UFC 137 Fight Card: Which Fighter Has the Most to Gain?

After a few main event changes and much controversy, we are finally just hours away from UFC 137.

Some fighters may be fighting for a UFC title shot, or just to keep their jobs, but rising heavyweight Matt Mitrione has the most to gain. 

Mitrione, a former NFL and Purdue University defensive tackle, got into MMA through The Ultimate Fighter. 

On the show, Mitrione was one of the main antagonists, even getting into it with teammate Jon Madsen and coach Rashad Evans. 

Although Mitrione did not win the season, he made a big impact by defeating fellow castmate Marcus Jones on the show's finale.

Five months later, Mitrione defeated another of his former castmates, high-profiled street fighter-turned-MMA star,  Kimbo Slice.

Mitrione won his next three fights, with his overall total coming to 5-0. Four of his wins have come by knockout.

Although he has only had five professional fights, Mitrione has shown that he could become an elite heavyweight in the UFC.

He has KO power, pretty good wrestling and quickness, despite being one of the bigger heavyweights.

Unlike some of the UFC's other top prospects, Mitrione has been given the slow and steady road to success.

Cheick Kongo is a big jump in competition for him and will be a major test for the former football player.

Mitrione is up for the challenge, though.

Mitrione knows that this fight could determine if he moves up in the division or regresses in competition.

He also knows just how dangerous Kongo can be. Kongo came back from nearly being knocked out in his last fight against Mitrione's teammate, Pat Barry.

Although a win won't put him at a title shot, if Mitrione does defeat Kongo, he puts himself in good position to make a title run in 2012.  

Be sure to check out Bleacher Report for all things UFC 137. B/R is your home forMMA, from pre-fight predictions to in-fight coverage, and post-fight analysis...which you can check out at our event hub.