Welterweight Prospects That the UFC Should Sign

We continue on the "Prospects the UFC Should Sign" series, which will take us division by division, looking the top prospects that should be signed by the UFC. 

The welterweight division is a division heavy with wrestlers and talented up-and-comers. Among some of the new faces emerging as top contenders are Jake Ellenberger, Rory MacDonald and Johny Hendricks.

A new wave of mixed martial artists are bound to end up making the big time. Here are five prospects the UFC should sign and develop, as they may be stars of the future.

NOTE: Strikeforce and Bellator fighters were not included. 

Gunnar Nelson

A gifted grappler and ADCC veteran, Iceland's Gunnar Nelson is one of Europe's top prospects, as well as one of the world's best welterweight prospects.

Nelson is a Cage Rage and BAMMA veteran, and his professional record currently stands at 9-0-1. He has finished every single one of his opponents, using his superior ground game to knock out or submit overwhelmed opponents. 

The Renzo Gracie student focused on grappling in 2011, but has already won one fight in 2012. He deserves a spot on the UFC roster, especially if the UFC plans another card in Europe this year.

Kenny Robertson

A one-fight UFC veteran who got the short end of the stick in his only UFC appearance, Kenny Robertson was given the axe after one performance with the world's largest promotion.

Kenny Robertson has proven to be a legitimate welterweight prospect, running up an 11-1 record, with his only loss in the Octagon to Mike Pierce. He has finished all but one opponent, including wins over UFC vet Lucio Linhares (spinning backfist), John Kolosci, Igor Almeida and LeVon Maynard.

Robertson's experience with talented fighters, as well as his finishing ability, should be enough to earn the UFC veteran another shot. 

Alex Garcia

A talented Canadian, by way of the Dominican Republic, Alex Garcia is one of Canada's brightest prospects not currently in the UFC.

The Ringside MMA veteran has run his record to 7-1 in his career, only facing defeat at the hands of current UFC employee Seth Baczynski. "The Dominican Nightmare" is a finisher, submitting or knocking out every single one of his opponents that he has defeated.

Canada currently has three cards before the year is over, which Garcia could fight on if the UFC grabs him. Garcia is from Montreal, so UFC 154 may be the best option for him. 

Gregor Gracie

Yet another member of the Gracie clan, Gregor Gracie is one of the less publicized Gracie family members, as he is young in his career and has has a lack of exposure.

The ONE FC veteran holds a 6-1 record, submitting five opponents in the process. His only loss came from an out-of-nowhere head kick against Doug Gordon in 2008.

Since that loss, he has gone on to win every fight put in front of him

Gracie may be a wrestler's nightmare, as he holds impressive grappling skills and submission prowess to go with it. The welterweight division is full of wrestlers, which could lead to an interesting style matchup for any fight he takes. 

Chidi Njokuani

Chidi Njokuani, brother of current lightweight Anthony Njokuani, may be more exciting than he is skilled, but he is still a skilled, developing fighter.

Njokuani is a Muay Thai machine, but surprisingly has only been submitted once. He is 6-3, showing off a lethal striking game that has led to five stoppage victories by strikes. He even holds a submission game, which shows his development in that department. 

He is a veteran of several legitimate regional promotions, including Tachi Palace Fights, Legacy Fighting and King of the Cage, so he does have some experience against solid talent.