7. Gunnar Nelson
Gunnar Nelson is a name on any hardcore fighters lips when they think of prospects. His jiu-jitsu is off the charts and many claim that he can roll with the best MMA has to offer on the ground, he is a black belt under Renzo Gracie after all. He is also a black belt in Gjū-ryū, a form of karate, so is accomplished in all areas. Nelson has beaten both of his UFC opponents, both of whom are UFC veterans with 16 Octagon appearances between them. This shows that Gunnar is able to hang in there with experienced guys and after submitting DaMarques Johnson in his Octagon debut, many felt the hype was justified. His next performance against Jorge Santiago was less convincing, though Nelson managed to get the nod and will look to test himself against even sterner competition. Many want to see the Icelandic star face a top-10 guy already, but I'd opt to see the fight he was originally set for at UFC 160. After Mike Pyle was able to get past Nelson's replacement, Rick Story, he is on the brink of top-10 status himself so a fight between the two will leave the victor facing a top contender at Welterweight. A fight with either Patrick Cote or Martin Kampmann could work also. Preferred next fight: Mike Pyle