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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. Barao’s next appointment could depend on the health of Dominick Cruz, who is still recovering from a torn anterior-cruciate ligament in his knee.

2. Urijah Faber (27-6)

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 continues his march toward another title shot when he takes on tough WEC veteran Scott Jorgensen at “The Ultimate Fighter 17” Finale.

3. Michael McDonald (15-2)

McDonald was able to throw 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.

4. Eddie Wineland (20-8-1)

Wineland jumped up a spot thanks to a win over hard-hitting Englishman Brad Pickett at UFC 155. The rangy former WEC champion surprised many observers by outboxing and bloodying Pickett en route to a three-round decision win. Wineland has now won back-to-back bouts against top 10 opposition and figures to be moving toward title contention in the coming year.

5. Brad Pickett (22-7)

Pickett’s punching prowess was not up to snuff at UFC 155, where the American Top Team representative was outstruck by Eddie Wineland in a three-round standup affair. “One Punch” returns to action in April at UFC on Fuel TV 9, where he tussles with Mike Easton in Sweden.

6. Scott Jorgensen (14-6)

Jorgensen snapped a two-fight losing streak with an action-packed victory over John Albert at UFC on Fox 5, as he took home both “Fight of the Night” and “Submission of the Night” honors. “Young Guns” has an opportunity to gain some serious ground in his next 135-pound outing when he meets Urijah Faber on April 13.

7. Raphael Assuncao (19-4)

Stepping in on short notice seldom pays off with a victory, but it sure did for a game Assuncao. After notching two wins in his first two bantamweight outings, the Atlanta-based Brazilian stepped up to face the once-beaten Mike Easton on two weeks’ notice at UFC on Fox 5 and earned the most significant win of his career via workmanlike decision.

8. Tyson Nam (12-4)

After his breakout win against Bellator MMA champion Eduardo Dantas in August, contractual quagmires over Nam’s previously existing deal with Bellator seemed to put him on freeze. However, Nam has now been cleared to take on recent Miguel Torres tormentor Marlon Moraes at World Series of Fighting 2 on March 23.

9. Eduardo Dantas (15-3)

Dantas needed to erase the sting of an upset loss to Tyson Nam over the summer, 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.

10. Marcos Galvao (13-6-1)

Galvao made his way through Bellator’s Season 6 bantamweight tournament; waiting for him at the end of the line was Nova Uniao teammate Eduardo Dantas. Dantas rocked Galvao with a right uppercut and follow-up hammerfists in the second round of the Bellator 89 headliner on Feb. 14, leading to an emotional post-fight scene between the two training partners. Galvao’s next move remains unknown.

Other contenders:

T.J. Dillashaw, Mike Easton, Bibiano Fernandes, Ivan Menjivar, Takeya Mizugaki

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