mma rankings are nothing more than a popularity contest. they have nothing to do with actual skill level or opponents beaten.
the #2 ranked guy in the world has a 4-1 record (LOL) and hasnt fought in a year. Does anyone see the hypocrisy there? The only big name person he beat is couture, and couture was 46 years old, 50 lbs underweight and hadnt fought in 1+ years.
Next is the #3 ranked guy, Shane Carwin, who the only big name fighter he has beaten is gonzaga.
Then we have the #4 ranked guy, cain velasquez, whos claim to fame is beating a 5 years past his prime nogiuera.
Then you have guys ranked below them like Overeem, Barnett and Werdum, who each have more impressive hit lists than the 3 of them combined. Nothing more than a popularity contest and the UFC trying to manipulate the ranking system so its fighters are ranked higher.
PS: frank mir is not a good fighter / big name. See link for proof
http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=341108.0