In lieu of evolving into one of the most diverse and jam-packed divisions in the UFC, the talented featherweight crop has welcomed former champions, budding prospects and revived veterans along the way.
From Frankie Edgar to Nik Lentz, Chan-Sung Jung to Cub Swanson, the weight class has thrived on new arrivals and breakout performances.
But what does all of it mean considering one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet in Jose Aldo sit atop the hill?
It depends. Each and every top-ranked featherweight has one innate ability to challenge the champ, but when it’s all said and done, who really possesses the overall ingredient to dethrone a king?
Here’s each contender and pretender currently vying for the chance to turn a top-10 ranking into a championship opportunity.