return to the Octagon.

In his fight with Carwin, Dos Santos showed that he has been working on his wrestling, which he will need in order to keep his fight with Velasquez standing. If he can defend Velasquez's takedowns, Dos Santos will likely be on his way to becoming the new heavyweight title holder.

1. Cain Velasquez

The return date for the UFC Heavyweight Champion has not yet been determined, but he will most definitely be facing Junior Dos Santos, who reconfirmed his spot as the top contender with his win over Shane Carwin at UFC 131.

When the two heavyweights finally meet, the bout could determine the future of the division, as both fighters are still young and rounding out their overall game.

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 here.