The Best Under-the-Radar UFC Fights for the Rest of 2014

Believe it or not, there are still three UFC events left in 2014.

As we draw closer to a promotional onslaught of title matches and stacked pay-per-view cards in the new year, we're left with a handful of meaningful fights over the next few weeks.

Between The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale, UFC on Fox 13 and UFC Fight Night 58, fans still have a chance to see some of the organization's biggest names in action.

From the return of Junior Dos Santos and Nate Diaz to Lyoto Machida and the crowning of the first-ever UFC women's strawweight champion, 2014 is sure to end with a bang.

But aside from the obvious matchups that peak our curiosity, which under-the-radar fights have the potential to steal the show?

Look no further. This is going to be a great end to the year.

Joe Riggs vs. Ben Saunders

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Ben Saunders made his UFC return back in August at UFC Fight Night 49.

He submitted Chris Heatherly with the organization's first-ever omoplata, something that Joe Rogan must have marveled in.

He'll now welcome back Joe Riggs to the Octagon and attempt to win his fourth fight in two years.

For Riggs, who's coming fresh off winning Bellator's first season of Fight Master, this Saturday will be eight years to the date in which he last competed in the UFC, having lost to Diego Sanchez via first-round knockout back in 2006.

It's going to be an unfriendly welcome party for a 32-year-old journeyman, but it's a chance to reaffirm his status as one of the best finishers in the sport.

Antonio Carlos Junior vs. Patrick Cummins

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Having recently won the heavyweight tournament in the third season of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil, grappling guru Antonio Carlos Junior has a lot of hype behind him.

Now competing at light heavyweight, the 24-year-old is set to take on Patrick Cummins at UFC Fight Night 58 on Dec. 20.

If you remember, Cummins is the ex-coffee barista who got pounded by Daniel Cormier in 79 seconds at UFC 170.

He has since racked off two impressive victories inside of the Octagon and is finally looking to make a push towards the division's Top 15.

It's a tantalizing matchup between an athletic wrestler and a savvy submission specialist, making this one of the more unpredictable bouts to end the year.

K.J. Noons vs. Daron Cruickshank

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If you like striking, do not miss this fight.

As two of the more technical strikers in the promotion today, veteran K.J. Noons and the always-flashy Daron Cruickshank could light the canvas on fire when they do battle at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale.

With crisp boxing and an unflappable chin, Noons will attempt to extend his UFC win streak to three.

But opposite a whirlwind of unpredictable spinning kicks and overwhelming techniques, the former Strikeforce standout could have his work cut out for him.

The fact that Noons is making his return to lightweight could ultimately affect his timing, speed, durability and overall Octagon presence.

Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Matt Mitrione

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Overshadowed by the likes of Junior Dos Santos, Nate Diaz and Alistair Overeem, Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Matt Mitrione at UFC on Fox 13 is simply being overlooked.

As two of the heaviest hitters in the division (a combined 23 finishes in 24 career bouts), these bruising heavyweights will leave it all in the cage.

A decisive victory for either guy would propel him close to the division's Top 10 or at least grant him a chance to fight a Josh Barnett or Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva.

If Mitrione can stay on his feet and pressure Napao early, then he should have what it takes to secure his third straight first-round knockout.

Renan Barao vs. Mitch Gagnon

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One glance at this bantamweight billing and it begins to look like the mismatch of the year.

But when you consider that Mitch Gagnon has some of the best submissions in the division and has secured three first-round finishes in four Octagon wins, it starts to even out a little.

However, having never fought a fighter of Renan Barao's caliber and having never competed outside of his home country of Canada, it's going to be tough for Gagnon to come away with a victory at UFC Fight Night 58 in Brazil.

But if Barao underestimates the Canadian and doesn't protest his neck at all times, he could continue his unheralded fall from grace.

Let's just hope the Baron actually makes weight this time.

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