Okay here are the Following the Flow Power Rankings. The fighters in each class are listed in a rough ranking with comments on the side. This isn't a pure talent level ranking system as that is not the only factor in determining who gets a title shot. Drawing ability is an important part of the decision making process on who fights who.
Heavyweight
Arlovski - I read where someone in Sherdog's forums where someone said 'Arlovski is a lion amongst retards.' Endquote. I'm not saying that is dead on...but it's close enough.
Frank Mir - As former champion Mir is the clear number one contender and he is an amazing jiu-jitsu guy. I think he ranks up there with the best in the business at this point, assuming he regains form after his accident. The win over Pete Wiliams and the one over Tank Abbott show how he can control his opponents body with his own masterfully. Think Jeremy Horn but big and strong and ultra-aggressive. (i'm boycotting the term 'uber'......yuck)
Rizzo - UFC is interested in bringing back the big names that were around at the beginning and it is a good strategy and makes this something to keep an eye out for. If it does shake out that Rizzo comes back he most likely gets a title shot to start with. Rizzo/Arlovski 2 would be something to behold. I doubt Arlovski would have any trouble getting up for that fight.
Tim Sylvia - Having lost to AA once Sylvia is just a tier below the number one contender but unless something big happens he will probably get the next title shot.
Gan McGee - I'm not sure of this guys status but I am putting him down more as a suggestion. UFC needs heavyweights, he is one.
Brandon Vera - This guy looks good. He has mentioned fighting lighter but this is the best spot I think. He's upper half in this division. Vera vs. Buentello. But if he loses to Buentello then it tarnishes the record of a young up and comer and they are like gold to the UFC right now.
Paul Buentello - I would like to see Buentello vs Sylvia in a battle of hands. He might not be number one contender quality but he's got skills
Jeff Monson - Could see action against Buentello or maybe Mir after he loses to AA.
Wesley Correira - I want to see more Cabbage. He's not on par with the division heavies but the next tier would be fine. Buentello, Vera...
Assuerio Silva- He would be fun to watch against Buentello or maybe Monson.
Tra Telligman - Telligman really won't do more than provide a test for some up and comer.
Rashad Evans - A guy that talked about going lighter. Heavier would be better.
Keith Jardine - Another guy that talked about going lighter. Heavier would be better.
Kerry Schall - Trains with Franklin so could get a call for a fight anytime. I have no idea if he's any good. Hey, i'm honest.
Brad Imes - He'll see action in the Octagon at some point. Schall would be a good matchup or Eilers...though I think they train together.
Light heavyweight
Liddell - I think Liddell keeps his belt and probably fights Babalu next with the winner of Ortiz/Shamrock on the horizon.
Couture - If Randy wins then Liddell/Couture 4 could be around the corner. Though I admit I would have to think about hanging myself. If he loses....can you say Couture vs Shamrock?! Or Ortiz.
Tito Ortiz - I hope Ortiz doesn't turn UFC into WWE. His next fight is Griffin one that he should win.
Ken Shamrock - I don't think he's going to beat Tito so look for him to face Couture with the purse being a lifetime supply of Ensure.
Renato Sobral - Babalu should get some action soon and deservedly so. He's on a streak. If he doesn't get the next title shot then maybe he squares off against...dunno...Bonnar or some other TUF guy.
Forrest Griffin - I think Griffin has a shot at beating Tito. Forrest has the better standup and if he can keep Tito up with good sprawl or good knees he can pick him apart. If not then he has an outside shot at a submission. I don't see a knockout happening at all.
Stephan Bonnar - He's too good all around and too smart not to take Irvin to the mat and submit him. Next fight? Babalu or maybe Rashad Evans. Maybe even one of the legends if they lose. And there's always Forrest.
James Irvin - Sam Hoger would be a decent fight but then again Hoger would just do the same thing Bonnar did. How about TUF fighter Keith Jardine in a standup battle?
