UFC: Fighters That I Would Like To See Succeed

You know sometimes there's just those fighters you see, read their interviews, see on TUF, and you just want them to succeed.  Here's my list, and I'd be interested to hear some of your opinions on who you want to succeed.

Technically, they have made it to the "big show" by being in the UFC, but I want them to achieve major success, with titles, media attention, the works...

Karo Parisyan

I know he's got a big head to some, and that some say he's dodged Jon Fitch. But he was so close, and he blew it against Thiago Alves.

I think what did it for me was his little incident on TUF with Nate Diaz. It was funny in my opinion, because although he's stayed unbeaten, I find Diaz to be a punk.

For a more seasoned veteran to be talked to like that, I think Karo had every right to get upset. I think Nick is the better Diaz brother, and Karo has already taken him out.

Rich Clementi

I think he deserves to be rewarded for his commitment. The guy had a grueling, three-round battle at UFC 83. An injury occurred at UFC 84, and he volunteered to jump right back in the ring for another three-round battle.

Now I'm not saying give the guy a title fight, but why not a "No. 1 contenders" style match. Who ever wins out of Florian/Huerta vs Penn should go against the winner of say Clementi vs Tyson Griffin/Nate Diaz/Gray Maynard.

It's no secret they push the guys they want to the top, so why not give him a shot?

Diego Sanchez

While he was slated to be the next big thing before, he got off track and that's a shame. With his upcoming match up against Fioravanti (I actually spelled that right without checking) I think he will get back on the up and up.

Also, the UFC is promoting him in Mexico, so I see the star of Diego rising again. He was just dominating on TUF 1 and a little mysterious, and that made him likable. He didn't talk the most, but he went out there and did his thing to perfection.

Jason MacDonald

Here's another guy that deserves more recognition. He puts on a great fight for his fans every time. He took out Leben and Herman (who I feel is underrated), and then he was given a fight against Rich Franklin.

I felt it was too soon. He was fed to Franklin to help Franklin regain his confidence. (C'mon! the card was called The Uprising and featured Franklin and Matt Hughes, both whom had lost their belts in their previous fights.) So I feel with the proper build up and coverage, he could be a real contender.

Patrick Cote

It's another one of those, "I don't know; there's just something about that guy!" He's on the uprising, and he did have a very rough start.

He comes off a little crazy (Did he yell the F-word after beating Drew McFredries?) If he keeps up his performance he will get a shot at Anderson Silva, which will more that likely be a loss.

Who knows? He's got some power, and weirder things have happened (Serra KO's St. Pierre, Scott Smith KO's Pete Sell).

These are just a few of the guys I'd like to see make it. Feel free to comment on who yours would be.