Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

Following his brutal motorcycle accident in September 2004, many fans and pundits were hopeful that then UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir could make a full recovery and capitalize on his talent. However, when Mir finally made his return to the Octagon, a string of lackluster wins and embarrassing losses relegated him to also-ran status in a division that appeared to be moving on without him.

To punctuate a resurgent 2008, Mir regained the interim heavyweight title at UFC 92 and, in the process, did something that Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett and Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic could not -- he became the first man to finish Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Mir’s brilliant upset seemingly overshadowed the ascent of “The Ultimate Fighter 2” winner Rashad Evans, who punched out Forrest Griffin in UFC 92’s main event to capture the UFC light heavyweight title.

However, not all champions have fallen as winter has taken hold. Bantamweight kingpin and World Extreme Cagefighting titleholder Miguel Torres further cemented his status as the game’s top 135-pound fighter, as he broke down and smashed out previously undefeated Manny Tapia on Dec. 3 in the second defense of his belt.