Check out my rankings within each division by clicking on the links below.
Who is the best fighter regardless of weight class? See ESPN's pound-for-pound rankings. Plus, check out our women's pound-for-pound rankings.
Note: Results through April 11, 2018
Divisional Rankings
Heavyweight | Light heavyweight
Middleweight | Welterweight | Lightweight
Featherweight | Bantamweight | Flyweight
Women's bantamweight | Women's strawweight
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION (UP TO 205 POUNDS)
1. Daniel Cormier (19-2)
For record-keeping purposes, Cormier's lost to Jon Jones in July 2014 does not exist. The result has been officially wiped clean. And with another title defense under his belt, Cormier is the No. 1 light heavyweight in the world.
Next: UFC 226 on July 7, vs. Stipe Miocic
2. Jon Jones (23-1)
At long last, Jones is officially out of the dog house and back to what he does best: Dominate opponents in the Octagon. His finish over Daniel Cormier is instantly one of the top fights of his career. And he's still in his prime.
Next: TBD
3. Alexander Gustafsson (18-4)
Not that Gustafsson's place within the division was ever really in doubt, but he re-solidified his place near the top with a dominant showing over Glover Teixeira in May. As of right now, Gustafsson's claim to fame is two very close losses to Jones and Cormier. Will he be able to finally reach the peak in the near future?
Next: TBD
4. Ryan Bader (24-5)
So far, so good in the Bellator cage for Ryan Bader. Two fights in, he's knocked off a defending champion in Phil Davis and collected his first defense against Linton Vassell. Bader has an opportunity to hold this belt for a long time.
Next: Bellator 199 on May 12, vs. Muhammed Lawal
5. Volkan Oezdemir (15-2)
Oezdemir looked slightly out of his league against Daniel Cormier, but only on the floor. As long as it was on the feet, the Swiss contender's talent was obvious. He needs to develop a few aspects of his game, but Oezdemir does not appear at risk to fall off the map in this division.
Next: UFC Fight Night on May 19, vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
6. Glover Teixeira (27-6)
Teixeira made quick work of light heavyweight prospect Misha Cirkunov in December, and injected some new life into his career in the process. He's still a long shot to win a UFC title, but this win at least keeps him in that conversation.
Next: Next: TBD
7. Phil Davis (18-4)
Davis's Bellator MMA title reign came to a swift end in June, when he fell to Bader via split decision. It was a close fight, but now you have to wonder if Davis has the same problem he used to have in the UFC: He can beat the rest, but can he beat the best?
Next: Bellator 200 on May 25, vs. Linton Vassell
8. Ilir Latifi (14-5) A quick, first-round finish against Ovince St. Preux in February is nothing to scoff at. St. Preux hasn't fared well against the top of the division, but he typically cruises through the rest of the pack. Latifi is 5-1 in his last six, and feeling like a viable title contender.
Next: TBD
9. Jan Blachowicz (22-7)
Blachowicz evened his score against Jimi Manuwa, defeating the Londoner in a rematch at UFC Fight Night in March. Blachowicz has won three in a row and is arguably putting together the most consistent performances of his career.
Next: TBD
10. Mauricio Rua (25-10) Few have accomplished more in this division than Shogun. At 35, he's not what he once was, but he's working on a three-fight win streak. He remains relevant in the rankings, even this late in his career.
Next: TBD