5 Top Fighters Signed By The UFC In 2018

#2 Curtis Millender

Curtis Millender has picked up two UFC victories in 2018

Oddly nicknamed ‘Courteous’, Curtis Millender debuted in the UFC in February 2018 and was anything but polite and respectful, as his nickname would suggest. Instead, Millender used his powerful striking game to absolutely destroy respected veteran and former Welterweight title challenger Thiago Alves, dispatching him with a knee to the head in the second round.

Discounting a doctor stoppage loss to Carlos Condit in 2015, it was only the second time Alves had been stopped with strikes in his career – the previous coming back in 2006. While the Brazilian is now in the twilight of his career, the way that Millender put him away certainly opened some eyes. A second win over tough contender Max Griffin at UFC 226 sent the message even further – Millender is for real.

Standing at 6’3”, the former Bellator contender is large for a Welterweight and judging by his performances against Alves and Griffin, he knows exactly how to use his long reach to his advantage in the striking department. His grappling game is more of a mystery – two of his three pre-UFC losses came by submission and Griffin had some success with takedowns early in that fight. Based on his striking skill alone he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.

At the time of writing, Millender doesn’t have another UFC fight scheduled, although to see him appear on another card before 2018 is out, would hardly be a surprise. If he can win his third fight of the year, then his name could appear on the rankings sooner rather than later.