Following Anderson Silva’s victory over Dan Henderson in a match that pit arguably two of the premier fighters in the world, it’s only fitting that we talk about the best dozen fighters in mixed martial arts.

The term "Pound-for-Pound" first emerged to describe a certain prizefighter in the 1950s named Sugar Ray Robinson. Journalists realized he was a special fighter though not a heavyweight and coined the label to make the public aware that if he were a heavyweight, no other fighter could beat him.

Now mixed martial arts has use for the designation to determine the best MMA fighters in the world.

Rating the best fighters in MMA can result in geographic complications because of the scarce confrontations between those who fight in Asia and those fighting in the United States.

Fans would love to see Fedor Emelianenko battle Randy Couture. More than a few in Asia especially would pay top dollar to see Urijah Faber test Kid Yamamoto.

Basically, it comes down to a “what if” scenario: if all MMA fighters weighed the same who would be the best?

In the past several years Russia’s Emelianenko has dominated the consensus for the best MMA fighter Pound for Pound. But a new wave of support has emerged that touts Brazil’s Anderson “Spider” Silva as the best in the world. We also have a number of veterans who despite advanced age continue to beat their younger rivals with regularity.

Here is our first Pound for Pound list:

1. Anderson Silva (21-4) – The long limbs of the Brazilian fighter Anderson Silva as well as his speed and agility proved too much to handle, even for a great fighter like Dan Henderson. Many people already believe that Silva is the best fighter in the world. The jury is slowly forming on his side, but it will be interesting to see if he can step up to the light heavyweight level where he doesn’t have such a size-advantage. The idea has been discussed, and if Silva follows through, it will be his biggest challenge.

2. Fedor Emelianenko (28-1) – Russia’s soft-looking heavyweight is one of the most fearsome fighters in the sport. Whether it’s fighting on the ground or trading punches while standing up, Emelianenko remains the most internationally recognized MMA fighter today. A match against Randy Couture could spark more worldwide interest than ever. It’s truly a fight MMA fans desire.

3. Quinton Jackson (28-6) – How quickly people forget about Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, but that’s just the nature of the sport. Victories over Chuck Liddell and Henderson were quickly forgotten, but Jackson remains a bull of a fighter who knows how to use his strength and style to perfection. This could be a big year for the Orange County-based fighter who will next face top contender Forrest Griffin. The light heavyweight division is loaded.

4. Georges St. Pierre (15-2) – The Canadian striker has rebounded well after losing his UFC welterweight title to Matt Serra a year ago. Since that loss St. Pierre seems to have increased the voltage to his fight game and now seems almost unbeatable. We’ll find out soon during his rematch with Serra in April that takes place in Canada. Will it be too much pressure?

5. BJ Penn (12-4) – Just how talented is this guy? He’s beaten a number of fighters who are bigger such as Renzo Gracie, Matt Hughes and others considered among the best fighters in the world. Now that he’s dropped to the talented 155-pound weight division he could possibly clean it out before returning to a heavier weight class. Penn is so ambitious and confident he would probably even fight Fedor if the opportunity arose.

6. Randy Couture (16-8) – Legal matters have “The Natural” tied up for the moment, but the heavyweight champion is hoping for a collision with Russia’s mighty Emelianenko before hanging up his gloves. Now 44, Couture’s victories over Gabriel Gonzaga and Tim Sylvia are testaments to his fighting ability. A match between Emelianenko and Couture could be the lynchpin to the rest of the world for MMA.

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7. Antonio Nogueira (31-4-1) – While most of the Pride fighters have experienced losses since being gobbled up by UFC, Minotauro was able to display the fighting skills that made him so popular and victorious in Japan. The big Brazilian still has agility and guile, plus he can take a big punch. Just ask Tim Sylvia. Nogueira has some big matches coming his way if he can stay healthy.

