MMA's Best Developmental Organizations

The UFC is obviously not the only mixed martial arts organization in the world. It may be the largest, but it does not just grab inexperienced fighters and throw them in the Octagon.

The UFC inherits its talent from smaller organizations that develop fighters who are young in their careers. These organizations obviously do not pay as well as the UFC, but they are the key for young fighters in getting noticed by big-league organizations.

Excluded from this list are the UFC, Strikeforce and DREAM, as they are considered to be among the largest of the MMA organizations around the world.

Tachi Palace Fights

Tachi Palace Fights has been one of the most important organizations in terms of attracting talent from the lighter weight classes.

Tachi Palace Fights has arguably the best influx of flyweights in their organization. With the expansion of the UFC into the flyweight division, you can expect to see a bunch of Tachi Palace veterans take their talents to the world's largest MMA organization.

Already jumping ship from Tachi Palace Fights is Ian McCall, considered by most to be the No. 1 flyweight in the world.

In addition to McCall, former featherweight champion Eddie Yagin also joined the UFC last year, fighting at UFC 135 against veteran Junior Assuncao (in a losing effort).

They also develop talent, such as wrestling kingpin Bubba Jenkins, who fought his debut in the organization to begin his MMA career. Jenkins is considered one of the most intriguing prospects in the sport coming out of college.

King of the Cage

King of the Cage has been around forever, being founded in 1998. A large number of big-name MMA fighters have fought in King of the Cage at one point.

Fighters such as Urijah Faber, Bibiano Fernandes and Joe Stevenson all fought in the organization before heading to the UFC.

Most recently, the UFC signed King of the Cage lightweight and Junior Welterweight Champion Tim Means, who fights Wednesday at UFC on FUEL.

King of the Cage continues to develop talent and send them to the big leagues.

Legacy Fighting Championship

Legacy Fighting Championship is relatively new on the scene, but has begun to develop prospects and ship them to the UFC.

Recently, Legacy veterans Daniel Pineda and Andrew Craig have signed the dotted line to work for the UFC.

PIneda was successful and dominant in his debut against Pat Schilling last month. He returns next month on short notice to battle veteran Mackens Semerzier in Australia.

Craig will also fight on the card in Australia, taking a late-notice fight versus Kyle Noke.

It appears that Legacy Fighting Championship is establishing itself as a great feeder organization.

Shark Fights

Shark Fights has been known to take established veterans and put them on their cards.

They have also, however, helped produce young, talented fighters.

Clifford Starks, Joseph Sadoval, Tarec Saffiedine and TJ Waldburger have all fought for Shark Fights, before signing with big league MMA organizations. They have seen mixed results in their respective big-league careers, but nevertheless have proven their worth.

Shark Fights also helped fighters like Paul Daley and Jorge Masvidal return to the big leagues.

Bellator

You might be thinking to yourself, "Bellator is not a development organization; it is one of the biggest organizations."

While it is one of the biggest promotions in the MMA world, it is definitely somewhat of a development/feeder organization.

Bellator may have established veterans like Hector Lombard and Eddie Alvarez, but even champions like Cole Konrad, Michael Chandler and Ben Askren are developing their skills in the organization.

There are a number of fighters in the UFC that have spent some time in Bellator. Bellator is a great place to gain experience and develop skills.

I guarantee you that one day, you will see Bellator champions embark on a UFC or Strikeforce career. With talent like Lombard, Chandler and Zach Makovsky, there is no reason for them not to step up to the big leagues and test the waters.

These are just some of the best development organizations. Comment and leave more organizations that you believe are the best developmental MMA leagues. Please list examples as well to enhance your point.