With the introduction of Strikeforce talent over the next few months, this division has the potential to reshape itself. Lavar Johnson has already made an impact, and Fabricio Werdum returns to the promotion at UFC 143 with the opportunity to secure a Top 5 spot. At the bottom of the division, promotional newcomers Dave Herman, Philip De Fries, and Stipe Miocic are looking to make a move, while Carlos Beltrain, Jon Olav Einemo, and Christian Morecraft are barely hanging on. Mike Russow and Cheick Kongo seem destined for a collision, as the Frenchman will be in possession of one of the division’s longest winning streaks if he can get past Mark Hunt at UFC 144. Russow, who has won four straight, is poised to take on Top 10 opposition with his next fight.
* key
C = Champion
N = New to the Promotion
R = Retired
S = Suspended, or recently returning from suspension
W = New to the Weight Class
Note that these are not the official MMA Ratings divisional rankings. These UFC Power Rankings are intended to indicate where UFC fighters in each division rank in relation to one another. Taking into account wins, losses, quality of opposition, nature of wins/losses, and the recency of those wins/losses, it is meant to illustrate who fits where in each division, and which fighters’ stocks are rising and falling.
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Russow should be above Mitrione and Struve. And even
coming off a long injury layoff, Del Rosario should be higher.
Del Rosario isn't ranked because he has yet to debut with the organization. As for Mitrione and Struve, I think it's debatable, because they have both faced slightly higher-caliber opposition than Russow, and have more finishes. Depending on what happens in their next fights, Russow might be able to pass them.