If there was anything to learn from UFC 152, it is that there is a chance just about any fighter on the UFC roster is within a win or two from getting their chance to compete for a title.
Prior to Dan Henderson’s injury and the subsequent cancellation of UFC 151, Vitor Belfort wasn’t even at the front of the race for a middleweight title shot. However, after a number of light heavyweights turned down a short-notice title fight with Jon Jones, Belfort emerged from thin air as the 205-pound title challenger.
Though Belfort ended up suffering a predictable loss to Jones, he nearly shocked the world with an armbar in the opening round. In the moment that Belfort was cranking on Jones’ arms, “The Phenom” proved the belt is not out of the reach of any fighter competing under the UFC banner.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some fighters who few are talking about as serious contenders, yet competitors should not ignore.