20 UFC Prospects Destined For Big Things In 2020
9. Deron Winn
At 5'7", Deron Winn is probably the smallest middleweight to ever compete in the UFC. To put that into perspective, we've got 135 lb soon-to-be-star Sean O'Malley further along on this list and he's 5'11". How Winn is able to compete and beat other fighters at 185 lb is crazy. Well, at least until you see him fight. That's when everything begins to make sense.
Clearly Winn is a believer in the idea that "the bigger they are, the harder the fall", as the undefeated wrestler has beaten all of the larger middleweights put in front of him in impressive fashion. Think of Winn as a less experienced, yet very deadly version of Kelvin Gastelum and you'll have a great idea of what he brings to the table.
A stalwart at the NCAA level for wrestling, the 30-year old from Missouri uses the threat of the takedown to keep control of where the fight takes place. Despite being a wrestler, Winn uses this ability to keep the fight standing so he can utilise his boxing. His powerful and accurate striking has been cultivated by the coaches at the American Kickboxing Academy, alongside Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez and so many more.
Considering he's undefeated, there's no reason why Winn shouldn't remain at 185 lb. However, don't be surprised if makes the move down to 170 lb and becomes a title challenger at that weight class.