Jamie Varner and 10 Lightweights Capable of Holding the UFC Belt in 2013

With the reemergence of Jamie Varner supplementing the arrival of worthy young talents, the UFC lightweight division is becoming the most stacked weight class around.

A handful of top-level specialists who have shown in the past, and going into the future, that literally one fight within the division can make or break a title run.

Besides Frankie Edgar, who already has his rematch scheduled with Benson Henderson for UFC 150, here are 10 lightweights capable of capturing UFC gold in 2013 (no specific order).

Edson Barboza

Despite getting knocked out by Jamie Varner at UFC 146, Edson Barboza still possesses enough talent and athleticism to make a relevant comeback within the lightweight division.

It also doesn't hurt that he's only 26 years old.

And even though he was unexpectedly destroyed on his feet by Varner, a guy who hadn't competed in nearly 20 months, the Brazilian should still be considered one of the most dangerous strikers at 155 lbs.

His style is what many consider unorthodox, but with a perennial reach advantage at his side, as well as an instinct to finish fights, Barboza should be able to get back into the win column before year's end.

That makes him a promising contender going forward. 

If a fighter has what it takes to finish any opponent on any given night by way of TKO, he should be considered a serious threat to the throne.

Gray Maynard

It has been 18 months since Gray Maynard has fought a lightweight not named Frankie Edgar.

And while Maynard does possess career-defining victories over guys like Kenny Florian, Nate Diaz and Jim Miller, it'll be interesting to see how he stacks up against the division's best now.

Not to say that the power wrestler doesn't have what it takes, but when you're thrown into the lion's den after growing comfortable fighting one specific style, certain things are bound to happen.

Whether that translates into immediate success for Maynard, or even quicker failure, has yet to be seen.

But as one of the more competitive fighters in the weight class, he should have no problem getting back on track, assuming he can reboot and wash his hands of Edgar.

Nate Diaz

Some people consider Nate Diaz the true No. 1 contender in the lightweight division.

I'm one of them.

Diaz has simply been too good.

From landing 238 strikes in three rounds against Donald Cerrone to submitting Jim Miller in his latest display of greatness at UFC on FOX 3, the 27-year-old is starting to swat away opponents like flies.

He should be in line to face the winner of Benson Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar, unless the UFC throws a wrench in the system and gives Anthony Pettis his own title shot earlier than expected.

Regardless, Diaz has done enough thus far in his five-year UFC career to deserve a championship fight.

And with an ability to make any fight against any fighter an all-out street brawl, Diaz's style may be exactly what is needed to become Henderson's successor.

Jamie Varner

Ladies and gentlemen, Jamie Varner is back.

After taking a long hiatus from professional fighting following a four-fight losing streak in the WEC, the 27-year-old has finally made his return.

With championship victories under his belt, it shouldn't of been a huge surprise that Varner dismantled Edson Barboza at UFC 146.

But people need to realize that Barboza was one of the most heralded prospects in the UFC, if not the most.

Varner wasn't supposed to get back on track within the lightweight division this quickly.

But he has, and with a resume like Varner's, his potential for stardom in 2013 is growing by the day.

Clay Guida

While Clay Guida seemingly serves as the perennial gatekeeper in the lightweight division, the wily veteran is once again one fight away from making his case for a title shot.

Because Guida has been in this situation before.

Losses to Benson Henderson at UFC on FOX and Kenny Florian back in 2009, were both fights Guida needed to win in order to gain No. 1 contender rights.

Well, the now-30-year-old failed to produce on both occasions.  He just doesn't seem to bring his best stuff when it matters most.

However, he's still as dangerous inside the cage as any other fighter in the division.

And that potential has once again given him the opportunity to prove why he finally deserves a shot at the belt.

His upcoming bout with Gray Maynard at UFC on FX 4 will seemingly make or break his career.  A decisive victory could mean a long-awaited title shot for one of the division's most tenured professionals.

Justin Lawrence

Justin Lawrence is a true wildcard.

The quintessential sleeper heading into 2013.

Now I could have put Joe Lauzon or Paul Sass in this slot, but I figured I'd mix things up and give the young gun some praise.

Many people have already seen the type of style that Lawrence brings to the Octagon following his stint on The Ultimate Fighter, albeit a loss in the quarterfinals.

But for anyone who has a life on Friday nights and missed the fireworks, Lawrence once again displayed his top-level potential at TUF Finale 15, securing a storybook head-kick KO that left fellow reality star John Cofer stiff.

Now while Cofer isn't Nate Diaz or Gray Maynard, Lawrence's potential and ability inside the cage are coming to fruition.

It may take some time, maybe even longer than 2013, but if "The American Kid" can continue finishing tough lightweights, he'll be a top contender in no time.

Donald Cerrone

Donald Cerrone is as hot and cold as they come.

His unanimous-decision loss to Nate Diaz at UFC 141 was one of the most lopsided bouts in recent lightweight memory, but his latest three-round striking clinic opposite Jeremy Stephens proved that Cerrone deserves to face the best of the best.

Now whether his loss to Diaz was a fluke or not, "Cowboy" still possesses the elite kickboxing skills to give any top lightweight problems inside the cage.

And after getting back in the win column, unscathed and healthy, Cerrone is seemingly one impressive finish away from potentially fighting for No. 1 contender rights.

Anthony Pettis

Anthony Pettis is as flashy as they come.

Evident by his highlight-reel KO of Joe Lauzon at UFC 144, "Showtime" has finally shaken off the early UFC cobwebs and looks ready to make a serious title run.

UFC president Dana White has already made it clear that Pettis will "likely" get the next lightweight title shot, seemingly right after Nate Diaz gets his chance.

So time is only a formality for Pettis, who's only loss in the UFC was a close decision to Clay Guida in his debut.

Nonetheless, the 25-year-old phenom seems ready to take over the lightweight division and become the next greatest young star in MMA.

Jim Miller

While Jim Miller became the most recent victim of Nate Diaz at UFC on FOX 3, the wrestling/submission expert still has what it takes to fight for the lightweight championship one day.

In a relatively lengthy UFC career, with a 10-3 record, Miller has not only showcased the ability to finish respectable athletes like Melvin Guillard, but he has proven he can stay afloat as a top contender following a devastating defeat.

So while it seems career threatening for him to be submitted by Diaz in only the second round, Miller has what it takes to come back with vengeance.

With a little work on his standup, the 28-year-old should continue to out-wrestle and out-pace his peers.

Melvin Guillard

People are often disgusted by how much talk surrounds Melvin Guillard's potential.

But I'm here to finally settle any problems that have manifested from the UFC's propaganda.

In regards to Guillard's promise within the deep lightweight division, it's okay to believe what you hear.

Because Guillard is that good.

Sure the 29-year-old possesses a few significant losses in his career, including back-to-back first-round submission defeats to Joe Lauzon and Jim Miller, but the talented athlete shouldn't be swayed by those outcomes.

It may be a step back from where he once was, but Guillard has the ability to stand and strike with nearly any fighter in the division.

And if he can finally learn how to defend submissions, his elite wrestling skills will surface, allowing him to string together prominent wins and make a run at No. 1 contender rights.

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