Rashad Evans - Still waiting to see who is first test will be. Hoger would be a good choice.
Sam Hoger - I think this guy will be a title contender one day.
Travis Wiuff - Might want to think about going up to heavyweight where there is more room to breathe
Keith Jardine - Needs a ground game.
Middleweight
Rich Franklin - I CAN'T WAIT FOR FRANKLIN/LOISEAU. There's a chance we'll have a new champ, honest.
David Loiseau - The standup portion of Loiseau/Franklin will be beautiful.
Jeremy Horn - He's a springy python, this guy, with something of a standup game but it still it needs work. Marquardt or the loser of the title bout would be a good choice.
Nate Marquardt - I think this guy will be champ one day. I think he deserves a shot at anyone above him on this list.
Evan Tanner - Have Evan and Jeremy ever fought? Two cagey veterans with UFC history.....eh? Good stuff right?
Phil Baroni - If he's still fighting in UFC then he'll get some hi level fights.
Ivan Salaverry - A personal favorite. An assassin like Hoger in that he can fight anyone and have a chance. Salaverry vs Horn would be nice, or Tanner
Chris Leben - Leben is ready for a stiffer test. Salaverry?
Nate Quarry - This guy has skill despite the fact that he was so thoroughly owned by Rich Franklin.
Robbie Lawler - I'd like to see Ruthless back fighting. He's so damn quick. Lawler vs Swick....eh?..eh?
Patrick Cote - Needs to prove himself again. Quarry maybe?
Mike Swick - Has a torn MCL so will be out a while but man I can't wait to see him fight again. Talk about fast hands.
Welterweight
Matt Hughes - Are you kidding me? Royce Gracie?? Wow. I'll take Hughes but damn I hate going against an underdog like Royce.
Karo Parisyan - Will Karo get the title shot again, he got injured before the fight last time and GSP is so popular. Regardless Karo needs better striking. He swings wild and lets his aggression carry him on the feet and that kind of glaring weakness will get you beat down one day.
George St. Pierre - GSP is so good everywhere. If Karo does fight Hughes then GSP should fight Penn. (damn did i call that or what! i'm taking GSP over Penn but it's hard.)
BJ Penn - Okay so if Penn loses to GSP and Gracie loses then maybe, just maybe we get Penn vs Gracie? Yeah baby!!
Diego Sanchez - Diego needs a fight against a bigger name guy too. Josh Burkman called him out but that would be in effect a step backward for Diego. Maybe he gets Parisyan who seems to be out in the cold right now.
Nick Diaz - He lost to Diego but it was close and this guy has major talent. Koscheck would be a decent fight.
Sean Sherk - I took some flak from some Sherdoggers on having Sherk too low but they were right for the most part. He's got a ton of experience but no name victories other than two wins over Karo back in 2000 & 2001. Karo must have been like 19 or something. Still Sherk is a legit fighter. Koscheck would be a good matchup, maybe Diaz or Stevenson too.
Joe Stevenson - I still want Stevenson/Sanchez but i'll take Stevenson/Burkman
Josh Koscheck - Koscheck/Stevenson would be fun to watch.
Spencer Fisher - I'm somewhat impressed with this guy. He wants to stand and strike with you but if it goes to the ground he has very good defense to wait it out until he can get a submission.
Kenny Florian - I'd like to see KenFlo against Diaz.
Josh Burkman - He's looked real impressive in his wins but then again so did Quarry.
Drew Fickett - I flat out don't like this guy. Good job Burkman!
Luke Cummo - I want Cummo versus Florian. Wouldn't mind seeing him whip up on Fickett either.
Duane Ludwig - Dude knocked Goulet the f*** out! Him against Cummo would be a great fight.
Kit Cope - Work on that ground game man. Cope vs Cummo could be something to see.
Joe Riggs - Just keeps losing. Someone throw this guy a can!
Melvin Guillard - I hope he sticks around the UFC until he can improve, he's got amazing potential.
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