Takanori Gomi’s relative inactivity and lack of recent achievements have left his point total stagnant. In fact, his points have actually decreased approximately 7% since they were at their peak level, which was reached after he beat Ishida on 12/31/06. This is not to say that this was him at his fighting peak as it is inaccurate to compare the value of a point between time (sort of like the value of the dollar), but with increased competition, the outstanding pool of points becomes larger. This means that Gomi is essentially “swimming against the current”.
On April 29th the #2 Lightweight, Gesias Calvancante, squares off against the #6 Lightweight, Shinya Aoki. If Calvancante were to win, he would take the top spot from Takanori Gomi. If Aoki wins, his eventual point total would depend on the type of win.
Regardless of this outcome, the top spot may be in jeopardy again on May 24th, when #3 Lightweight, BJ Penn, squares off against the #5 Lightweight, Sean Sherk for the FightMatrix recognized UFC Lightweight title.