(Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images for IFL)
He's not yet 21, he's 13-1 and riding a three-fight win streak in the WEC with wins over Mark Hominick, Micah Miller and Jens Pulver, the last of which took just 33 seconds. What's not to like? The crazy thing is that Grispi isn't even the best prospect in the division...
3. Jose Aldo
That honor belongs to Aldo, who needed just eight seconds to split Cub Swanson's eyebrow open and close the book on their fight at WEC 41. The Brazilian sensation is just 22 and has decimated five consecutive opponents under the WEC banner.
We might find out real quickly if Aldo is as impressive as he's looked thus far, as many believe he will be the next challenger for Mike Thomas Brown's featherweight title.
2. Cain Velasquez
Personally, I think the Cheick Kongo fight was a bit of a step backwards for Velasquez, and I really don't like the matchup against Shane Carwin at UFC 104 either. But sometimes you have to take a step backwards before you can charge ahead.
Velasquez has all the talent in the world and he will surely continue to improve his striking. If he were a light heavyweight, he'd be afforded an opportunity to come along at a more reasonable pace, a la Luis Cane.
But the lack of strong competition and noteworthy contenders in the heavyweight ranks will force Velasquez to face a tougher challenge sooner than others.
1. Jon Jones
Where Velasquez looked just average against a veteran like Cheick Kongo, Jones looked outstanding against "The American Psycho" Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94. Yes, he also looked gassed by the end of things, but check the picture that led off this piece.
Dude broke out a belly-to-back suplex against a veteran like Bonnar, not to mention several other impressive throws and an assortment of spinning elbows and precise strikes. There are still elements he needs to work on - stamina being No. 1 in my books—but "Bones" has as bright a future as anyone in the business.
Originally posted at Watch Kalib Run by E. Spencer Kyte
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