MMA: The Most Underrated Fighter in Each Weight Division

A major part of the UFC's growth over the recent decade has come from the organization's big names.

Everyone's heard of Anderson Silva, St-Pierre or even Jon Jones.

But, what makes the sport of mixed martial arts even more special, every fighter has the opportunity to trail his own path.

While the UFC is built solely on the big named stars of the organization, it's also built up of many fighters  that fans fail to recognize.

The UFC is filled with fighters who've paid their dues; for some reason or another, however, they don't get the same publicity as others do.

The following slides display the most underrated fighter in each UFC weight division.

Lets take a look.

Bantamweight: Renan Barao

Career Record: 26-1 (1)

UFC Record: 1-0

You're probably asking yourself, who is Renan Barao?

Barao is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu style fighter who currently trains out of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Barao lost his first career mixed martial arts bout in April 2005 before going on to win 26 of his last 27 fights as he drew a No Contest with Claudemir Souza in 2007.

Barao is a legitimate Bantamweight contender, as he's skilled in nearly every aspect of MMA.

Next Fight: Brad Pickett at UFC 138

Featherweight: Erik Koch

Career Record: 13-1

UFC Record: 2-0

Many UFC fans across the globe may not be familiar with Erik Koch, as he recently made the transition to the UFC from WEC.

Koch's only professional loss came to the hands of Chad Mendes via Unanimous Decision at WEC 47 in March of 2010.

While Koch is well known for his exceptional submission skills, he's proved he's a multidimensional fighter—he's been awarded Knockout of the Night in two of his last three fights.

Next Fight: TBA

Lightweight: Joe Lauzon

Career Record: 21-6

UFC Record: 8-3

How many fans actually gave Joe Lauzon a fighter's chance heading into his bout with Melvin Guillard at UFC 136?

Well, Lauzon proved to the world he is a legitimate Lightweight contender when he submitted Guillard via Rear Naked Choke before the clock even reached a minute in the first round.

Even prior to his UFC 136 bout, Lauzon was an underrated fighter—not only in the 155 lb. weight class but the entire UFC.

Next Fight: TBA

Welterweight: Rory MacDonald

Career Record: 12-1

UFC Record: 3-1

While Rory MacDonald has slowly made his way to the top of the Welterweight division, fans still don't realize just how good he is.

At just 22 years old, MacDonald has already established himself as a legitimate contender; he is one of the most well rounded fighters in the UFC today.

MacDonald, a George St-Pierre product, is believed to be the future of the 170 lb. weight class.

Next Fight: Brian Ebersole at UFC 140

Middleweight: Tim Boetsch

Career Record: 14-4

UFC Record: 5-3

Tim Boetsch's career UFC record of 5-3 is as misleading as you can possibly get. Boetsch entered the UFC in February 2008 as a Light Heavyweight where he posted a sub par 3-3 record.

Since then, the wrestling mastermind has made the transition to the 185 lb. weight class, where he's won his first two fights in dominating fashion over Kendall Grove and Nick Ring.

Boetsch has now won six of his last seven fights with his only loss coming to Phil Davis at UFC 123.

Next Fight: TBA

Light Heavyweight: Phil Davis

Career Record: 9-0

UFC Record: 5-0

Phil Davis might not only be the most underrated fighter in the Light Heavyweight division but in the entire UFC.

The former Penn State University Division 1 National Champion is one of the best grapplers in mixed martial arts today.

Not only has Davis never lost a fight, but he's never even been taken down.

Next Fight: TBA

Heavyweight: Travis Browne

Career Record: 12-0-1

UFC Record: 2-0-1

Travis Browne is another fighter many UFC fans may not be familiar with.

Browne is a Greg Jackson product; he's never lost a fight in his mixed martial arts career, winning two of his three UFC bouts including a Draw with Cheick Kongo at UFC 120.

Specializing in Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Browne continues to climb up the Heavyweight ladder.

Next Fight: TBA