UFC's Wildcards: The Fighters Waiting to Explode in the UFC

Each UFC division is staked up with it's champion and top contenders. For most part, those fighters are the ones we all talk about, GSP, Anderson Silva, Randy Couture, BJ Penn, Kenny Florian etc. But there are the guys that are doing very well in the division, still, they just haven't hit the top yet.

Those guys...we tend to forget about. Fighters that are waiting to get their shot at glory, that have the talent to make it to the top, the guys that are waiting to explode but just haven't had the right moment yet.

Here is a list of UFC fighters in each weight class that have the potential to make it big in the UFC. Whether they can make it to the top and become champions or just become one of the best this division has to offer doesn't really matter. This writer predicts big things for every fighter listed below.

Lightweight

Gray Maynard

Maynard is exactly was his nickname says he is...a bully. He's not the biggest or the strongest fighter in the division, but he has great cardio and he's very aggressive. 

Maynard has great wrestling, he has proved that time and time again. Gray is the only fighter in the division who defeated the former undefeated Frankie Edgar and he stopped Rich Clementi, who was on a serious winning streak.

With a few more high profile fights, Maynard can put himself in title contention. He can really make it big, some people even say he's the sleeper waiting to explode in the lightweight division.

Joe Lauzon

Lauzon has been impressive in every fight he's had in the octagon. I'm a huge fan of his and think he will become something big. He's still young and has a great variety of submissions. His only loss came to the hands of Kenny Florian who we know, is no loser.

Lauzon is rumored to fight former top contender Hermes Franca at UFC Fight Night 17. This is just the opportunity Lauzon needs. If he beats Franca and this kid could well be on his way to more high profile fights. Beating Franca also serves to prove he's one of the best the division has to offer.

Welterweight

Mike Swick

I really like Mike Swick and although several people think he's finished, I still have faith in him. He's a very talented fighter that moved down in weight after suffering a loss in a division he was already doing really well in. I have to agree that he may have lost a little fire, but  doesn't seem like anything to really worry about.

With his Goulet fight coming up, he should start getting more interesting fights, that is if he wins. If he really desires it and finds the passion again, Swick can be champion, there's no doubt in my mind.

Diego Sanchez/Josh Koscheck

I put these two guys together because I just don't see both of them making it big, it will be one or the other. When observed closely, they have had similar paths from TUF 1 up until to today. Both fighters had their moment to shine, somehow they let those moments slip right between their fingers.

I think a rematch between these two is inevitable. Whoever wins will probably go on to become one of the welterweight division's top fighters, while the other fades into darkness. The question is...who will it be?

Dustin Hazellett

By far one of the most talented fighters in the division, Dustin Hazellett is still very young. He still seems to be the most talented BJJ fighter in his division. He always has a solid performance and has proved his submissions should be feared. The one problem he faces, his stand-up is lacking. Good news is, he has plenty of time to work on that.

With a little more experience Hazellett is going to be a very dangerous fighter. He'll slowly make his way to the top, probably get knocked down several times, but if he works hard, this kid will have gold around his waist in the future.

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