Author: Dan Hiergesell

Wrestling has become one of the most utilized and practical disciplines in mixed martial arts.

It encompasses not only natural strength and determination but also the timing and sheer technical pedigree needed to secure a fight-changing takedown.

For years, wrestling has been challenged by the best practitioners of other prominent combat areas.  From rangy strikers to crafty submission specialists, the art of controlling an opponent on the ground has fought off pesky suitors and withstood the test of time.

But in an era when so many fighters are well-versed in a variety of disciplines, including wrestling, who’s the best of the best?

Look no further.

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Every year more fighters leave their mark on mixed martial arts and demonstrate why they should be considered the best of the best.

That’s why MMA is so great.  The evolution of the sport not only excels in respect to its growing fanbase and expanding bank accounts but also to the steady wave of newly updated superstars who hit the sport’s shores ever so often.

It allows fans to see the growth of a sport that’s really only 10 years deep.  Organizations like the UFC and Bellator bank on these tidal forces to ensure the future of their businesses.

On the back of key fighters—new or old—these ginormous companies are able to sit back, take a deep breath and watch the mayhem unfold before their very eyes.

With that said, here are 10 fighters who will dominate MMA in 2014 and prolong the sport’s success.

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In a sport often decided by split second decisions, consistency is an unlikely word to be associated with even the best fighters in the world.

But through adversity and sheer skill, a core group of mixed martial arts combatants have displayed the ability to perform to a tee.

From former champions to current titleholders, elusive strikers to powerful wrestlers, these names have remained atop their respective divisions for a reason.

Here are the top 10 most consistent fighters in MMA today.

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The first half of the MMA season has reared its beautiful head and given fight fans something to chat about for seven complete months.

From Chris Weidman’s recent upset victory over one of the greatest fighters of all time to Viacom’s vast expansion over the past few months, the world of combat sports has officially changed forever.

But through all the knockouts, media-driven headlines, toe-to-toe championship battles and unpredicted outcomes, who are truly the biggest winners from the first stint of 2013?

Look no further.

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Gatekeepers are a group of fighters who have failed to stay afloat atop their respective divisions.  They still pack serious power as top-level threats, but they no longer possess the elite pizazz that they once did.

Now while many people think being labeled a gatekeeper is a bad omen for a veteran trying to keep his or her footing on the divisional ladder, these mysterious combatants are important to the sport and organizations like the UFC.

They provide fans and fellow fighters the opportunity to see how an up-and-coming prospect fares against a well-known Octagon warrior.  They separate the weak from the worthwhile and give insight into the future of the division for matchmakers like Joe Silva.

So without further ado, with all due respect, here is the one true gatekeeper for each UFC weight class. 

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The future is bright for the UFC.  In the past, it has combined home-grown talent with outside stars and created one of the most prolific, showstopping spectacles in the Milky Way.

But what it needs most is certainty.  It needs to know that each and every one of its superstar-rich divisions is being managed accordingly.

For this to happen, one distinguished and significant athlete needs to step up and take the reins in each division.  They must transcend their respective weight classes, map their own courses and dictate the rungs on the divisional ladders.

Fortunately for the UFC, these names are already gracing the roster.  Whether they’ve already reached their potential or are destined to peak in the future, they’re there.

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