Fedor Emelianenko and More Fighters the UFC Should Sign

The UFC is biggest MMA organization in the world and is continuing to grow, and with its growth, it will need the best fighters in the world under its banner.

Considering of the options now possessed by the UFC in terms of television airtime, star fighters will be more easily developed thanks to FOX, FX and Fuel TV. These channels will allow small-time fighters, as well as skilled, yet less popular fighters, to gain a following.

With that, there are definitely fighters that the UFC needs to sign now to continue its talent development and create new challenges for its top current fighters. Excluding the fighters in Strikeforce and Bellator, these are some of the talented mixed martial artists the UFC should pursue and develop.

Bantamweight

Bibiano Fernandes

This talented Brazilian is thought to be in the top 10, if not top five, for bantamweight fighters in the world.

Fresh off his DREAM Bantamweight Grand Prix Championship run, Fernandes is ready to take his talents to the top organization in the world. With his top-notch ground game and experience against veterans like Joachim Hansen, he could be an immediate threat to Dominick Cruz's title.  

Antonio Banuelos

Banuelos was given his walking papers from the UFC not long ago following a lackluster performance against Miguel Torres. And despite losing his last effort, the DREAM Bantamweight Grand Prix final against Bibiano Fernandes, Banuelos is still a dangerous opponent for any bantamweight to face.

Give him another shot in the UFC and I guarantee he finds some success.

Hideo Tokoro

Tokoro has dropped two straight fights, but believe me, that is not the end for this submission whiz.

Tokoro is a true veteran of the sport, having fought professionally more than 50 times. Tokoro is still at the top of his game and, even more than that, he would help attract more Japanese fans to the UFC.

Jimmie Rivera

Rivera was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter season 14 but lost in his preliminary bout against eventual finalist Dennis Bermudez. Prior to being finished by Bermudez, Rivera was dominating the fight.

Rivera is currently a prospect, but he is the kind of prospect that would benefit greatly from UFC experience.

Featherweight

Tatsuya Kawajiri

Kawajiri has recently dropped to featherweight, seeing success in his first two bouts at the weight class. He is a beast at featherweight and could benefit from a step up in competition. He is very well rounded and has the game to make a splash in the UFC.

He is yet another fighter who could help with the Japanese market, as well. 

Joachim Hansen

Hansen is a veteran of the sport, having fought professionally since 1999.

"Hellboy" is an exciting fighter on the mat and standing and is also a guy who could help attract the Scandinavian market. And with the UFC heading to Sweden in April, it's hard to believe that Hansen was not signed for the card due to his name value and the fact his home country of Norway right next door. This is especially true because the UFC decided to sign Besam Yousef for the card, who has not fought a credible opponent to this date.

Deividas Taurosevicius

Taurosevicius is a veteran of many current and former top MMA organizations, including the WEC, IFL, Bellator and currently Ring of Combat.

With 10 of his 14 career victories by submission, it is obvious he gets in the cage to finish fights. And with career victories over UFC employees Bart Palaszewski, Javier Vazquez and Mackens Semerzier, it's also obvious Taurosevicius can hold his own with top fighters.

Lightweight

Shinya Aoki

Although it appears Aoki will never join the UFC due to his desire to fight and train in the proximity of his family in Japan, there is a suitable solution for a guy many people consider as a top lightweight in the world.

With the UFC beginning its expansion in East Asia, he could sign a non-exclusive contract with the UFC, which would allow him to fight when the UFC comes to places like Japan, China, or South Korea. It would also allow him to take other fights outside the promotion in the meanwhile so he can stay fresh.

I must state that I think that Aoki is very overrated and would not succeed in the UFC, but many UFC fans have pleaded for the UFC to sign Aoki. Problem solved?

John Alessio

Alessio is 9-1 in his last 10 fights and is one of the top MMA fighters in the lightweight division that the UFC does not employ. He is a former UFC fighter who has also fought for the WEC and MFC.

Seeing as his only loss in his last 10 outings is to current UFC welterweight Siyar Bahadurzada, Alessio deserves a chance to show he belongs in the UFC. He has a fight against Ryan Healy coming up in March, and if Alessio can defeat Healy, offer him a contract.

Antonio McKee

Although McKee is not the most exciting fighter in the world, he did get kind of a bum deal when he went one-and-done in the UFC. McKee is a power wrestler with decent submission skills, and deserves at least one more fight with the UFC.

He is currently fighting for the MFC at the end of this month against Brian Cobb. If he can beat Cobb impressively, the UFC should give him one more shot.

Welterweight

Paul Daley

I know Daley is "banished" from the UFC for socking Josh Koscheck after the bell, but Daley is a big name that can draw fans, especially on a card in the UK.

Oh, and he still does have fighting skills, too.

Since dropping his last two Strikeforce fights to Nick Diaz (for the championship) and Tyron Woodley, Daley has defeated UFC veterans Jordan Radev and Luigi Fiorvanti. If Daley can win his next fight against Kazuo Misaki at Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey in March, bring him back to the UFC and give him a second chance.

(I know I said no Strikeforce fighters, but let's be honest: Daley has fought more outside of Strikeforce since his release from the UFC than inside.)

Marius Zaromskis

Although Zaromskis has dropped a couple fights as of late, he brings an exciting stand-up game that will attract many fans.

