5 under the radar names to look out for at UFC 269

The UFC's final PPV event of the year features two exhilarating title fights and several matchups involving former champions and rising contenders.

As is the case with these ridiculously stacked cards, any number of under the radar fighters can rise up and completely steal the show.

In the following list we break down five fighters who deserve a bigger spotlight heading into UFC 269. Honorable mentions go to Darrick Minner and Augusto Sakai.

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#5. Bruno 'Blindado' Silva - UFC middleweight

Heavy-hitting Brazilian middleweight Bruno Silva opens the UFC 269 preliminary card vs. 'The Beverley Hills Ninja' Jordan Wright. Silva holds a record consisting of 21 wins and six losses, having finished 18 of his wins via KO/TKO.

Currently 2-0 in the UFC, 'Blindado' has finished both Wellington Turman and Andrew Sanchez. He also has a number of impressive regional circuit wins and is the first to defeat highly touted Russian prospect Artem Frolov.

Silva takes on an exciting opponent in Jordan Wright. However, while Wright is also an adept finisher, both Joaquin Buckley and Anthony Hernandez have revealed his tendency to struggle vs. hard-hitting opposition.

Silva has faced increasingly tougher opposition throughout his career, while Wright has only recently begun competing against UFC-caliber adversaries. Look for 'Blindado' to add another highlight reel KO to his resume at UFC 269.

#4. Randy 'The Zohan' Costa - UFC bantamweight

UFC bantamweight Randy Costa perfectly fits the 'potential to be great' moniker. 'The Zohan' is 2-2 inside the UFC with a 6-2 overall record. He has finished each of his wins while utilizing blitzing strikes and a quick tempo to overwhelm his opposition.

UFC Fight Night: Yanez v Costa

Despite his strengths, Costa has drawn some criticism for his apparent inability to pace himself. However, he is still an MMA fledgling that will surely hone his skills as he gains experience.

At UFC 269, Costa takes on Tony Kelly, a well-rounded bantamweight who is currently 1-1 inside the UFC. Kelly is perfectly capable of taking this fight into deep waters and will prove an excellent litmus test for Randy Costa.

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#3. Erin 'Cold Blooded' Blanchfield - UFC women's flyweight

At UFC 269, Erin Blanchfield faces one of the UFC women's top 135lb prospects in Miranda Maverick. Despite being just eight fights into her pro career, Blanchfield is also a talented fighter seeking opportunity.

UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield v Alpar

Blanchfield made her UFC debut this year with a unanimous decision win over Sarah Alpar. Prior to her UFC debut, Blanchfield primarily competed for Invicta FC where she picked up wins against future octagon signees Kay Hansen and Victoria Leonardo.

This will certainly be a tough test for the 22-year-old, but 'Cold Blooded' can put the women's lightweight division on notice with a win vs. Maverick.

#2. Andre 'Sergipano' Muniz - UFC middleweight

At UFC 262, Andre Muniz shocked UFC fans when he snapped the arm of MMA legend Jacare Souza. Muniz's armbar marked the end of Jacare's UFC career, as well as the emergence of a bright prospect.

UFC 262: Jacare Souza v Andre Muniz

At UFC 269, Muniz faces UFC veteran Eryk Anders. A win here will likely see Muniz break into the top 15 of the 185lb division. However, Anders will test the Brazilian prospect while looking to forge his own win streak after recently defeating Darren Stewart.

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#1. Kai 'Don't Blink' Kara-France - UFC flyweight

Kai Kara-France is an experienced UFC flyweight with a number of good wins on his resume. However, he enters UFC 269 as an underdog because he's facing an ex champion who is also dropping weight divisions.

UFC 259: Bontorin v Kara-France

Kara-France finally lived up to his nickname in his last fight against Rogerio Bontorin. 'Don't Blink' landed a walk off KO vs. Bontorin reminiscent of the iconic Mark Hunt.

This weekend, he takes on Cody Garbrandt in the highest profile fight of his career. Kara-France's high strike output combined with Garbrandt's suspect chin could well result in a highlight reel stoppage that earns the New Zealander title contention.