7 UFC Newcomers Sure to Shine in 2015

The UFC is a tactical organization.

The company's efforts are often thrust under a public microscope, and rightfully so. With millions of dollars at stake, they must make the right moves.

In the process of writing checks, signing new talent and showcasing them to the masses, the UFC is consistently in a state of wait and see.

From young prospects to savvy veterans, well-crafted disciplines to natural athleticism, the plethora of UFC additions are as different as they are unpredictable.

The gamble is certainly worth it for the largest mixed martial arts promotion in the world, as the payoff of a superstar is sometimes priceless.

Here are seven organizational newcomers who are sure to shine in 2015 and make the UFC's contractual efforts worthwhile.

*This list contains fighters with no more than one Octagon appearance 

Paige VanZant

Not a lot of people know who Paige VanZant is, but the manifestation of the UFC women's strawweight division will surely change that.

As one of the youngest fighters (20 years old) currently under UFC contract, 12 Gauge has a very promising future in a newly instated weight class.

Much attention is going to be paid to the female fighters coming over from The Ultimate Fighter 20, but someone as well-rounded and polarizing as she is will have no trouble standing out.

Not to mention she hails from the mean mats of Team Alpha Male. 

Sultan Aliev

European MMA expansion is upon us, and Russian knockout artist Sultan Aliev is the next fighter on the cusp of breaking out.

Molded under Greg Jackson's tutelage, the 30-year-old should be able to make an immediate impact within the growing middleweight crop.

Whether or not the former Russian Combat Sambo national champion has what it takes to ascend the divisional ladder and build off his 10 career finishes by way of knockout or TKO will all come down to his training and execution.

If lightweight phenom Khabib Nurmagomedov is any proof as to what a former Sambo king can do in the big leagues, then Aliev should evolve without a hitch. 

Doo Ho Choi

Robin Black's breakdown of Korean prodigy Doo Ho Choi is exactly right.

Choi is going to be one of the more exciting fighters at 145 pounds. He is a true marksman capable of one day making a serious title run.

With an elevated appetite for striking, fueled by excellent faints and natural positioning, the 23-year-old knockout specialist should be an instant fan favorite.

His divisional presence will add yet another fortified soldier to the vastly improving featherweight landscape. 

Henry Cejudo

Ed Wray/Associated Press

Henry Cejudo is the youngest American wrestler to ever win a gold medal, so you can understand the transcendent hype that the now 27-year-old has created since signing his UFC contract back in July.

He did struggle to make weight as a flyweight for what was going to be his promotional debut back at UFC 177, but Cejudo since pledged to move up to 135 pounds and make a home at bantamweight.

At the end of the day, whether it's at 125 pounds or 205, Cejudo is arguably the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the sport today.

His pedigree is often undiscovered in a world of strikers and submission experts, making him somewhat of a throwback. 

Holly Holm

The bad news is that Holly Holm's UFC debut will have to be put on hold due to a neck injury.

The good news is that the former boxing champion is still under contract for five fights.

While an injury serves as an unfortunate first impression, Holm will soon have her chance to showcase what remain some of the best striking skills in women's MMA today.

Considering she's a well-known, undefeated knockout artist waiting to explode, she may only have to win her first two bouts before she finds herself in a title fight opposite champion Ronda Rousey (assuming those stars are still aligned). 

Rob Font

USA TODAY Sports

Unlike many UFC newcomers making their Octagon debut, well-rounded bantamweight Rob Font made his presence known when he knocked out veteran George Roop at UFC 175 in the first round.

It took the Massachusetts native just over two minutes to land a career-defining punch on a crafty journeyman who has been fighting the best in the world for the past five years.

That sort of on-scene arrival provokes immediate notice, especially when you consider the type of confidence and patience that Font displayed while ending Roop's evening so abruptly.

The talented 27-year-old should quickly make a name for himself in a top-heavy division currently sporting a four-man soap opera (TJ Dillashaw, Dominick Cruz, Renan Barao, Urijah Faber). 

Eddie Alvarez

USA TODAY Sports

Anybody who thinks Eddie Alvarez is not going to make it in the UFC should jump off the proverbial MMA bridge.

His debut opposite Donald Cerrone at UFC 178 was extremely impressive, but challenging a fighter as in the zone as Cowboy was is like running blindfolded into a burning apartment building.

In other words, Alvarez should not be judged for that lone UFC performance.

Instead, fans should look at the big picture.

As one of the very best lightweights in the world, he's capable of climbing his way up the divisional ladder and becoming a perennial title contender.

Anything short of that would truly come as a disappointing shock.

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