The UFC is the crème de la crème of mixed martial arts and they possess a wealth of talent as a result. It is also where the potential of fighters is tested the most and the ultimate proving ground for up-and-comers. Some have wilted under the pressure, many have thrived off it, but this article will look at those fighters who look destined for greatness. Disclaimer: I've omitted the likes of Chris Weidman and Anthony Pettis as they're now contenders rather than prospects and they've finally been awarded their title shots in the immediate future. Rory MacDonald, Glover Teixeira and a couple of others have also been avoided as they have proven themselves against top competition - Penn, Pyle and Diaz for MacDonald; Jackson, Te Huna and Maldonado for Teixeira. They've also built a solid run to the title and could be just one or two wins away from a title shot in their respective divisions. Click "next" to start the slideshow.
10. Brandon Thatch
To casual fans, Brandon Thatch is a name that won't ring any bells. He has been fighting for regional promotions his whole career and has gone under the radar because of it. But, when looking at his record and the fact he is just 27, he could make some noise at the UFC. It was announced that Thatch had signed for the UFC shortly after his win at RFA 7 against Mike Rhodes. That win is his eighth in a row, with all nine of his wins coming by way of submission or (T)KO. The versatility of his game is something which makes him very promising indeed; he has the skillset to finish the fight wherever it ends up and makes for a tricky fight for whoever he is matched up with next. Furthermore, his wins have not been over cans, he has faced fighters with far more experience than himself but has still managed to get the finish. It will be interesting to see how he will get on when matched up against some of the UFC's welterweights and whether he can continue his rise to fame in the world's biggest MMA promotion.
Preferred next fight: Adlan Amagov