Some fighters are destined to be gatekeepers. Some fighters are destined to bounce around on the regional circuit, never getting a shot at any real glory. Some fighters are destined to be relegated to a coaching or training role and live vicariously through their students.
But in the rarest of occasions, when all things line up just right, some fighters are destined to be champions.
While there are a lot of fighters who become champion when nobody expects it (I’m looking at you, Matt Serra and Frankie Edgar), occasionally we get a look at a fighter early in their career and just know that they are destined to be the best in the world someday.
This is a look at the top 10 prospects that are on their way to having Dana White strap a shiny gold belt around their waist.
Please keep in mind that I am not suggesting that all of these fighters are number-one contenders in their respective divisions, nor am I insisting that their title reign will happen anytime soon. I am simply stating that it will happen at some point in their careers.
Just for fun, I have also guessed what chance they have at winning their championship at any point during 2012.