FightMatrix All-Time Women Rankings
These all-time calculation methods are still in the beta stages, but close to final. There are some important things to mention as there are some major differences between these rankings and the FightMatrix ratings.
- Rankings ARE division specific. Fighters CAN appear in more than one list, but will only be given credit during times in which they produced quality performances in these divisions. Due to this, divisional info is seriously depended upon.
- Years of 1990 and later are considered.
- Monthly ranking snapshots are taken, with some minor modifications that are focused on determining the truly great fighters (harsher penalties for inactivity, lack of quality performances)
- Fighters are given points based on their standing in the Top 25, with the most points going toward a #1 spot, a little less to #2, right on down the line. Having longevity at the top of the division is key and those who only spend a limited time in a division will suffer. Divisional depth at the time is also given consideration.
| Rank | Fighter | Total Record | All-Time Points | |
| 1 | Last Fight: 4/25/2009 |
22-1-0 |
|
|
| 2 | Last Fight: 3/28/2009 |
17-1-0 |
|
|
| 3 | Last Fight: 5/21/2005 |
13-2-0 |
|
|
| 4 | Last Fight: 9/19/2009 |
30-2-2 |
|
|
| 5 | Last Fight: 12/12/2007 |
19-6-0 |
|
|
| 6 | Last Fight: 1/24/2009 |
16-3-0 |
|
|
| 7 | Last Fight: 7/11/2009 |
18-0-0 |
|
|
| 8 | Last Fight: 4/3/2008 |
11-5-1 |
|
|
| 9 | Last Fight: 6/28/2009 |
21-4-0 |
|
|
| 10 | Last Fight: 11/8/2008 |
13-4-0 |
|
1. Yuka Tsuji (347 All-Time Points)
Amazingly, Tsuji has been ranked in the Top 10 ever since the outcome of her debut fight, nearly 8 years ago. She has only lost once in her career, against another top women’s fighter Tavares, which she later avenged. Like any female fighter, she’s had her stretches of weak opposition strength, but remains the best ever.
2. Tara LaRosa (260)
The best American female MMA fighter in history can’t seem to catch a break with bursting into the mainstream. Although she doesn’t have the glitz of Carano, or the physical attributes of Santos, she’s no stranger to the #1 position on our women’s list which she held for quite some time. However, to gain back her perch, she needs to fight higher quality opponents.
3. Jennifer Howe (173)
Like Tsuji, she jumped into the Top 10 right after her debut, but at a time when the women’s scene was incredibly weak. Still, she held a Top 10 position until her second loss to Modafferi. It’s been over four years since her last fight, so I have to assume that she’s retired.
4. Satoko Shinashi (129)
At only about 100 pounds, Shinashi has one of the most impressive records in MMA, period, at 29 (or 30)-2-2. Lately, she’s finding it tougher to hang out in the Top 10 due to the increasing competition.
5. Hisae Watanabe (127)
A veteran of Smackgirl, Pancrase, and DEEP, who holds a one-punch knockout victory of Satoko Shinashi, who is she 1-1 against. Although she retired in December 2007, she recently announced her interest in coming back and fighting soon.
6. Marloes Coenen (115)
Although having held a respectable ranking position from 2001 to 2008, she recently disappointed, losing to debutant Cindy Dandois in January of this year. Coenen has not fought since. The Dutch fighter is probably the biggest in the top ten, usually competing around 155 pounds.
7. Megumi Fujii (105)
Sure to climb up the list, Fujii really broke into the FightMatrix spotlight when she overtook the #1 spot from Tara LaRosa around the start of 2009. As she holds the top spot and continues to win, she’ll rise up quickly as its pretty tight up to #4.
8. Amanda Buckner (102)
Peaking at #2 in the rankings during 2006, Buckner is the third highest-ranked American on the list. Her last fight was a loss to Takayo Hashi in April 2008.
9. Miku Matsumoto (92)
Currently ranked #3, Matsumoto is the DEEP 106lb women’s champion. Like Fujii, Matsumoto has the current ranking and youth to overtake a few fighters on this list.
10. Roxanne Modafferi (91)
Modafferi rounds out the top ten. She holds two wins over Jennifer Howe, as well as a split decision win over Marloes Coenen. Having went through a streak of 2-4 between December 2004 and October 2006, she looks to have turned it around, recently going 6-0.
