The PROMMA.INFO writers poll is a compilation of all the website’s writers. These rankings represent the collective view of all our staff.
Lightweight
1. BJ Penn – UFC Champion
Last Fight
After his loss to Georges St. Pierre many MMA pundits were questioning BJ Penn’s superiority. However, Penn came through in a big way against Kenny Florian, as he emphatically submitted him in the fourth round.
Next Fight
Penn will put his UFC title on the line against Diego Sanchez at UFC 107 on Dec. 12.
2. Shinya Aoki – WAMMA Champion
Last Fight
To the fans chagrin, Aoki used his improving stand up to defeat Vitor Ribeiro at Dream 10. The win put Aoki in position to recapture the Dream lightweight title.
Next Fight
At Dream 11 on Oct. 6 Aoki and Joachim Hansen will fight for the third time. Last time Hansen upset Aoki to take the Dream title.
3. Eddie Alvarez – Bellator Champion
Last Fight
Back in June, Eddie Alvarez lived up to his tournament favorite status. In the Bellator lightweight tournament finale, Alvarez stopped Toby Imada via second round submission.
Next Fight
Nothing has been announced for Alvarez. However, Bellator has said they are open to their champion competing outside their promotion.
4. Kenny Florian
Last Fight
The former TUF runner up gave it all he had, but in the end BJ Penn was able to get the fight on the ground and dominant with his superior submission skills.
Next Fight
At UFC 106 on Nov. 21, Kenny Florian will take on another top contender as he tangles with Clay Guida.
5. Tatsuya Kawajiri
Last Fight
Although he admittedly hates competing in K-1, Kawajiri last fought Masato in July. Masato, one of the best kickboxers of all time, stopped Kawajiri in the second round.
Next Fight
Kawajiri does not have a fight scheduled. He could benefit from the new alliance between Strikeforce and Dream.
6. Gray Maynard
Last Fight
The former Michigan State wrestler scored his fourth straight decision victory in a row. At UFC 96 on March 7 he defeated Jim Miller.
Next Fight
Maynard is set to take on Roger Huerta on the next Ultimate Fight Night show. A win there could move Maynard into the lightweight title picture in the UFC.
7. Frankie Edgar
Last Fight
“The Answer” scored the biggest victory of his career at UFC 98. He used his superior reach to defeat Sean Sherk. With the win, he became the only non-UFC champion to defeat Sherk.
Next Fight
The UFC has not announced Edgar’s next fight, but it surely will be another contender in the lightweight stacked division.
8. Diego Sanchez
Last Fight
“The Nightmare” came out on fire in the first round against Clay Guida. He continued the assault en route to a decision victory.
Next Fight
All sources point towards Diego Sanchez being the next in line for a shot at BJ Penn’s championship at UFC 107.
9. Sean Sherk
Last Fight
Last time out, Sean Sherk suffered his first career defeat that did not come against a UFC champion. Sherk had trouble with Frankie Edgar’s reach and dropped the decision.
Next Fight
Sherk was set to face Gleison Tibau at UFC, but he was forced out of the fight due to injury.
10. Mizuto Hirota – Sengoku Champion
Last Fight
Satoru Kitaoka was the favorite heading into his first title defense against Mizuto Hirota. However, during the fight Kitaoka’s cardio failed him, and Hirota was able to take over with his superior striking.
Next Fight
His first defense will be either a rematch with Kazunori Yokota or Eiji Mitsuoka.
Others receiving votes: Gilbert Melendez and Satoru Kitaoka