Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

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Bantamweight

1. Renan Barao (30-1, 1 NC)

Barao survived a harrowing opening round against Michael McDonald in his first interim title defense, but from there, the Brazilian’s multifaceted attack took control, as he submitted the Californian with an arm-triangle choke in the fourth round of their UFC on Fuel TV 7 conflict. The Brazilian will look to extend his unbeaten streak to 32 when he defends the interim strap for a second time against Eddie Wineland at UFC 165.

2. Urijah Faber (28-6)

Faber keeps steamrolling all but the most highly ranked competition. At UFC 157, “The California Kid” made short work of Ivan Menjivar, submitting his opponent with a rear-naked choke in the opening frame. The popular Californian followed that performance by choking out good buddy Scott Jorgensen at “The Ultimate Fighter 17” Finale. Next up for Faber is a UFC FIght Night 26 showdown with hard-nosed Brazilian Iuri Alcantara in Boston.

3. Michael McDonald (15-2)

McDonald threw a scare into Renan Barao early in their interim 135-pound title tilt at UFC on Fuel TV 7, but in the long run, the Brazilian proved to be too seasoned for the Modesto, Calif., native. If his skills continue to progress, the future looks bright for the 22-year-old Last Stand Fight Team product, especially in a division that needs star power beyond Urijah Faber. McDonald will have the chance to add another big name to his ledger when he meets Brad Pickett at UFC Fight Night 26 in August.

4. Eddie Wineland (20-8-1)

The rangy former WEC champion surprised many observers by outboxing and bloodying Brad Pickett en route to a three-round decision win at UFC 155, earning him a shot at interim titlist Renan Barao. While a foot injury to the Brazilian nixed their UFC 161 showdown, the bout has been rebooked for UFC 165 in Toronto.

5. Brad Pickett (23-7)

In a contest that earned “Fight of the Night” honors, Pickett used a diverse attack to outwork Mike Easton over the course of three action-packed frames on April 6. Up next for “One Punch” is a pivotal showdown with another hard-hitting bantamweight, recent title challenger Michael McDonald on Aug. 17.

6. Raphael Assuncao (20-4)

Assuncao continues to impress at 135 pounds, most recently adding Englishman Vaughan Lee to his list of victims with a second-round armbar win at UFC on Fuel TV 10. The Ascension MMA leader has gone 4-0 since moving to the bantamweight division in August 2011. The Brazilian’s most difficult test to date is set for UFC Fight Night 28, where he squares off with T.J. Dillashaw on Sept. 4.

7. Scott Jorgensen (14-7)

While he remains a difficult matchup for anyone in the bantamweight division, three losses in his last four outings have Jorgensen at a crossroads in his career. Most recently, “Young Guns” was submitted by Urijah Faber in the fourth round at “The Ultimate Fighter 17” Finale. Jorgensen has fallen to only the toughest of opposition in the Octagon, also losing to Renan Barao and Eddie Wineland during his UFC tenure.

8. Eduardo Dantas (15-3)

Dantas needed to erase the sting of an upset loss to Tyson Nam, and he did so at the expense of Nova Uniao stablemate Marcos Galvao. In dispatching Galvao via second-round knockout, “Dudu” showcased the hand speed and precise striking that made him a highly regarded prospect. As it stands, Dantas remains the class of Bellator’s 135-pound division.

9. T.J. Dillashaw (8-1)

After knocking out Issei Tamura just one month prior, Dillashaw again flashed power in his April 20 meeting with Brazilian import Hugo Viana. The Team Alpha Male representative punched out Viana inside the first round, marking Dillashaw’s fourth straight win and third consecutive stoppage. “The Ultimate Fighter 14” finalist looks to continue his ascent on the divisional ladder on Sept. 4, when he meets fellow top 10 bantamweight Raphael Assuncao in Brazil.

10. Marlon Moraes (10-4)

Victories over Miguel Torres and Tyson Nam in his first two World Series of Fighting appearances have established Moraes as the top 135-pound talent on the promotion’s roster. The Brazilian striker’s third WSOF bout comes against once-beaten Team Sklavos member Brandon Hempleman on Aug. 10 in Ontario, Calif.

Other contenders:

Bibiano Fernandes, Marcos Galvao, Ivan Menjivar, Takeya Mizugaki, Tyson Nam.

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