MMA Rankings Updated: 9/20/09
Notable Info
- It’s now 100% clear that the old “Cro Cop” is gone and that Junior dos Santos is certainly for real. Having already had dos Santos at #6, he gains only one spot. Mirko on the other hand, falls all the way to #23.
- At the unofficial division that is 195, Vitor Belfort annihilated Rich Franklin and moves into the Light Heavyweight rankings at #6.
- Josh Koscheck regains the legitimacy he lost at the hands of Paulo Thiago with a dominant victory over Frank Trigg. He rises up to #4 in the division. Also at Welterweight, Paul Daley pulls off the upset and moves to #11, while Mike Pierce does the same and now sits at #15.
- Tyson Griffin and Nate Diaz each improve their standing in the UFC’s Lightweight division by moving up 10, and 20 spots respectively. There was also a ton of movement by other Lightweights as a result of the past week’s results.
- Relative unknown Jared McMahan loses his top 15 spot at Bantamweight to an even more unknown, Yusup Saduliev. As a result of this loss and McMahan’s lack of quality opposition, he drops completely out of the Top 50.
UFC 103: How they stack up
195lb Catchweight
[#6 LHW] Rich Franklin vs. [#9 MW] Vitor Belfort
Heavyweight
[#6] Junior dos Santos vs. [#13] Mirko Filipovic
Welterweight
[#13] Martin Kampmann vs. [#28] Paul Daley
Welterweight
[#15 MW] Frank Trigg vs. [#8] Josh Koscheck
Lightweight
[#23] Tyson Griffin vs. [#25] Hermes Franca
Lightweight
[#75] Cole Miller vs. [#204] Efrain Escudero
Middleweight
[#35] Drew McFedries vs. [#30 LHW] Tomasz Drwal
Lightweight
[#18] Jim Miller vs. [#191] Steve Lopez
Lightweight
[#68] Rafaello Oliveira vs. [#103 WW] Nik Lentz
Welterweight
[#43] Brian Foster vs. [#79] Ricky Story
Light Heavyweight
[#34] Jason Brilz vs. [#250] Eliot Marshall
Light Heavyweight
[#19] Vladimir Matyushenko vs. [#95] Igor Pokrajac
Lightweight
[#111] Rob Emerson vs. [#173] Rafael dos Anjos
Ranking Notes: Dark green font represents an approximate ranking. An asterisk represents a fighter who is ranked, but too low for an approximation. These two scenarios will clear up slightly as we move forward. “NR” means the fighter is not ranked, due to inactivity, or due to a rating that is at or below the default starter rating.
FightMatrix All-Time Welterweight Rankings (163-175)
These are still in the alpha stages, and there are some important things to mention as there are some major differences between these rankings and the FightMatrix ratings.
- Rankings ARE division specific, however some fighters will experience run-over into divisions they jumped in and out of. Fighters CAN appear in more than one list, and will only given credit during times in which they produced quality performances in these divisions. Due to this, divisional info is seriously depended upon. This is a large reason why I think this is still in the alpha stage.
- Years of 1990 and later are considered.
- Monthly ranking snapshots are taken. Fighters are given points based on their standing in the Top 15, with the most points going toward a #1 spot, a little less to #2, right on down the line. Having longevity at the top of the division is key and those who only spend a limited time in a division will suffer. Divisional depth at the time is also given consideration.
- Heavyweight will look a bit odd, as it will include those who excelled at open-weight back in the 1990s.
| Rank | Fighter | Total Record | All-Time Division Points | |
| 1 | Last Fight: 5/23/2009 |
43-7-0 |
|
|
| 2 | Last Fight: 7/11/2009 |
19-2-0 |
|
|
| 3 | Last Fight: 5/23/2009 |
33-4-1 |
|
|
| 4 | Last Fight: 7/11/2009 |
19-3-0 |
|
|
| 5 | Last Fight: 1/31/2009 |
18-5-0 |
|
|
| 6 | Last Fight: 6/20/2009 |
21-2-0 |
|
|
| 7 | Last Fight: 7/20/2009 |
35-9-2 |
|
|
| 8 | Last Fight: 6/6/2009 |
23-4-1 |
|
|
| 9 | Last Fight: 7/11/2009 |
17-6-0 |
|
|
| 10 | Last Fight: 6/6/2009 |
20-7-0 |
|
1. Matt Hughes (1,274 All-Time Welterweight Points)
The most dominant Welterweight in MMA history. Not much needs to be said here, as he’s spent approximately four years at the top of the division, a streak that was only broken up by his loss to BJ Penn in 2004. With over a decade in the division, Hughes still ranks near the top and seemingly will try to extend his legacy even further.
