Phil Davis and 5 Fighters Who Need to Impress in 2015
Sticking out like a sore thumb is a good thing when it comes to competitive mixed martial arts.
Whether triggered by highlight-reel finishes or memorable mic work, fighters aim to impress these days.
It's something that not only attracts more fans but serves as a catalyst for earning a title shot.
However, somewhere along the lines, between injuries, old age and a plentiful field of opponents, fighters lose their impressive ways.
Luckily for them, MMA is an open playbook. Anyone can regain their divisional footing at any time, and anyone can throw their name back into the proverbial championship hat.
Here are six fighters who need to impress in 2015 and are more than capable of doing so.
Phil Brooks
1 of 6
Phil "CM Punk" Brooks obviously doesn't possess the track record, or the lack thereof, to truly own a spot on this list.
However, for the good publicity and international attention that his presence brings to the Octagon, we are willing to pretend he's "one of the guys."
While stranger things have happened in MMA throughout the years, it will be very surprising to see Brooks succeed from the start.
His relatively unscripted grappling background could allow him to mature quicker than expected, but it's hard to think a professional wrestler with so many question marks can launch out of the gate.
That's why Punk needs to impress in 2015. He needs to earn his keep and establish an honorable respect for this way of life, win or lose.
Quinton Jackson
2 of 6
The always formidable Quinton "Rampage" Jackson needs no introduction.
With some of the most memorable cage outings in the history of the universe, Jackson should be talked about nearly every time he's scheduled to fight.
With a return to the Octagon on the docket for UFC 186 opposite Fabio Maldonado, the chatter has begun to grow.
What is he capable of doing in the promotion this time around?
Can his power still make him a contender in a top-heavy division?
Questions like these will be answered when Rampage tries to punch a hole through an indestructible wall in Maldonado.
However, if we've learned anything throughout the years of watching the Memphis Maniac, it's that he's truly capable of anything.
Phil Davis
3 of 6
Phil Davis is an absolute freak.
With shoulders like a robot and the wrestling of a bear, Mr. Wonderful is as physically crafted as any fighter around.
That's why he's able to drag opponents to the ground and beat them about the face until they wilt.
With such a style comes an entertaining hiccup. Davis hasn't finished his fair share of light heavyweights.
Even despite his empowering strength and confidence, he has yet to secure a knockout or TKO through 12 promotional bouts.
You can see how important it is for Davis to adapt and overcome his inability to avoid a decision and showcase the talent that could one day win him a title.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Nick Diaz
4 of 6
No matter what sort of shape Nick Diaz is in or the questionable motivation he may bring to the cage, there's no denying that his fights will remain fun.
From his pre-fight banter to his mid-fight trash talking, Diaz has a knack for elevating interest.
The fact that his boxing skills and hard-nosed approach to fighting back up his harsh bickering is icing on a cold and calculated cake.
However, considering the Stockton striker hasn't competed inside of the Octagon in nearly two years, that fluent style we're used to seeing may need a kick start.
What makes Diaz's journey to a comeback even more daunting is the fact that he'll be taking on a highly devoted Anderson Silva in his return.
The former welterweight contender will have to impress to get his shot at middleweight gold.
Vitor Belfort
5 of 6
Vitor Belfort is going all natural, and 2015 will be the most important year of his career.
With some of the best finishes in MMA history, The Phenom has always been a fan favorite.
However, with questionable decisions outside of the cage and an unwanted war with father time, Belfort has slightly fallen from grace.
He'll need to reshape his image and overall game plan when he steps back into the Octagon opposite middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC 184.
Then and only then will his divisional stock regain form and his ever-lasting legacy be cemented.
Anderson Silva
6 of 6
It's borderline obscene to link Anderson Silva and the need to impress together.
However, considering Silva needs to win upon his return—and he tends to impress when he wins—he lands on this list.
Not to mention the fact that his battle with Nick Diaz at UFC 183 will be his first middleweight bout not involving a title since 2007.
In any case, Silva is the greatest fighter of all time and his storied and triumphant journey back to the cage is one we all want to witness.
If he can bewilder Diaz and regain his untouchable aura, he could very well earn a third attempt to beat Chris Weidman.
For more UFC news and coverage, Follow @DHiergesell
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
