Top European MMA Fighter by Weight Class

Mixed martial arts is continuing to gain popularity in Europe. With its growth, a number of legitimate European fighters will emerge in each weight class in pursuit of their respective weight class title.

With a number of already established fighters in combination with emerging prospects, Europe is set to become a haven of talent.

Let's take a look at the best fighters Europe has to offer by weight class.

Bantamweight: Brad Pickett

Europe is still developing their lighter weight classes, but they already possess a top bantamweight in Brad Pickett.

The London, England, native has already impressed in his career, putting together a 20-6 record, finishing 15 opponents. He holds notable wins over Demetrious Johnson, Ivan Menjivar and Vaughan Lee.

Pickett looks to be the poster boy in terms of leading European fighters toward the bantamweight division.

Featherweight: Bart Palaszewski

In a close race between the few top featherweights from Europe, Bart Palaszewski gets the nod thus far.

The Polish import has impressed at lightweight, but in his first featherweight bout put a highlight reel knockout of Tyson Griffin. He is now set to scrap with Hatsu Hioki this weekend.

The very experienced Palaszewski combines powerful hands and an underrated ground game to achieve victory. He holds a 36-14 record in his career, winning five of his last six.

Honorable Mention: Ross Pearson

Lightweight: Terry Etim

There are a number of solid European lightweights, but Terry Etim looks to be the best of the bunch.

Etim has lost brutally recently to Edson Barboza, but don't let that loss fool you.

Etim is a great lightweight, and most likely, the best European lightweight.

Holding a record of 15-4, Etim has finished all but one of his victories. He holds notable wins over Sam Stout, Justin Buchholz and Brian Cobb.

Welterweight: Martin Kampmann

Denmark's Martin Kampmann is possibly the most underrated welterweight in the UFC. But, he is also the best welterweight talent Europe has to offer.

Kampmann may not be that far of from a title shot, as he holds a marvelous record of 18-5. His last two losses have been controversial split decisions. Add to the fact that he has beaten the likes of Rick Story, Paulo Thiago and Carlos Condit and you have yourself a legitimate threat to the welterweight crown.

Kampmann has also finished 13 of his 18 wins. Not too shabby if you ask me.

Honorable Mention: John Hathaway

Middleweight: Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping is easily the best European talent in the middleweight division. He has established himself over the years as one of the top middleweights in the world.

Bisping is 22-4, including a 12-4 run in the UFC. He recently dropped a number one contenders bout with Chael Sonnen, show casing his world class skills.

He is also the biggest heel in MMA today, which combines with his top flight skills to make for one of the most talked about middleweights in the world.

Light Heavyweight: Alexander Gustafsson

The big Swede fighting out of Stolkholm has proven to not only be Europe's best light heavyweight prospect, but Europe's best light heavyweight fighter in general.

Gustafsson has been virtually unstoppable throughout his 13-1 run in mixed martial arts. He has finished all but one of his professional fights, showcasing well rounded skills in fights against Cyrille Diabate, Matt Hamill and Vladimir Matyushenko.

He headlines his first event in the UFC when he takes on Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at the UFC on FUEL 2 in Sweden.

Heavyweight: Alistair Overeem

Alistair Overeem is a top three heavyweight in the world, which leaves him as Europe's top heavyweight fighter.

The Dutchman was born in England but has lived in the Netherlands for most of his life. He holds a pro kickboxing record of 10-4, as well as his MMA record of 36-11 (1NC). He is a K-1 champion in kickboxing, the former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion and the top contender in the UFC's heavyweight division.

Overeem is second to none and is most likely the top European fighter of any weight class.