2. Georges St. Pierre (946)
If there is an heir apparent to the best Welterweight in history, it is Georges St. Pierre. Currently the most dominant fighter in the entire sport, he has gone 12-1 since his loss to Matt Hughes in their first contest. Not only that, but during this 12-1 streak, GSP has had an incredible strength of schedule beating guys like Matt Hughes (2x), Frank Trigg, Sean Sherk, Josh Koscheck, Matt Serra, Jon Fitch, and Thiago Alves, with his only loss to Serra avenged.
3. Sean Sherk (454)
From the #2 position, the point total drops tremendously with a surprising entry at #3. Before Sherk moved to Lightweight, he was a top Welterweight since 2001. Until losing to GSP at UFC 56, Sherk went an amazing 29-1-1 in his MMA career.
4. Jon Fitch (428)
After starting his career at Light Heavyweight, then dropping to Middleweight, Fitch finally settled in at Welterweight where he lost only once, in a unanimous decision loss against St. Pierre. In another couple of months, Fitch should move into the 3rd position on this list.
5. Karo Parisyan (426)
Although Parisyan got off to a rough start against big name competition (two losses to Sherk), he rebounded and became one of the top Welterweights in the sport. The future for Karo is unclear though, and this list is pretty tight, so if he hopes to gain ground, he’ll have to rack up some more quality wins.
6. Diego Sanchez (393)
Diego’s tenure in the Welterweight division appears to have come to an end, but in his relatively limited time, he made a mark starting at 17-0 only losing to Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch. It would’ve been nice to see him carry on at the weight, but he will now attempt to make a mark at Lightweight.
7. Hayato Sakurai (355)
In the wave of American welterweights, Asians like Hayato Sakurai are often forgotten. And even though he split time at the Lightweight division, Sakurai did plenty at Welterweight while the division was in its infancy.
8. Jake Shields (320)
The best Welterweight never to fight for the UFC or PRIDE? That might come to an end eventually, but you know he’s pretty good if he still found the competition to beat to end up on this list.
9. Thiago Alves (294)
I have to say that this one surprised me, but he’s been in the Top 15 for nearly the last 4 years and has been riding near the top since early 2008.
10. Nick Diaz (227)
Is he a Welterweight now, a Middleweight? That I’m not sure of, but at 26, Diaz has enough time to improve his spot on this list.
Update/Re-post: A preliminary ranking of TUF Season 10
Leader of the Pack
1. Roy Nelson (#31 HW)
.
The Next Best Thing
2. Darrill Schoonover (#58 HW)
.
Solid Underdog Picks
3. Abe Wagner (#85 HW)
4. Justin Wren (#111 HW)
5. Kimbo Slice (#124 HW)
.
The B-Squad
6. Mike Wessel (#141 HW)
7. Zak Jensen (#146 HW)
8. Scott Junk (#157 HW)
9. Brendan Schaub (#171 HW)
.
Longshots
10. James McSweeney (#295 HW)
11. Wes Sims (#302 HW)
12. Marcus Jones (#304 HW)
.
The Filler
13. Jon Madsen (~#500 HW)
NR. Wes Shivers
NR. Matt Mitrione
NR. Demico Rogers
MMA Rankings Updated: 9/7/09
Notable Info
- Rodney Wallace won the eight-man VengeanceFC Light Heavyweight tournament on Saturday, which boosts him into the Top 25 in the division.
- At Welterweight, War Machine rises 35 positions to #108 with his win on Saturday as he attempts to gain some relevance not related to his legal name.
- Joachim Hansen’s inactivity is costing him precious ranking points in the very competitive Lightweight division as he drops to #5.
FightMatrix All-Time Lightweight Rankings (150-162)
These are still in the alpha stages, and there are some important things to mention as there are some major differences between these rankings and the FightMatrix ratings.
- Rankings ARE division specific, however some fighters will experience run-over into divisions they jumped in and out of. Fighters CAN appear in more than one list, and will only given credit during times in which they produced quality performances in these divisions. Due to this, divisional info is seriously depended upon. This is a large reason why I think this is still in the alpha stage.
- Years of 1990 and later are considered.
