Conor McGregor and 5 Fighters with a Real Shot at UFC Gold in 2015
2015 could be one of the best years in UFC history.
With long-awaited returns and polarizing title fights on the docket, only injuries can knock this much anticipated Octagon action off its tilt.
Beyond that, the next 12 months could ultimately determine where legacies fall and superstars are born.
From Irish sensations like Conor McGregor to popular strikers like Alexander Gustafsson, the pool of top contenders that are vying for their shot at gold is plentiful.
Which of these belt-snatching dynamos have the best chance to overthrow a king and capture the throne?
Look no further.
John Dodson
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John Dodson is the toughest flyweight challenger Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson has ever faced.
That includes the likes of Joseph Benavidez and John Moraga.
With a perfected combination of speed and power, The Magician was able to test the champ's chin and resilience over five rounds when the two met back at UFC on Fox 6 in 2013.
Johnson ultimately conquered Dodson and retained his title, but the 30-year-old displayed his evolution as a fighter and future championship pedigree.
If Dodson can remain healthy (no return date has been set after his ACL surgery last July) and athletically potent with his offense, he'll have a great chance to dethrone the most dominant champion in the sport today sometime this year.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
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If Clay Guida showed us anything in his matchup with Anthony Pettis in 2011, it was the ability to stifle the lightweight champion with timely takedowns and a strong top game.
While Showtime has matured and evolved as a complete fighter since Guida handed him his only UFC loss to date, a new challenger like Khabib Nurmagomedov could rehash old habits.
With some of the best wrestling in the division today, the undefeated Russian has made a living out of picking opponents up and dumping them on the canvas.
Once there, The Eagle possesses the strength and tactical discipline to turn any 155-pound threat into a bona fide bearskin rug.
After recovering from knee surgery last July, he'll more than likely have to defeat Donald Cerrone to earn the next shot at Pettis, but at this point in his career, it's difficult to bet against his cold-blooded skill set.
Rory MacDonald
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Canadian superstar Rory MacDonald has once again been passed over for the next UFC welterweight title shot.
Instead of finally getting a well-deserved chance to hoist promotional gold, the 25-year-old Tristar standout will have to fight his way past the powerful Hector Lombard at UFC 186 on April 25 in Montreal.
Even if he wins in devastating fashion, the likelihood of a title shot in 2015 remains a mystery.
However, in a year when the Red King can extend his divisional win streak to four—only losing to current champion Robbie Lawler via split decision since 2010—the UFC will be forced to grant him his wish.
A finish over Lombard would certainly help his cause.
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Alexander Gustafsson
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If Alexander Gustafsson can get past a rejuvenated and powerful Anthony Johnson at UFC on Fox 14 later this month, he'll earn another shot at light heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones.
Having already put forth one of the best challenges to Jones' illustrious reign back at UFC 165, The Mauler knows exactly what it's going to take to defeat the pound-for-pound best fighter under the sun.
While Jones seemed to lack the same undying determination against the Swede in their first meeting that he recently did opposite Daniel Cormier, a rematch would certainly set his gears in motion.
With an updated blueprint focused around precise striking and a defensive clinch game, Gustafsson will either be the man to defeat the champ or be the last notch on Jones' belt before he makes his awaited move to heavyweight.
Conor McGregor
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Serving as the front man of MMA's new wave of superstars, Irish phenom Conor McGregor has set the Octagon ablaze.
With some of the best movement ever seen at the featherweight level, the unflappable microphone fiend backs up his big mouth with big finishes.
As a divisional standout already capable of holding out for a title shot, McGregor has opted to stay busy and test the waters against Dennis Siver this Sunday at UFC Fight Night 59 in Boston.
While The Notorious looks at the German as another way to cram dollars into his fists, he's ultimately taking a risk that many fighters would avoid at all costs.
That's why he's one of the biggest gamers in the sport today and the next guy in line to fight Jose Aldo for his 145-pound strap, whether contested in a sold-out soccer stadium or empty backyard.
Anderson Silva
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Anderson Silva needs no introduction.
As the greatest fighter ever to grace the center of a cage, he has earned the right to make a list of this caliber with little to no resistance.
His comeback within the sport that has made him an international superstar is one of pain, faith and true grit.
Fortunately for fight fans worldwide, the former UFC middleweight kingpin believes he still has something to prove.
If The Spider can spin a web of epic proportions opposite Nick Diaz at UFC 183 later this month, he could very well set himself up for a title shot against Chris Weidman, especially if Lyoto Machida can dismantle Luke Rockhold at UFC on Fox 15 in April and clear a divisional path for his Brazilian buddy.
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