5 UFC fighters who deserve a place in the rankings

#2. Andrei Arlovski - UFC heavyweight

Andrei Arlovski holds a record of 33-20 (2 NC).

We've already touched upon how multiple top 15 UFC heavyweights are on extended losing streaks. It, therefore, seems shocking that a former champion in the division on a three-fight winning streak does not make the cut. Andrei Arlovski may not have held gold since 2006 but he's currently on a great run of form.

Arlovski has won six of his last eight with the only losses during this run coming against top 10 opposition. He's also beaten previously ranked opposition during this run, including Ben Rothwell and Tanner Boser. He is scheduled to face Jake Collier on April 30.

Arlovski's previous success and current winning streak, combined with the poor form of some of his peers, makes it tough to understand how he is not ranked. If he can extend his winning streak to four later this month, expect the former champion to make a triumphant return to the top 15.

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#1. Alex Pereira - UFC middleweight

Alex Pereira holds a record of 5-1.

The MMA world was shocked to hear that Alex Pereira is scheduled to face No.4 ranked middleweight Sean Strickland on July 30. An unranked fighter with just two fights inside the octagon, taking on a top-five opponent is unheard of but the promotion has made an exception for Alex Pereira.

That's not to say Pereira is underserving. He's a decorated kickboxer with multiple wins over current champion Israel Adesanya and has looked great thus far in MMA. The UFC clearly feels they may have a star on their hands and that's why they are fast-tracking him into some big-time fights at 185lbs.

The promotion clearly views the Brazilian as a potential title contender and is ready to fight some of the elite fighters in his division. Fighters viewed like this ought to be ranked, otherwise the entire system becomes confusing. Pereira is already being treated like a ranked fighter and so he ought to be confirmed as one.