MMA Fighter Rankings: Light Heavyweight
On the first Wednesday of every month, theScore's MMA editors compile a list of the top 10 fighters in each of the major weight classes.
Rankings
Heavyweight | Light Heavyweight
Middleweight | Welterweight
Lightweight | Featherweight
Bantamweight | Flyweight
Women: Bantamweight | Strawweight
Light Heavyweight
| Ranking | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jon Jones |
| 2 | Daniel Cormier |
| 3 | Anthony Johnson |
| 4 | Alexander Gustafsson |
| 5 | Ryan Bader |
| 6 | Phil Davis |
| 7 | Rashad Evans |
| 8 | Ovince Saint Preux |
| 9 | Glover Teixeira |
| 10 | Liam McGeary |
- In a surprising turn of events, Alexander Gustafsson, coming off a loss, will be the first challenger to newly minted champion Daniel Cormier. Ryan Bader was expected to be Cormier's first title test, and even cut a pro wrestling-esque promo following Cormier's victory over Anthony Johnson at UFC 187, but the UFC decided to go with "The Mauler" and his much more fan-friendly style.
- Bader may not be getting a title shot in his next bout, but he could be facing a former champion. Rashad Evans, who hasn't fought since 2013 after battling knee injuries, is hoping to face Bader in his return to the Octagon at some point in 2015.
- On August 8, Ovince Saint Preux will exchange heavy leather with Glover Teixeira in a potential firefight to see who will stay relevant among the upper echelon in the division.
- Liam McGeary is set to defend his Bellator title for the first time in September when he faces the suddenly (and stunningly) relevant Tito Ortiz. After an abysmal finish to his UFC career, Ortiz, like a phoenix, has risen from the ashes, picking up consecutive wins for the first time since 2006.
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