5 Middleweight Prospects the UFC Should Sign

We continue our "Prospects the UFC Should Sign" series, which will take us division by division, breaking down the top prospects who should be signed by the company.

The middleweight division is as competitive as ever, with names such as Chris Weidman, Vitor Belfort and Costa Philippou hanging around the title picture currently. Champion Anderson Silva awaits Weidman at UFC 162 in an attempt to defend his title again.

Here are five middleweight prospects the UFC should sign so it can continue to produce top-level talent.

Note: Here is last year's top five list. Of the five, Uriah Hall and Tom Watson were signed by the UFC.

Elvis Mutapcic

Record: 13-2

Last Fight: Unanimous decision win versus Sam Alvey

Making his second appearance on this list in two years, Elvis Mutapcic is ready for the UFC. The lethal striker has been beating top-level competition his entire career, including the last year in which he's competed.

The well-rounded powerhouse has five knockouts and six submissions to his name. He owns victories over Ultimate Fighter veterans Sam Alvey, Joseph Henle, Jacen Flynn, Cezar Ferreira and Zak Cummings.

This guy is ready for the next level, so the UFC needs to scoop him up as soon as possible.

Michal Materla

Record: 18-3

Last Fight: Knockout victory versus Rodney Wallace

As already stated during this series, Poland's Michal Materla may be staying in his home country because of a better payday than an entry-level contract in the UFC.

Materla has 21 career fights at the age of 28, which is pretty incredible in itself. He has 12 wins by submission and owns victories over the likes of UFC veterans Rodney Wallace, Jay Silva and Matt Horwich.

This Polish fighter takes the place of Mamed Khalidov, who has long been called to be signed by the UFC. That is seeming less and less like a possibility. 

Next up for Materla is UFC veteran Kendall Grove. A win over him should get some serious attention from the UFC.

Wes Swofford

Record: 8-3

Last Fight: TKO victory versus Jay Silva

Wes Swofford is one of the best-kept secrets in MMA. Not many people know Swofford, but he should get a lot more fanfare than he does.

The heavy-handed American owns seven of his wins via knockout. His latest win came on short notice against UFC veteran Jay Silva, and he did that in just 41 seconds of action.

Next up for Swofford is UFC veteran Tomasz Drwal at the end of this month. A win over him would be huge for his career.

Marcos Rogerio de Lima

Record: 11-2

Last Fight: TKO victory versus Tonny Silva

Having recently made a drop from light heavyweight, Brazil's Marcos Rogerio de Lima is a one-time Strikeforce veteran who is a top prospect from his country.

"Pezao" has finished 10 of his 11 wins, eight of which have been via knockout. His biggest win came against Paulo Filho, whom he defeated via unanimous decision.

Despite his hiccup in Strikeforce, he should be given one more chance in the big time. It could provide us a solid 185er to bolster the division.

Sean Strickland

Record: 11-0

Last Fight: Knockout victory versus Bill Albrecht

Sean Strickland has quietly put together an impressive undefeated record while fighting in regional promotions for his entire career.

Strickland is undefeated, owning six wins by knockout and three by submission. "Tarzan" owns a victory against Ultimate Fighter veteran Josh Bryant, the biggest victory to date for the young fighter.

Strickland will continue to dominate the regionals until he is signed. Until then, watch out for this potential contender.