Heading into the last third of 2013 there are still plenty of blockbuster fights on tap, including six scheduled UFC title bouts. A glimpse into each division, however, reveals only a few true No. 1 contenders.
UFC champions are becoming more consistent and adept these days and titles aren’t changing hands with regularity as they have in previous years. For this reason divisions are being cleaned out more easily.
Perhaps the only two weight classes with true No. 1 contenders are the lightweight and bantamweight divisions.
T.J. Grant, whose injury forced him out of his lightweight title matchup with Ben Henderson, will likely still be next in line upon his return. Dominick Cruz has not fought since October of 2011 because of a knee injury but will likely get his shot at interim bantamweight champion Renan Barao when he returns.
There are clearly worthy contenders in every division but not many fighters are separating themselves from the pack. Not to mention contenders that won’t fight their champion teammates.
With all that said, here are some dark horse title-elimination fights that could produce No. 1 contenders in each division.