With wins by fighters like Rick Story, Charlie Brenneman, Jake Ellenberger, and more, Georges St. Pierre may have more competition to his throne than many previously thought. Here’s how the top 10 welterweights break down after recent events:
1: Georges St. Pierre
Record: 22-2 (won last 9)
Recent opponents: Jake Shields, Josh Koscheck, Dan Hardy
Upcoming: vs Carlos Condit @ UFC 137
GSP holds the record for most consecutive rounds won. His next fight was supposed to be against Strikeforce champ Nick Diaz, but Diaz’s antics scuttled this fight.
2: Jake Ellenberger
Record: 26-5 (won last 5)
Recent opponents: Jake Shields, Sean Pierson, Carlos Eduardo Rocha
Upcoming: Unknown
It wasn’t that long ago that people were laughing at scheduling Ellenberger to face Jon Fitch. With an impressive win streak including the defeat of the #2 guy in the division, Ellenberger is now the one lauging.
3: Jake Shields
Record: 26-6-1 (lost last 2)
Recent opponents: Jake Ellenberger (loss), Georges St. Pierre (loss), Martin Kampmann
Upcoming: Unknown
Stepping into the cage just a few weeks after the death of his father, Shields was knocked out by Jake Ellenberger. Still, his win streak was running at 15, and he is a threat to welter and middleweights.
4: Jon Fitch
Record: 23-3-1-1 (drew last 1)
Recent opponents: BJ Penn (draw), Thiago Alves, Ben Saunders
Upcoming: vs Johny Hendricks @ UFC 141
Fitch had been the perennial #2 man at welterweight for a long time. With a draw to BJ Penn, Jake Shields interrupting GSP’s round streak, and Jake Ellenberger knocking out Shields, Fitch slips a little.
5: BJ Penn
Record: 16-7-2 (drew last 1)
Recent opponents: Jon Fitch (draw), Matt Hughes, Frankie Edgar (loss-fought at lightweight)
Upcoming: vs Nick Diaz @ UFC 137
In his 2 fights since returning to the welterweight division, Penn has knocked out Matt Hughes and drew with Jon Fitch. Now he gets a chance to take his anger out on Nick Diaz, who caused everyone much inconvenience regarding UFC 137.
6: Josh Koscheck
Record: 16-5 (won last 1)
Recent opponents: Matt Hughes, Georges St. Pierre (loss), Paul Daley
Upcoming: Unknown
Koscheck made his return to competition by knocking out the legendary Matt Hughes.
7: Charlie Brenneman
Record: 14-2 (won last 2)
Recent opponents: Rick Story, Amilcar Alves, Johny Hendricks (loss)
Upcoming: vs Anthony Johnson @ UFC on Versus 6
Brenneman was called on as a last minute replacement for Nate Marquardt, and ended up defeating Rick Story. Now he must beat the biggest welterweight this Saturday as he faces Anthony Johnson.
8: Rick Story
Record: 13-4 (lost last 1)
Recent opponents: Charlie Brenneman (loss), Thiago Alves, Johny Hendricks
Upcoming: vs Martin Kampmann @ UFC 139
Story shot to prominence with a win over Thiago Alves, then stepped into the cages weeks later. The short turnaround cost him, as his fight with Nate Marquardt fell through and he ended up losing to Charlie Brenneman. Next up for “The Horror” is Martin Kampmann
9: Thiago Alves
Record: 19-7 (won last 9)
Recent opponents: Rick Story (loss), John Howard, Jon Fitch (loss)
Upcoming: vs Papy Abedi @ UFC 138
The Pitbull was the #3 guy behind GSP and Jon Fitch for awhile. Losing to Rick Story has dropped his stock. Alves will welcome top Swedish prospect Papy Abedi to the UFC next.
10: Martin Kampmann
Record: 17-5 (lost last 2)
Recent opponents: Diego Sanchez (loss), Jake Shields (loss), Paulo Thiago
Upcoming: vs Rick Story @ UFC 139
Kampmann may have lost his last 2 fights, but these were decisions that were both very controversial. He gets another quality opponent next in Rick Story.
I think Rumble is a dark horse for becoming champ. If he wins against Charlie tomorrow, then beats another quality opponent he may have the size/strength to negate GSP’s wrestling game. As long as he continues to show improvement, he shouldn’t be counted out.
I want to see him come on weight for 3 fights 1st.
Guess Rumble is moving up then.