Nov

Washington Sportsjam MMA Pound-for-Pound Rankings:November 2011 Edition

Mark Kalriess Category

Anderson "the Spider" Silva, Cain Velasquez, Cole Konrad, Dominick Cruz, Frankie Edgar, Georges St-Pierre, Gilbert Melendez, Hecto Lombard, Jon "Bones" Jones, Jose Aldo, Junior Dos Santos, MMA, Pound-for-Pound Rankings, UFC, Washington Sportsjam Pound-for-Pound MMA Rankings April 2011

Compared to September and October, November has been a slow month for UFC title fights. The UFC Heavyweight championship was the only title on the line and was also the only one to change hands recently. Junior Dos Santos took Cain Velasquez’s belt away with basically one big punch. Because of this Velasquez obviously drops off the list and Dos Santos comes in at number five. Dominick Cruz moves up to number four as his domination of the bantamweight division becomes more and more impressive.

1. Anderson Silva (UFC Middleweight Champion, Record 29-4)

In the Yushin Okami fight Silva avenged his most recent loss and extended his title-defense streak to an astounding nine times. He beat one of his most qualified challengers yet both mentally and physically. His in-ring mind-games showed how he can force an opponent into his gameplan. Unfortunately, it also showed why he is losing fans despite his massive talent. Love him or hate him, he’s the most dominant fighter in the world right now.

Next Fight – TBA vs. Chael Sonnen

2. Georges St-Pierre (UFC Welterweight Champion, Record 22-2)

GSP was not able to dominate Jake Shields the way he dominated his six previous challengers. However he once again held off a red-hot challenger by not playing into their game and exploiting their weaknesses. It may not have been exciting but it was the smart move. He still looks unbeatable in the Welterweight division.

Next Fight – vs. Nick Diaz @UFC 143 2/4/12

3. Jon Jones (UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Record 14-1)

Jones proved he was for real in his first title defense. He beat Rampage Jackson thoroughly and in all aspects of the fight. He kept Rampage at range with varied striking, forced him to defend from submission attempts, and was never predictable. His critics say he’s never been tested; the truth is no one has been able to find a chink in his armor. Jones is so good in so many ways and is always improving. Right now his only weakness is his ego.

Next Fight – vs. Lyoto Machida @ UFC 140 12/10/11

4. Dominick Cruz ↑ (UFC Bantamweight Champion, Record 19-1)

The “Dominator” continues to control the bantamweight division. In July, Cruz avenged his only career loss by outpointing Uriah Faber. At the beginning of this month he held off Demetrious Johnson, the only fighter with more speed at his weight class. Cruz’s critics complain his style is boring, but no one can accuse him of not working. He fights at a breakneck pace. That combined with his odd stand-up movement, his excellent takedowns, and complete ground game makes him a tough nut to crack. He’s also just a few more fights away from cleaning out the division of contenders.

Next Fight – TBA vs. Uriah Faber

5. Junior Dos Santos ↑ (UFC Heavyweight Champion, Record 14-1)

In just over one minute Cigano stopped the previously undefeated Cain Velasquez and took his belt. He avoided Velasquez’s takedown attempt and rocked him with a heavy shot. Dos Santos is always a threat to knock someone out and is undefeated in the UFC. After easily beating the most complete fighter in the division it’s hard to imagine him giving up the belt anytime soon.

Next Fight – TBA

Other fighters in consideration: Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar, Cole Konrad, Hector Lombard, Gilbert Melendez