Author: Dan Hiergesell

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.

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Rebounding from a heartbreaking defeat is one of the most crucial and more intricate responsibilities of being a mixed martial artist.

It often separates the phonies from the guys who spend their entire careers atop the divisional ladder.

But in today’s MMA, one that’s becoming a game of youth, veterans are continuously encountering an uphill battle when trying to fix their struggles.  So when it really comes down to it, there’s no pattern or predetermined road to travel.  It all depends on the fighter and their capability of correcting their mistakes. 

Do they possess the discipline, focus, short-term memory and overall skill set to adapt to a loss and overcome?  Or do they start to sink in the always-unforgiving pool of defeat?

Here are 10 high-profile fighters who have what it take to regroup, retool their games and reshape their futures.

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Equipped with innate skill, evolved discipline and unmatched dedication, the UFC’s current champions are some of the most unbeatable figures in mixed martial arts today.

Not only have they showcased their masterful arts in the past, but through various championship trials and tribulations, they’ve evolved into stronger, smarter and more versatile animals.

But as we tread deeper into 2013, their spots atop their respectful thrones are sure to be put in danger.

It’s up to them to outwork and overcome the competition currently nibbling at their ankles.  But with cunningly hidden strength at their disposal, they should be able to withstand the test of time.

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The art of knocking out an opponent can be the most exciting facet in mixed martial arts.  It often serves as the sport’s most desired spectacle.

While power is a key component in securing an empowered one-strike finish, technique is often utilized as the overall infrastructure.

In today’s MMA, each evolving weight class sports its own set of explosive leather fists.  Attached to those fists is a fighter who holds no regard in keeping his or her opponent conscious.

So based on past performances, future potential and overall ability, here are the most prolific knockout artists in the sport today.

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Compiling a list of candidates for Fighter of the Year is trickier than it seems.  It isn’t simply a black-and-white picture.

Instead, one needs to abide by certain laws and guidelines to make sure the right names make the cut.

For instance, putting guys like Mark Hunt and Wanderlei Silva into this group seems justifiable.  But just because these knockout specialists produced devastatingly memorable finishes doesn’t mean they pass other standouts for 2013 honors.

Knockouts are awesome and propel certain names into the discussion, but victory, whether pretty or not, is what a fighter strives for in order to reach championship status.

So even though some knockouts lead to title opportunities, if they don’t, what’s the point?

With that said, assuming most of these names compete again in 2013, here’s how the Fighter of the Year picture breaks down leading into May.

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