by Nick Meyer, BETUS.COM – BET NOW

The UFC’s lightweight division has been owned by BJ Penn for quite some time now. But after his beatdown at the hands of Georges St. Pierre in their welterweight superfight, it seems his luster has worn off.

The UFC is missing a few of the top challengers in this division like Shinya Aoki and Joachim Hansen, but it still boasts a deep talent pool.

Who are the greatest challengers to his throne? Read on in the UFC lightweight power rankings:

1. BJ Penn (13-5-1)-

Perhaps the most flexible fighter in the UFC, Penn can pull off submissions in odd positions, making him a major threat on the ground. His boxing skills are also polished, and his only weakness might be a lack of physicality compared to some of the bigger lightweights.

He will take on Kenny Florian in a highly-anticipated UFC 101 battle in Philadelphia in August.

2. Kenny Florian (11-3)-

Being manhandled by Sean Sherk might have been the best thing that happened to Florian in terms of his future career prospects as he has gotten much stronger since then.

With his ability to transition seamlessly from kicks and punches to takedowns and submission attempts, he will give Penn all he can handle.

3. Diego Sanchez (21-2)-

His win over Clay Guida was impressive in that he dominated early and then survived the successive onslaughts one of the most intense and relentless fighters the UFC has ever seen.

Sanchez has a one-track mind and the UFC Lightweight Title is virtually the only thing on it right now. He has the all-around skills to get it done and the lightweight division seems like the perfect spot for him considering his body type.

4. Gray Maynard (7-0, 1 NC)-

Maynard is a wrecking machine at 155 pounds with some of the best top control wrestling in the division, if not the best. With his improving boxing skills, he could be the next evolution of former UFC Lightweight Title holder Sean Sherk despite not being the most popular guy around.

5. Frankie Edgar (10-1)-

His win over Sean Sherk showcased his excellent boxing skills and has cemented him as a true elite fighter in the division. His lack of height could hinder him at some point but for now he is one of the best the division has to offer.

Up-and-comer to watch: Efrain Escudero (11-0)

The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 winner still has a long way to go but in a division devoid of top prospects he looks like the real deal. He has a versatile game and is equally adept both striking and on the ground.