In rare cases like that of gargantuan former heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar, the hype surrounding fighters who made their UFC debut was merited.
For others, like Hector Lombard, extraordinary media attention only brings added pressure and unfamiliar headaches, factors that often result in disappointing performances.
For better or for worse, though, MMA fans will usually peg flashy competitors as either blue-chip prospects, coveted transplants, or spectacles, in Lesnar‘s case.
The UFC has certainly facilitated its share of tantalizing debuts. Here are the 10 most hyped fighters to ever enter the Octagon.