If you dont believe me, just ask Bruno Carvalho because he still does not know what hit him. Zaromskis has stepped in the ring with top names such as Kazushi Sakuraba, Nick Diaz and Hayato Sakurai. Zaromskis could easily help the UFC attract more fans with his explosive striking.

Brian Foster

Foster is a UFC veteran who got cut due to medical issues. Since becoming healthy, Foster has rattled off two victories over tough opponents Jack Mason and Laverne Clark.

Foster brings excitement with his well-rounded game, as he has never gone to decision in his eighteen fight career. Seeing as his last fight in the UFC was a submission victory over current UFC roster-holder Matt Brown, there is a strong case for Foster to make his return.

Jim Wallhead

Now that Wallhead is not employed by Bellator, he is fair game for this list. Although he is employed by BAMMA, the UK's top MMA promotion, his victories could justify his signing to the UFC.

With solid judo skills and improved stand-up skills, Wallhead has been able to put away Frank Trigg and Joey Villasenor in his last two bouts. Sign Wallhead, build him up by giving him fights against fighters in the lower division and see if he can blossom into another UK star in the UFC.

Middleweight

Nate Marquardt

Ousted from the UFC for being pulled from the main event the day of the fight not long ago, Marquardt is still one of the top middleweights in the world (though he has said he wants to fight at welterweight).

He has high value to his name and a long list of high-profile victims. He and BAMMA had signed a contract, but before his first fight have split ways. This could allow Dana White to think twice about the banished star and re-sign him as soon as possible.

Mamed Khalidov

A highly touted prospect who fights for KSW in Poland, Khalidov's record shows a star in the making. Within the last couple of years, Khalidov has finished Jorge Santiago, James Irvin, Matt Lindland and Jesse Taylor.

In his 24 victories, he has finished all but one of his fights. He possesses slick submissions and thunderous stand up. He could make an immediate impact upon arrival.

Anthony Johnson

I know that he was just cut for missing weight, but Johnson is legit when he is on weight. Johnson has brutal stand up to go along with a solid wrestling base. I know it is unprofessional to miss weight, but give him one more chance at middleweight.

He is physically imposing and can easily attract fans with his highlight-reel knockouts.

Patrick Cote

Since being cut over a year ago, Cote has since won three fights in a row outside the UFC against three veterans of the Octagon in Kalib Starnes, Todd Brown and Crafton Wallace.

Cote is one of the most exciting MMA fighters at middleweight due to his aggressive stand-up skills, iron jaw and willingness to never give up. With the three aforementioned wins outside of the UFC under his belt, why not sign him for the UFC's return to Montreal, which is sometime this year.

Gerald Harris

A guy who was cut seemingly unfairly, Harris is another middleweight that needs to be brought back.

At 3-0 going into his fight with Maiquel Falcao at UFC 123, he was given his walking papers after a one-sided loss. This decision was questionable, as he finished all three preceding fights, two of which won him "Knockout of the Night."

Having won two out of his last three contests, Harris should be brought back to right the mistake of cutting him in the first place.

Tom Watson

Watson is another fan-favorite in the UK. His smooth stand-up skills have led him to his most recent victory of Murilo Rua.

Although he has not fought in almost a year due to injuries, Watson may be a fight or two away from earning his spot on the UFC roster. If the UFC should return to the UK this year, that makes his chances even better.

Light Heavyweight

Glover Teixeira

Teixeira is a long-time veteran of the sport. He holds a record of 17-2. It really surprises me that he never found his way to the Octagon, as he is a very dangerous light heavyweight.

In 2011, he went 5-0 defeating notables such as Antonio Mendes, Marvin Eastman and Ricco Rodriguez. His hands are lethal, as showcased by his 11 knockout victories. It's about time Teixeira gets his invite to the UFC.

Steve Bosse

Bosse is one of the top prospects from Canada not under the UFC's banner.

Bosse is another guy who likes to knock out his opponent, as showcased by his seven knockouts in nine wins. In his latest outing, Bosse knocked out Houston Alexander in brutal fashion. A feat like that requires some attention.

Sign him and put him on the card in Montreal later this year. 

Emanuel Newton

Since losing to Ryan Jimmo back in late 2009, Newton has gone wild, racking up five straight wins over tough competition. Notably, Newton has defeated the likes of Dwayne Lewis, Rodney Wallace and James McSweeney.

Should he continue to roll over these type of opponents, it would not be a bad idea for the UFC to give him a go in the Octagon.

Heavyweight

Fedor Emelianenko

Hear me out.

I know this probably won't happen, as Uncle Dana does not like Fedor's management and thinks he is washed up, but Fedor is still a big draw.

Although he has lost to upper-level competition as of recent, he still deserves at least one chance in the UFC to prove he can compete with the best in the world. Watching him fight unimpressive competition overseas is a waste.

Heck, if James Toney can get a fight in the UFC, Fedor should get the same courtesy and more. However, Fedor's management needs to stop being so headstrong and allow the UFC to contract Fedor on its terms.

Tony Lopez

Lopez is an interesting fighter seeing as he can fight as a heavyweight or light heavyweight. Lopez brings a unique, unorthodox style when he fights and could draw a cult following if given some sort of spotlight in the UFC. Start him off slow at the bottom of the division and try to build him up gradually. There is a chance he could put on a "Fight of the Night" or two.

Knowing that the Strikeforce heavyweights will be coming to the UFC already, the heavyweight division will be as stacked as it has ever been. The time to grab Emelianenko is now. Although he is past his prime, he can still make tons of money and put on some heart pounding fights.