He said it (again) at Dream.11. Agree/disagree? Here is the consensus top-25: http://www.bloodyelbow.com/rankings#lightweight
It's generally hard to tell when guys haven't fought each other from each division. Hansen right there was basically controlled by Aoki for 14 minutes and 55 seconds, I'm sure that Maynard, would be able to recreate that performance. My thoughts: 1. I'd probably favour an in shape BJ over any LW. 2. Where the fights take place matters, Aoki in Japan with Japanese refs, Japanese judges, and grappling pants, is going to give different results than fights in the States. (where he might have bias against him) 3. The best way to find out is to see them fight each other, and who knows maybe Kawajiri beats Penn, Aoki loses to Melvin Guillard, Hansen beats Maynard, and Diego beats Alvarez.
I'd have to agree, I think that DREAM has more of the top LW in the world than the UFC. The UFC has Penn, Florian, and Sanchez and then the talent level drops off with guys like Frankie Edgar, Tyson Griffin, Gray Maynard, Huerta. DREAM on the other hand has Aoki, Alvarez, Kawakjiri, Hasen, JZ Calvacante. Aside from Maynard I think all the DREAM guys would have to be favourites in those fights. So what I am trying to say is that, DREAM probably has more depth than the UFC.
To get back on topic, I think many of the UFC's better lightweights would kick the shit out of Aoki. His BJJ is fantastic but he has a weak chin, no stand-up, and can't wrestle with most of the UFC's roster.