January 2009 Middleweight Rankings

1. Anderson Silva

"The Spider," widely debated as the number one pound for pound fighter in the world has proved one of the most dominant UFC champions since the organization started. Struggling for challengers, Silva will be defending his belt against Thales Leites at UFC 97.

2. Dan Henderson

After the victory over Brazillian jiu jitsu elite Rousimar Palhares and decision victory against Rich Franklin, Dan has once again shown he is among the elite of the division. 

3. Rich Franklin

After a decision loss to Henderson in the 205 pound division, he has yet to establish himself among the light heavyweights. With only one recent 205 pound victory against Matt Hamill, we hope to see more from Rich in the light heavyweight class. 

4. Gegard Mousasi

With only two losses to his lengthy resume, Gegard Mousasi is one of the most overlooked middleweights in the division. Not only did he rip through the Dream Tournament, defeating Melvin Manhoef and Renaldo Souza, but also K-1 veteran Mousasi in his most recent kickboxing match. 

5. Yushin Okami

With an astounding seventh octagon victory against Dean Lister, we are all wondering when we will see Yushin face the invincible, Anderson Silva. 

6. Robbie Lawler

With seven fights removed since his loss to Jason Miller, the rising Lawler is at a rough spot with the bankruptcy of the EliteXC. 

7. Nate Marquardt

After the destruction of Martin Kampman, we are exited to see more from Nate "the Great" as he takes Wilson Gouveia during UFC 95.

8. Thales Leites

With the impressive record of 14-1 including 5 straight wins in the UFC, Thales Leites offers Anderson Silva his next title defense in a fight worth watching. 

9. Michael Bisping

This Wofslair fighter and Ultimate Fighter Winner is one of the middleweight division's publicized stars. Bisping's only loss to date is a close split decision victory against UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans while producing wins over Chris Leben, Jason Day, Elvis Sisonic,  Matt Hamil, and Eric Schafer. Michael Bisping is to fight Dan Henderson, although a specific card has not been assigned.

10. Demian Maia

With a 9-0 career with wins over Jason McDonald, Nathan Quarry, Ed Herman, and Ryan Jensen, Demian Maia has proved one of the division's greatest submission fighters and one of the fastest upcoming stars.