Middleweight
It's hard to pick anybody in this division when the champion's name is Anderson Silva, but, someday, that champion will retire and other fighters will shine.
It's also hard because I feel the division is divided. You have the contenders like Cote, Maia, Marquardt, Bisping, etc. and most of the other part is comprised of former top contenders that won't make it back up like Rivera and Horn, Sonnen, McFedries, McDonald, etc. There are many fighters we just know wont be able to get back on top, but, through all that, I found someone.
Amir Sadollah
A lot of people may question why I think Sadollah will be a force to be reckoned with in the future but here's my opinion. Yes he just came out of the house and is still really green, but he has talent and heart, just watch TUF Season 7. By the time he makes it big, chances are, Silva will have retired and a "normal" fighter will be champion ("normal" that makes Silva look even more untouchable).
He reminds me a lot of Forrest Griffin...I mean a lot. He has heart and passion for the sport, he's not the best at anything but he's good at everything and with more experience, Amir just might make it to the top someday.
Light Heavyweight
Thiago Silva/Lyoto Machida
For some odd reason, these two fighters don't get the attention they deserve. One of them will get it after UFC 94 when he beats the other. The division is so stacked that we tend to forget about really good fighters and that's what happened with these two.
A loss for Machida would be more fatal here, if Silva loses, he can still climb back the ladder, but either way it goes, I predict big things for the winner.
Luiz Cane
I'm not a fan of Cane, but he's impressive. He racked up impressive victories so far and it's only the beginning. He should slowly start fighting bigger names like Keith Jardine soon. When that happens, hopefully, he will be able to take advantage and continue his growth in the division.
Heavyweight
Shane Carwin
Carwin has shown a lot promise in his fights so far. He finished off his opponents easily in the first round. he's big and strong and think he will pose a serious threat to anybody in the heavyweight division.
His next fights should start getting interesting and we will see what he's really made of.
Cain Valasquez
I never saw this guy coming. When I began starting paying attention to him, is when demolished Jake O'Brien. Cain is a well-rounded fighter who I think has the skill and ability to make it big in the division. With serious talent lacking in the heavyweight division, it's his time to strike.
Like Carwin, it will be interesting to see who he his matched up against in his next fights, but rest assured, Valasquez has all it takes to become a champion.
Cheick Kongo
OK so this guy has already shined a little bit with his Cro Cop victory, but his true potential is far from discovered. I think he could have beaten Heath Herring, but he didn't look motivated or awake for that matter. Kongo has great skills and he can definitely become one of the divison's top 5 fighters, but he needs motivation.
If he can perform at full potential, this monster will have the UFC heavyweight title around his waist, but does he really want it?
In a world of champions and top contenders, these are the guys who I see having success in the future. Some I'm sure of it, others just need a little kick in the butt to get there but keep your eyes open for these fighters because some of them may catch that spotlight much sooner then we all think.
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