- Monthly ranking snapshots are taken. Fighters are given points based on their standing in the Top 15, with the most points going toward a #1 spot, a little less to #2, right on down the line. Having longevity at the top of the division is key and those who only spend a limited time in a division will suffer. Divisional depth at the time is also given consideration.
- Heavyweight will look a bit odd, as it will include those who excelled at open-weight back in the 1990s.
| Rank | Fighter | Total Record | All-Time Division Points | |
| 1 | Last Fight: 5/10/2009 |
30-5-0 |
|
|
| 2 | Last Fight: 8/8/2009 |
14-5-1 |
|
|
| 3 | Last Fight: 7/20/2009 |
20-3-0 |
|
|
| 4 | Last Fight: 5/26/2009 |
24-5-2 |
|
|
| 5 | Last Fight: 8/23/2009 |
18-8-0 |
|
|
| 6 | Last Fight: 8/9/2009 |
34-15-1 |
|
|
| 7 | Last Fight: 7/21/2008 |
19-7-1 |
|
|
| 8 | Last Fight: 6/13/2009 |
25-12-4 |
|
|
| 9 | Last Fight: 8/23/2009 |
19-7-0 |
|
|
| 10 | Last Fight: 6/22/2008 |
14-3-1 |
|
1. Takanori Gomi (1,192 All-Time Lightweight Points)
Its not even close. Gomi has spent his entire 10+ year career at Lightweight, having separate undefeated spans of 14 fights, and 10 fights. He’s beaten a who’s who list of fighters, including Tatsuya Kawajiri, Marcus Aurelio, Mitsuhiro Ishida, Hayato Sakurai, Dokonjonosuke Mishima, and Jens Pulver, amongst others. He’s been a bit lackluster of late, but there’s no doubting his legacy.
2. B.J. Penn (616)
Regardless of his somewhat disappointing endeavors outside of the Lightweight division, Penn has done just enough at 155 to get him the #2 spot on this list. Wins at Lightweight over names like Takanori Gomi, Caol Uno, Joe Stevenson, Jens Pulver, and Sean Sherk, plus winning the UFC Lightweight Championship twice, has secured him a lofty spot on this list. It remains to be seen whether or not he can unseat Gomi at #1, but much of it will have to do with what weight class he decides to compete in.
3. Vitor Ribeiro (608)
Like Gomi, he’s probably on the downside of his career. But also like Gomi, he was one of the premier Lightweights throughout the early- and mid 2000s. A TKO loss to Tatsuya Kawajiri was the only loss in the first five and a half years of his career. He also holds a win over Kawajiri, as well as wins over Joachim Hansen, Mitsuhiro Ishida and others.
4. Tatsuya Kawajiri (462)
The best Lightweight to have never fought on American soil, Kawajiri still kept his opposition strength at a high level throughout his career. Holding a Top 10 Lightweight ranking on FightMatrix historical snapshots for nearly five years, he finds himself just barely outside of the current Top 10. If he wants to challenge for a Top 3 spot on this list, he’ll need to another big win or two.
5. Marcus Aurelio (456)
A bit of a surprise here, but the proof is in the pudding. Aurelio holds a dominant win over a prime Takanori Gomi, and almost pulled off a second win, dropping a split decision. Was also winner of the 16-man 2004 ZST Grand Prix, beating Masakazu Imanari and Rich Clementi in the process. Despite many solid wins and performances, he’s without any wins against All-Time Lightweight Top 10s sans Gomi. Nevertheless, he hardly ever loses in clear fashion, having never been stopped or submitted, and only losing unanimously twice.
6. Yves Edwards (410)
Fighting in the Lightweight division since late 2001, Edwards rose to the top of the heap with his run in 2004-05 where he defeated Hermes Franca (2x), Josh Thomson, and Dokonjonosuke Mishima. His overall resume is somewhat tarnished due to having 15 losses, and a couple streaks of mediocrity. Not having been very relevant for the last three years, he’s likely to be passed on this list sooner, rather than later.
7. Joachim Hansen (404)
Only six points behind Edwards, Hansen is ready to move up to #6. Inactive of late due to injury, he’s had a solid career with wins over Caol Uno, Masakazu Imanari, Yves Edwards, Gesias Calvacante and Takanori Gomi. A bout of inconsistency which saw him go 2-4 marred his ranking between late 2005 and late 2007, but he picked it up afterward by winning the Dream Lightweight tournament where he went 3-1.
