Lightweight 5-1-08

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Rank

Fighter

Comments

1.

B.J. Penn

As a welterweight (and as a bloated 185- and 205-pounder), B.J. Penn was susceptible to laziness in the gym and a loss of focus in the cage. As a lightweight with a renewed sense of purpose, he’ll be able to fulfill the potential of a masterful skill set that earned him the name "The Prodigy." Penn has more sheer talent than nearly every other fighter in the world. If he continues to harness it, he’ll be unstoppable.

2.

Takanori Gomi

Due to all his accomplishments, there are many who consider The Fireball Kid to be the best lightweight in the world. We can’t get past the fact that Nick Diaz made him look like a bitch for 11 minutes before catching him in one of the most difficult-to-perform subs in MMA - and Diaz was baked at the time. But against Duane Ludwig at Sengoku 1, Gomi proved that the vacation is over and he’s ready to get back to work.

3.

Sean Sherk

4.

Shinya Aoki

Is this guy fun to watch, or what? The "Master of Jumping Locks" sticks on his opponents like a cartoon octopus, employing some of the most creative jiu-jitsu we’ve ever seen. We’re just disappointed in his decision to drop out of DREAM’s lightweight GP - a championship there would have secured his reputation as one of the best lightweights in the world.

5.

Gesias Calvancanti

6.

Mitsuhiro Ishida

7.

Gilbert Melendez

His last Strikeforce title defense against Gabe Lemley didn’t prove much, and his June 27th title defense against Josh Thomson probably won’t either. But we’re big fans of Melendez’s hard-charging, heavy-handed style, which put down the likes of Rumina Sato, Clay Guida, and Tatsuya Kawajiri during the 13-fight win streak that opened his career. Get this dude some better competition and see what he can do.

8.

Tatsuya Kawajiri

9.

Vitor Ribeiro

10.

(tie) Roger Huerta, Kenny Florian

Is it August 9th yet?

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