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Most mixed martial artists dream of fighting in the UFC. The promotion is home to the sport's best fighters, and many dream of being recognized as champions where the likes of Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, and Anderson Silva made their names.
However, before fighters become legends and champions, they are prospects. They must defeat endless droves of no-name competition and storm the gates of unranked territory. Only then can they begin their climb up the ladder of their divisional rankings.
Some are more talented than others, and in the UFC's current landscape, there are five prospects who have separated themselves from the rest of the pack, with the glimmer of championship potential seen in the rare few.
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#5. UFC light heavyweight Carlos Ulberg
Carlos Ulberg is one of the UFC's latest high-profile City Kickboxing imports. The New Zealander is a former kickboxer with an impressive record, and boasts a well-rounded skill-set made even more effective by his crisp striking and dynamite punching power.
Check out Carlos Ulberg's knockout of Ihor Potieria:
While his promotional debut wasn't the best, as he was knocked out by Kennedy Nzechukwu within two rounds, he hasn't looked back, going on a stunning six-fight win streak consisting of four knockouts/TKOs, one submission, and just one decision. In fact, he was recently matched up with Jamahal Hill.
While injuries ultimately derailed the bout, it is a testament to how highly the UFC views Ulberg's skills. His only drawbacks are his defensive striking and cardio. But as things stand, he is arguably light heavyweight's best prospect.
#4. UFC welterweight Michael Morales
Not every prospect draws significant attention from both the fanbase and promotion. UFC welterweight Michael Morales is exactly that kind of fighter. The 25-year old is not only young, but he is dynamic, athletic, and most noticeably, undefeated at 17-0.
Check out Michael Morales' knockout of Neil Magny:
He has five wins in the UFC, including a recent first-round TKO of veteran 170-pounder Neil Magny, who even the likes of Ian Garry and Mike Malott failed to finish. On the feet, the Ecuadorian is a slick boxer with sneaky power, having knocked out 12 of his 17 conquests.
Where Morales comes up short is his lack of a dedicated kicking game and his poor defensive striking. If not for his granite chin, he would have been on the wrong end of some terrifying moments in the cage. For now, though, he is spotless and determined to reach the top.
#3. UFC lightweight Myktybek Orolbai
A surprising number of fans are already familiar with Myktybek Orolbai, though not because of his skills. Instead, he has become an unintentional social media sensation for his strong facial features and bone structure. However, fans ought to know that the 26-year-old is one of the brightest up-and-comers at lightweight.
Check out Myktybek Orolbai's short-notice submission of Uros Medic:
While he isn't undefeated, with a 13-1-1 record, he hasn't lost in four years and has authored an 8-fight win streak since then, including two under the UFC banner. Orolbai is a brutally strong grappler, with a suffocating top game and lethal submission threat on the mat.
In a division as talent-rich as lightweight, he stands out as a potential torchbearer for the next generation of 155-pounders. He still has some proving to do, but his skills are undeniable.
#2. UFC bantamweight Payton Talbott
Payton Talbott recently burst onto the scene with a trio of eye-catching finishes, bringing him to the attention of the MMA fandom. The UFC bantamweight, who is just 25 years old, is already regarded as one of the highest-potential prospects in the entire promotion, and it is easy to see why.
Check out Payton Talbott's knockout of Yanis Ghemmouri:
First, he is undefeated, boasting a 9-0 record. Second, he is a finisher, having only ever gone to a decision once. Every other foe has faced has either been knocked out or submitted. However, a glimpse at both his records and fights reveals that seven of his 9 opponents have been stopped via strikes.
Talbott is a dangerous striker, with an ease and smoothness to everything he does. It enables him to dictate the rhythm of his bouts and catch his opponents when they least expect it. His last foe lasted all of 19 seconds against him. Talbott, in short, is simply too good for the level of opposition he's currently facing.
#1. UFC middleweight Bo Nickal
There is no understating the amount of hype surrounding Bo Nickal. His credentials as a three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion have drawn tremendous praise, and they appear to have translated well to the cage. Nickal's wrestling is elite and possibly the best in the middleweight division.
Check out Bo Nickal's knockout of Val Woodburn:
It is hard to picture anyone outwrestling him. Thus far, no one has, enabling him to embark on a flawless 6-0 run, which has seen him finish everyone he has ever faced. In fact, only one of his opponents has ever made it out of round one but never lasted beyond round two.
While he is a danger on the mat, Nickal is also powerful and athletic. He is growing more comfortable on the feet, and if he can fully optimize his fighting style, he may very well meet the championship expectations some already have of him.
