Pound for Pound Rankings: March 2011

7. Jon Jones

Jones vaults up the rankings after destroying Shogun Rua at UFC 128. We suspect he’s going to be a lot higher up on this list in twelve months or so, and he may not stop until he’s the best in the world. There is no limit for this kid.

8. Dominick Cruz

Cruz will finally get his rematch with Urijah Faber after the California Kid beat Eddie Wineland. The pair could end up coaching the Ultimate Fighter later this year, but even if they don’t, fans will be treated to the first true grudge match of the new lighter weight classes in the UFC.

9. Nick Diaz

Diaz will defend his title against Paul Daley in April. It’s a dangerous fight for Diaz, who will no doubt want to get the fight to the ground as soon as possible as to avoid being knocked into next week. A victory would set Diaz up for potential superfights with top UFC welterweights down the road – a benefit of the recent purchase of Strikeforce by Zuffa.

10. Gilbert Melendez

Melendez could be the biggest beneficiary of the Strikeforce sale. He’s been demanding to face top talent for a long time, and he could get his chance sooner rather than later. He has to get by Tatsuya Kawajiri on April 9, but if he does that, we could see Melendez lead the Strikeforce charge into the UFC.