Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

Although UFC 88 “Breakthrough” featured a healthy crop of top-10 fighters, a real rankings shake-up did not seem to be in store until Rashad Evans struck with an overhand right at Philips Arena in Atlanta.

With his stirring and brutal knockout of perennial top light heavyweight Chuck Liddell, Evans bolstered his stock and earned himself a title shot against current divisional ruler Forrest Griffin. However, the Evans victory was not the only influence on movement in the 205-pound pecking order. With his second consecutive bout at middleweight, former Pride champion Dan Henderson joins the 185-pound mix after his decision win over Rousimar Palhares.

This edition of the Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings has a noteworthy exit, too. Over a year has passed since Randy Couture's last appearance in the Octagon, and with no fight scheduled within 30 days of the 365-day deadline, the reigning UFC champion falls out of the heavyweight rankings. However, with Couture re-signing with the UFC and his bout with former World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Brock Lesnar looming, "The Natural" may not be off the list for long.

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