UFC Rookies with the Highest Ceilings
Like in any sport, mixed martial arts' progression is fueled by a regular injection of young talent.
While the UFC's mainstream popularity is established by the promotion's lionized champions, its heartbeat is stabilized by the annual influx of promising prospects.
From brawlers in their mid-20s to international dynamos, potential is demonstrated each and every time one of these organizational newcomers enter the cage.
But some possess the tools and talent to surpass the rest. Their promise and progression are measured on entirely different levels.
With that in mind, here are six UFC rookies with the highest ceilings going forward.
Clay Collard
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With one of the best nicknames in the sport, "Cassius" Clay Collard is truly a featherweight on the rise.
Despite making his promotional debut on just 10 days' notice opposite one of the better young names in the game, Max Holloway, Collard displayed the gritty toughness and formidable chin that could one day make him a top contender.
Collard's emotions certainly ran high, and his jitters may have played a role in possibly pushing the pace too much against a shifty striker like Holloway, but the 21-year-old stood his ground nonetheless.
Already on the UFC's good side, the Utah product will be given every opportunity to exceed, especially if he continues to bite down on his mouthpiece and swing for the fences.
Warlley Alves
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Warlley Alves is an absolute tank.
Resembling a bigger and stronger version of Thiago "Pitbull" Alves, the 23-year-old Brazilian is more than capable of stringing together significant victories in a jam-packed welterweight division.
While he's still rough around the edges, Warlley's ceiling is as high as anyone's.
He's abundantly strong, has evolved his submissions skills and remains young enough to have a hiccup here and there and still make the strides he needs to make.
Needless to say, Warlley has the readily available tools to do some serious damage over the next few years.
Doo Ho Choi
3 of 6Not a lot of people know who Doo Ho Choi is, and that's a shame.
Nicknamed The Korean Superboy, the 23-year-old Choi possesses elite striking skills capable of taking the UFC nation by storm.
Precise, powerful and persistent with his attacks, Choi has finished eight of his 11 professional victories by way of knockout or TKO.
With a devastating right hook, blistering leg kicks, tremendous footwork and the ferocity to put away an opponent when the opportunity presents itself, the South Korean featherweight is a fighter who is about to blow up.
Keep an eye on him when he makes his promotional debut on Nov. 22 at UFC Fight Night 57 opposite Juan Manuel Puig.
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Carlos Diego Ferreira
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Undefeated Brazilian sensation Carlos Diego Ferreira already has two victories inside of the Octagon, but he's only been under contract since May.
Blessed with one of the very best submission games in the promotion today, the 29-year-old is more refined than any other name on this list.
The fact that he welcomes contact on the feet and has developed a useful striking game makes him a dangerous lightweight entering 2015.
It's going to be hard to add to an already impressive 2-0 UFC record that features two finishes and two bonuses, but if Ferreira can get past a tough Beneil Dariush this weekend at UFC 179, then he'd warrant a shot at a ranked opponent his next time out.
Niklas Backstrom
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Despite a devastating loss to the quick hands of Mike Wilkinson earlier this month at UFC Fight Night 53, Swedish featherweight Niklas Backstrom is still one of the best young talents in the sport today.
Following in the footsteps of Alexander Gustafsson, a fellow Swede, Backstrom often utilizes his long range to stifle opponents on the feet and on the ground, too.
As one of the leading international names currently under UFC contract, Golden Boy still has a very bright future.
It's difficult to stomach such a high-profile defeat so early into a career, but it's something that will force Backstrom to make the necessary adjustments to regain momentum, making him a more well-rounded fighter in the process.
Aljamain Sterling
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Bantamweight Aljamain Sterling is an undefeated wrestler with budding submission skills, worthwhile striking and an in-cage presence drawn from his training under the tutelage of Matt Serra and Ray Longo.
Remind you of someone?
UFC middleweight kingpin Chris Weidman was sculpted from that same bank of clay, and it has only taken him three years to truly hone his skills.
While it's ludicrous to compare the two, Sterling is arguably a more dynamic athlete when it comes to fluidity and functionality.
His striking capabilities certainly need some work, but as long as Longo is in his ear, Sterling will have the ingredients he needs to ascend the 135-pound ladder.
2015 should be a year in which he cracks the division's Top 10.
For more UFC news and coverage, Follow @DHiergesell
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