With the large number of events that were held over the past few months, I thought this would be a good time to assess each division in the UFC. I’ll start with lightweight and move my way up the weight classes.

Champ: Sean Sherk*

Top contenders:
BJ Penn
Joe Stevenson
Kenny Florian
Tyson Griffin
Roger Huerta

*Title will be stripped if CSAC appeal of his positive test for elevated levels of Nandrolone metabolite is denied.

This asterisk has put a big damper on what is, in my opinion, the UFC’s most exciting weight class. BJ Penn versus Sean Sherk is a main-event level match, and there are a few cards coming up that could use a big boost. If Sherk’s appeal is denied, then Penn versus Stevenson for the open title would still be a great addition to any card. The problem is that Sherk’s appeal isn’t until Halloween, and the LW title picture has been on hold for quite some time now.

With big wins over Guillard and Pellegrino this year, and wins over Mishima and Yves Edwards in 2006, I think Joe Stevenson is at the top of most people’s lists, behind BJ Penn, for the top contender for the lightweight belt.

Kenny Florian has rolled off three impressive victories since losing to Sherk for the vacant LW title. He’s been in phenominal shape and is fighting with a fire in his eyes. Florian is not too far from another title shot if he keeps it up.

Despite his loss to Frank Edgar early this year, Tyson Griffin has had big wins against Clay Guida and Thiago Tavarez in his last two fights (although some believe that Guida should have won their fight). Tyson has consistantly shown that he can beat tough opponents. (Little known fact - he’s the only man to defeat WEC featherweight champ Urijah Faber.) Tyson is just a win or two away from a title shot himself.

Roger Huerta has become one of the UFC’s most popular fighters (helped along by his appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated). He’s already had four exciting wins in 2007. I think the biggest question that is still outstanding is how he will fare against a top contender. If the rumor is true, then Roger will be fighting Clay Guida on the TUF finale in December. A decisive win against a tough opponent such as Guida will surely push him up the ladder.

Aside from the top contenders above, other names at the top of the weight class are Din Thomas, Clay Guida and Spencer Fisher.