8. Caol Uno (292)
With nearly 15 years as a professional fighter, Uno has found himself at, or near the top of the Lightweight division quite a few times. In fact, he was one of the very best in the division between the late 90s and early 00s with his high point coming in late 1998 where he ranked #1 for a year.
9. Dokonjonosuke Mishima (283)
As you can see from the decrease in point level, the Top 7 are strongly cemented in this division. Mishima is the best of the rest, narrowly edging out Caol Uno who’s at #9. Though he’s recently been at Featherweight, Mishima dominated the DEEP Lightweight scene for years and racked up some good wins in the process.
10. Gesias Calvancante (266)
JZ’s “prime period” has been short and may be over, with a no contest and two disappointing performances in a row. Although he has some impressive wins on his ledger, longevity at the top is key.
MMA Rankings Updated: 8/31/09
Notable Info
- Nogueira re-enters the Top 3 at Heavyweight with a commanding win over Randy Couture, who falls to #8. Couture is without a quality performance since August 2007.
- Muhammed Lawal makes a return bout at Heavyweight, completely embarrassing Mark Kerr. He enters at #23.
- Musical chairs occurs in the bottom-half of the Top 50 at Heavyweight. Tim Hague, and Justin McCully exit, while Rogent Lloret, Jessie Gibbs, and Todd Duffee enter.
- Thiago Silva hops back into the Top 10 with a devastating knockout win over the UFC’s own Techno Viking, who falls to #11.
- Nate Marquardt shocked Demian Maia in less than 30 seconds with one punch, capturing the #2 position at Middleweight. Henderson falls to #3.
- Aaron Simpson and Jake Rosholt both make moves at Middleweight, with each jumping 65, and 86 positions respectively.
- Meet Travis Marx. The latest relative unknown that is steadily creeping up the rankings. With his most recent win, he moves up to 15-1, and to #17 at Bantamweight.
UFC 102: How they stack up
An interesting note. This may be the first time that all fighters in a UFC card are ranked in the current rankings. There are also no fighters coming off of a 15+ month term of inactivity.
There are a few changing of the guard possibilities here, with undefeated fighters that have never tied or lost a decision on a single scorecard, a marker that we highly respect – Dunham/Aurelio, Duffee/Hague, and Simpson/Herman.
Heavyweight
[#4] Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. [#6] Randy Couture
Light Heavyweight
[#9] Keith Jardine vs. [#14] Thiago Silva
Middleweight
[#37] Chris Leben vs. [#132] Jake Rosholt
Middleweight
[#4] Demian Maia vs. [#6] Nate Marquardt
Light Heavyweight
[#17] Brandon Vera vs. [#24] Krzysztof Soszynski
Middleweight
[#31] Ed Herman vs. [#96] Aaron Simpson
Heavyweight
[#18] Gabriel Gonzaga vs. [#31] Chris Tuchscherer
Heavyweight
[#36] Michael Russow vs. [#43] Justin McCully
Heavyweight
[#39] Tim Hague vs. [#61] Todd Duffee
Middleweight
[#107] Nick Catone vs. [#115 LHW] Mark Munoz
Lightweight
[#28 WW] Marcus Aurelio vs. [#70] Evan Dunham
Ranking Notes: Dark green font represents an approximate ranking. An asterisk represents a fighter who is ranked, but too low for an approximation. These two scenarios will clear up slightly as we move forward. “NR” means the fighter is not ranked, due to inactivity, or due to a rating that is at or below the default starter rating.
FightMatrix All-Time Featherweight Rankings
These are still in the alpha stages, and there are some important things to mention as there are some major differences between these rankings and the FightMatrix ratings.
- Rankings ARE division specific, however some fighters will experience run-over into divisions they jumped in and out of. Fighters CAN appear in more than one list, and will only given credit during times in which they produced quality performances in these divisions. Due to this, divisional info is seriously depended upon. This is a large reason why I think this is still in the alpha stage.
- Years of 1990 and later are considered.
- Monthly ranking snapshots are taken. Fighters are given points based on their standing in the Top 15, with the most points going toward a #1 spot, a little less to #2, right on down the line. Having longevity at the top of the division is key and those who only spend a limited time in a division will suffer. Divisional depth at the time is also given consideration.
