Made up of world-class prospects, standouts from The Ultimate Fighter, high-profile acquisitions and budding superstars, the UFC’s future stockpile of main eventers has arguably never looked more fruitful.
The promotion’s pay-per-view numbers may not be at an all-time high, but the talent pool is practically spilling over.
While the UFC has been ridiculed in the past for showcasing less-than-attractive bottom feeders to fill event voids, the organization’s relentless approach to promote fights of all shapes and sizes has helped weed out the exceptional.
These future contenders have looked dominant in form, tactically dismantling their respective division’s middle tier of competitors.
But like any process of evolution, it’s time these few men step out of the shadows and into the limelight.
Here are five rising fighters who need a real test in their next outing.