8. Dan Henderson (22-7) – Few fighters boast the ability to fight at different weight levels with peak proficiency like Dan Henderson. Despite back-to-back losses, the Californian deserves to maintain his place among the best fighters in the world. If anybody can rebound it’s Henderson. Look for “Hendo” to seek a rematch with Silva, Jackson or meet one of the top middleweights. Losses don’t go well with the former Olympian.

9. Urijah Faber (20-1) – Fighting at the lower featherweight weight class of 145 pounds is tantamount to invisibility. Lately, however, because of WEC's TV deal with Versus, the Sacramento-based Faber has enjoyed exposure and the world now knows that these lower weight class guys are explosive and entertaining. Despite a loaded weight class, Faber hasn’t lost a fight in three years. 

10. Mauricio Rua (16-3) – Rua was manhandled by Forrest Griffin in his last fight but many feel it was an aberration. The Brazilian fighter known as “Shogun” has beaten a number of elite fighters including Ricardo Arona, Antonio Nogueira and Quinton Jackson. Can he overcome the injury bug?

11. Norifumi Yamamoto (17-1) – The Japanese fighter dominates the featherweight division in his home country. A match between Yamamoto and Faber would be electric. The fighter known as "Kid" hasn’t lost in six years and has defeated Jeff Curran and Royler Gracie. 

12. Chuck Liddell (21-5) – Just when it looks like the Iceman’s time has run out, then out pops that power and accuracy that made him such a force. Liddell, 37, proves that a puncher always has a chance regardless of age. His victory over Wanderlei Silva was proof that he still has juice in his tank and can reclaim a light heavyweight title if given another opportunity.  

Honorable mention:

Matt Serra (9-4) – Another win over Georges St. Pierre surely puts him in the elite category. Most fans feel his knockout of the popular Canadian was luck. Another win over GSP destroys that argument.

Jon Fitch (16-2) – Quietly he’s worked his way to becoming one of the best fighters in MMA. His eight-fight win streak in the Octagon ties him with Royce Gracie. Fitch has wins over Diego Sanchez, Chris Wilson and Thiago Alves and is riding a 15-match win streak overall.

Takanori Gomi (27-3) – He doesn’t fight often but the Japanese lightweight is one of the most talented in his weight class.

Gilbert Melendez (13-1) – Lost his last fight in Japan to Mitsuhiro Ishida. The San Francisco fighter was the favorite but lost by decision.

Miguel Torres (21-1) – Virtually an unknown to MMA fans until he steamrolled over WEC champion Chase Beebe to take the title. He hasn’t lost in five years.

Mitsuhiro Ishida (15-3-1) – Beat Gilbert Melendez who was considered by many one of the best Pound for Pound fighters in the world.

Shinya Aoki (14-2) – In three years he’s won nine consecutive fights.

Gesias Calvancanti (14-1-1) – Another electric lightweight that fights overseas. Is unbeaten in his last 13 bouts.

Matt Lindland (20-5) – This middleweight tangled with the much bigger heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko.

Pro Elite/CBS deal
CBS signed an agreement to televise four Pro Elite EliteXC events this year on Saturdays. 

“This is a pivotal moment for the sport of mixed martial arts now that a major television network plans to broadcast live MMA events during primetime hours,” said Pro Elite CEO Douglas DeLuca.

Speaking of EliteXC, Ken Shamrock returns to the cage for Cage Rage 25 and clashes with Buzz Berry in an MMA event held in England and televised by Showtime this Saturday at 10:30 p.m. The event takes place at Wembley Arena in London.

UFC 82 fighters pay
According to the Ohio Athletic Commission executive director Bernie Profato, Anderson Silva took home $140,000 while Dan Henderson earned $100,000 (Silva also earned an additional $120,000 in bonuses). Cheick Kongo’s take was $60,000 and Heath Herring’s share was $140,000. Welterweight Jon Fitch walked away with $60,000 and Chris Wilson $24,000. Andrei Arlovski’s take was $170,000 and Jake O’Brien’s $22,000. Josh Koscheck’s check was $20,000 and Dustin Hazlett’s $24,000. Diego Sanchez got $60,000 and David Bielkheden $16,000.

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