- Heavyweight will look a bit odd, as it will include those who excelled at open-weight back in the 1990s.
| Rank | Fighter | Total Record | All-Time Division Points | |
| 1 | Last Fight: 6/7/2009 |
22-3-0 |
|
|
| 2 | Last Fight: 8/2/2009 |
20-3-2 |
|
|
| 3 | Last Fight: 6/7/2009 |
22-4-0 |
|
|
| 4 | Last Fight: 6/1/2008 |
13-5-2 |
|
|
| 5 | Last Fight: 8/23/2009 |
17-7-1 |
|
|
| 6 | Last Fight: 8/9/2009 |
31-12-1 |
|
|
| 7 | Last Fight: 8/9/2009 |
24-7-2 |
|
|
| 8 | Last Fight: 7/19/2008 |
16-8-0 |
|
|
| 9 | Last Fight: 4/5/2009 |
12-1-0 |
|
|
| 10 | Last Fight: 6/22/2008 |
10-4-0 |
|
1. Urijah Faber (803 All-Time Featherweight Points)
The most dominant Featherweight in recent memory takes the top spot. Holding the #1 position for approximately two years, and competing in the division for his entire career has resulted in him being the top Featherweight of all-time.
2. Hatsu Hioki (520)
Hioki has long been the best Featherweight outside of North America. Also having spent his entire career at Featherweight, Hioki holds two wins over Mark Hominick, and a win over Jeff Curran, both of whom are on this list. Hioki has only lost three times, with two of those coming by way of split decision.
3. Mike Thomas Brown (480)
Having only come to prominence since first beating Urijah Faber, Brown has been a great Featherweight, as well as a decent Lightweight since 2004. The sky may be the limit now, as it appears that he may be the next dominant WEC Featherweight champion.
4. Alexandre Franca Nogueira (476)
Pequeño was the first great Featherweight when MMA emerged into the main scene, albeit at a time when the division was very weak and virtually non-existent in the Americas. As Nogueira aged, he decided to test the waters at Lightweight, and failed miserably.
5. Masakazu Imanari (419)
Although back at Bantamweight, Imanari has been a Top 15 featherweight for his entire tenure in the division. He holds wins over Mike Thomas Brown, and Yoshiro Maeda, two fighters that are on this list. His record is skewed by 7 losses, though a majority of them have come at Lightweight.
6. Jeff Curran (392)
Sporadically competing in the division since the late 1990s, Curran is probably the best Featherweight to not have won a major or mid-major championship in the division. Like Nogueira, Curran found it difficult to compete in this division, but has decided to go down in weight, rather than up, and like Nogueira, has not found success in this move.
7. Yoshiro Maeda (304)
His story sounds like a hybrid of the three mentioned above. Starting out a little later than Nogueira, Imanari found success in the Featherweight division, and even notched a few wins at Lightweight. However, upon reaching American soil, Maeda did not fare well, and decided to move to Bantamweight. With a record of 1-2, Maeda went to the 139lb DREAM Featherweight tournament, where he was TKO’d in the second round.
8. Mark Hominick (263)
The list weakens a bit as we get to #8. Undoubtedly the best Featherweight from Canada, Hominick has yet to reach elite status on the worldwide scene. Inactive since July 2008, Hominick has lost eight times, but almost all of those losses have come to top notch fighters.
9. Wagnney Fabiano (207)
A stint at Lightweight in the IFL cost him some tenure in the Featherweight division. However, while in the division, he has fared well, only losing a controversial split decision to #6 Jeff Curran. Fabiano remains a top ranked Featherweight fighter.
10. Antonio Carvalho (186)
Carvalho has flown under the radar a bit, but he’s #2 to Hominick as far as Canadian Featherweights go. He holds a close loss to Jeff Curran, as well as wins over Hatsu Hioki, Rumina Sato, and Takeshi Inoue.
MMA Rankings Updated: 8/17/07
Notable Info
- Fabricio Werdum returns to the win column with a victory over Mike Kyle, but remains outside the Top 10 at Heavyweight.
- Gegard Mousasi moved to the Light Heavyweight division and obliterated Renato Sobral. He debuts at #4, ahead of Forrest Griffin, who slips to #5.
- The little known Brazilian, Renan Barao, is starting to make a name for himself on the world circuit, moving to 15-1 and into the Top 30 at Featherweight. His only loss came in his debut.
- Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos ends Gina Carano’s undefeated streak and moves to #2 in the Womens’ division. Carano slips outside the Top 10.
All-Time Divisional Rankings: Bantamweight
We posted the Flyweight Top 5 last week, and here’s Bantamweight. These are still in the alpha stages, and there are some important things to mention as there are some major differences between these rankings and the FightMatrix ratings.
