The UFC has a sizable list of fighters who are working their way up with significant win streaks. This list includes champions Jon Jones (11 wins), Chris Weidman (eight wins) and Demetrious Johnson (seven wins). UFC 179 headliners Jose Aldo (six wins) and Chad Mendes (five wins) will eliminate one lengthy streak next Saturday.
But which non-champions are about to hit a wall in their quest to wear gold?
First, we had to assess the fighters on win streaks. We set a baseline of five consecutive UFC victories, but there were two exceptions to that loose rule. Next, we had to establish how to judge if the fighter would hit a wall. The best way is to take an educated look at the fighter, his recent wins, potential opposition and outside factors. We need some probabilities.
Rafael Assuncao is a great test subject.
He is on the brink of earning a title shot. If not for Dominick Cruz’s return to the division, he would be next in line for T.J. Dillashaw’s title. Will he hit a wall? Perhaps, but he also holds a split-decision win over the champion. He has a great shot to become the man at 135 pounds, and as such we will not include him as a fighter about to hit the wall.
Without further ado, here are the six fighters who do not have a great probability of keeping their UFC streaks alive as we move closer to 2015.