Alexander Gustafsson – image via UFC.com
Nothing raises controversy like differences of opinion, especially when it comes to the mixed martial arts blogosphere when one website lists their “top-five UFC prospects” under 28 who have never held a world title.
Well our friends over at Heavy MMA have put together their list of the top-five rising prospects competing in the Octagon, which is certainly to raise a few eyebrows.
One name I would have liked to have seen on that list, who is only disqualified because of his age, is light heavyweight Glover Teixeira (18-2) who made short work of Kyle Kingsbury last May at UFC 146. The Chuck Liddell product is set to face Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson this October at UFC 153.
Anyway, I’m getting away from their list and throwing out my own it seems, so here are Heavy MMA’s top-five prospects:
No. 5: Joseph Benavidez, 28, Flyweight
Record: 16-2
Analysis: Is Joseph Benavidez still considered a prospect? He just barely fits the qualifications.
Benavidez is 28 years old and right on the cusp of winning his first world championship. After a six-month layoff, he will face Demetrious Johnson in the final of the UFC’s flyweight tournament. Benavidez says he wants to become the George Washington of the new flyweight division, and he will be labeled the favorite.
This isn’t the first title push for Benavidez. He’s had two title shots before – against Dominick Cruz – and came up short both times. Perhaps a third title fight is a charm for Benavidez, who has been one of the top young and exciting fighters for a while.
No. 4: Erick Silva, 28, welterweight
Record: 15-2
Analysis: There is a lot to like about Erick Silva. He has a rare combination of size, length, skills and athleticism for a welterweight. He also goes for the finish. Eleven of his 15 victories are by knockout or submission.
We may never see another Anderson Silva, but Erick Silva is probably the closest thing. Erick Silva has a slick style, is dangerous everywhere and trains with Team Nogueira. It is hard for Erick Silva to avoid “The Spider” comparisons.
Silva gets a big test October 13 against longtime contender Jon Fitch (23-4-1) in Brazil. This fight could push Silva close to title contention in the welterweight division.
No. 3: Alexander Gustafsson, 25, light heavyweight
Record: 14-1
Analysis: “The Mauler” has won five in a row — and four of those came via submission or knockout. Few fighters have been as impressive in the past year as Gustafsson, who is viewed as the future at light heavyweight.
Gustafsson, with a little more seasoning, could eventually be a threat to 205-pound kingpin Jon Jones. Gustafsson has the length, aggressiveness and finishing ability to push Jones. But Gustafsson needs to face higher-level competition. He will get that on Dec. 8 against former light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. This will be a great test to determine where Gustafsson currently stands in the title picture.
Sorry, but you’ll have to visit Heavy.com/MMA to see the rest of the list, otherwise this website would be called Heavy.com/TheMMANews and I’d just publish the whole thing here for you.