- Rankings ARE division specific, however some fighters will experience run-over into divisions they jumped in and out of. Fighters CAN appear in more than one list. Due to this, divisional info is seriously depended upon. This is a large reason why I think this is still in the alpha stage.
- Years of 1990 and later are considered.
- Monthly ranking snapshots are taken. Fighters are given points based on their standing in the Top 15, with the most points going toward a #1 spot, a little less to #2, right on down the line. Having longevity at the top of the division is key and those who only spend a limited time in a division will suffer. Divisional depth at the time is also given consideration.
- Heavyweight will look a bit odd, as it will include those who excelled at open-weight back in the 1990s.
| Rank | Fighter | Total Record | All-Time Division Points | |
| 1 | Last Fight: 8/9/2009 |
37-2-0 |
|
|
| 2 | Last Fight: 10/14/2006 |
15-1-1 |
|
|
| 3 | Last Fight: 12/6/2008 |
19-11-7 |
|
|
| 4 | Last Fight: 8/27/2008 |
9-7-5 |
|
|
| 5 | Last Fight: 7/21/2006 |
6-0-2 |
|
|
| 6 | Last Fight: 3/8/2009 |
12-4-0 |
|
|
| 7 | Last Fight: 4/5/2009 |
14-6-1 |
|
|
| 8 | Last Fight: 6/7/2009 |
16-5-0 |
|
|
| 9 | Last Fight: 5/23/2009 |
15-5-0 |
|
|
| 10 | Last Fight: 3/1/2009 |
6-3-1 |
|
1. Miguel Torres (336 All-Time Bantamweight Points)
Without question, the greatest Bantamweight in history. Defeated all of the opponents he’s faced, with the exception of Brian Bowles, whom he he has not yet had a chance to rematch. A 37-2 record, with all bouts (that we have divisional info for) taking place in the Bantamweight division.
2. Ryota Matsune (122)
The “Shooto Junkie” takes the silver with a 15-1-1 record at the division. Fought, and once defended the Shooto Featherweight (132) championship. Beat All-Time top bantamweights such as Kentaro Imaizumi and Masahiro Oishi. Only lost once by decision, and drew with Takeya Mizugaki, who is currently a top ten ranked Bantamweight.
3. Masahiro Oishi (111)
His total record like many Shooto fighters’, leaves something to be desired, but this is simply because judges there like even rounds and great parity is experienced. Nevertheless, he has been a top Bantamweight for well over a decade and has also routinely competed at Featherweight.
4. Kentaro Imaizumi (94)
Like Oishi, his record appears subpar, but a closer look reveals a unanimous decision win over Ryota Matsune, and two rematches where he fought on nearly even terms with him. He also has wins over Jin Akimoto, Takeyasu Hirono, and a draw with #3 All-Time Oishi. Recently tested the waters unsuccessfully at Featherweight (Shooto Lightweight).
5. Akitoshi Hokazono (87)
Short and sweet. Although his career was limited with only 8 fights, he sports a rare, undefeated Shooto record of 6-0-2, with his final win coming over Kenji Osawa for the Shooto 132lb title. He also has a win over Marcos Galvao, who is ranked in this Top 10 list.
6. Chase Beebe (82)
Coming off three losses, with his last being at Featherweight, Beebe started his career at 11-1. A former WEC Bantamweight champion that beat the best Bantamweights that the USA had to offer not named Torres before the start of his losing streak.
7. Eddie Wineland (77)
The first WEC Bantamweight champion. Outside of this first match though, is 0-2 in the organization, although his losses are to no slouches.
8. Antonio Banuelos (76)
Rounding out the WEC portion of the list is Banuelos. Unlike Wineland and Beebe, Banuelos still holds a top ranking in the Bantamweight division, and looks to improve his position on this list.
9. Paul McVeigh (72)
A surprise entry from the United Kingdom, McVeigh is easily the all-time best Bantamweight in Europe. Let’s hope he can get some notice on the world stage as the current competition gap between the UK and the rest of the world does not allow him the opportunity to earn a lofty ranking.
10. Marcos Galvao (72)
Right out of the gate, Galvao defeated top competition in Shooto. Although crushed in his last matchup against Damacio Page, Galvao has beaten some impressive competition on the world stage in Kenji Osawa, Fredson Paixao, Jin Akimoto, and has a draw against Masakatsu Ueda.
