5 UFC fighters who deserve a place in the rankings

#4. Alexander Romanov - UFC heavyweight

Alexander Romanov holds a record of 15-0.

The UFC heavyweight division has historically lacked depth over the years. While the top of the division is now in great shape with a number of strong contenders, there are some questions to be asked further down the rankings. For example, the fighters ranked No.12, 13 and 14 have all lost three fights in a row.

With that in mind, it does seem a little odd that 15-0 Alexander Romanov remains unranked in the division. He's 4-0 inside the octagon, with none of his fights going the distance. It's therefore tough to argue that the Moldovan fighter does not deserve one of the spots currently occupied by fighters on losing streaks.

Romanov appeared set to try and secure his spot in the rankings when he volunteered to take on formerly ranked Tanner Boser on short notice. However, Boser has now had to pull out of that fight and the Moldovan will now face Chase Sherman instead.

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#3. Michel Pereira - UFC welterweight

Michel Pereira holds a record of 27-11 (2 No Contests)

At one point, you might have been able to argue that Michel Pereira's antics in the octagon were preventing him from making the leap into the rankings. However, he's now won four in a row and has shown the ability to take dangerous opponents seriously and still come out on top.

Pereira has appeared to be one win away from becoming ranked for a while now. Most recently, he was scheduled to face Muslim Salikhov, but instead faced and defeated André Fialho in January. That wasn't enough to see him make the leap, but one more positive result would surely do so.

Pereira is scheduled to face No.14 Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Vieira. A win over a ranked opponent will all but guarantee him his own spot in the rankings the following week. While it will be a tough test, victory would be absolutely huge for the entertaining Brazilian competitor.