Even in a professional landscape where rocky roads are the norm, Frankie Edgar‘s path stands out. It hasn’t been easy, straight or particularly well-lighted, but some how, some way, he’s smelling sweeter with every click of the odometer.
By comparison, Benson Henderson reached the promised land in no time flat. That’s not to say his road to the title shot was strewn with rose petals—or that he didn’t earn his way there—because it wasn’t, and he did. It’s just been a while since a relative UFC newcomer (in any weight class) forced themselves into the promotion’s title mix the way Henderson did with his recent performances.
This tortoise/hare matchup should be a great one at UFC 144. But as you know, these roads never seem to end. The next face in the line is always the most important, and new challenges always loom. That’s especially true in a bracket as deep as the lightweight division.
Here are 10 fighters who most deserve to be that next face in line, no matter who emerges from the scrum.