Dan Henderson and the Fighter Destined to Wear UFC Gold in Each Weight Division

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has rapidly established themselves as one of the fastest growing organizations in the world.

And, a major reason for the UFC's growth is due to the standout fighters who have turned many eyes over the course of their careers.

These fighters have helped transform the UFC into a global powerhouse.

But, they aren't the only fighters who've helped along the way.

The UFC is filled with fighters who are already considered the greatest of all time, those who aren't very good, and of course, those who are destined for UFC gold.

So, the following slides display the fighter who is destined for UFC gold in each weight division.

Let's take a look.

Bantamweight: Renan Barao

Renan Barao lost the very first fight of his mixed martial arts career when he entered the sport in April 2005.

But, Barao has been as close to perfect as a fighter can get, as he's won 27 of his last 28 fights including a no-contest against Claudemir Souza in 2007.

Barao is now a legitimate contender in the UFC, as he's posted a 2-0 record since joining the organization.

Also, Barao showed just how good he truly is in a dominating performance over Brad Pickett at UFC 138.

Barao is destined to wear UFC gold.

Featherweight: Chad Mendes

Since entering the sport of mixed martial arts in 2008, Chad Mendes hasn't endured a single loss, posting a perfect 11-0 record.

"Money" Mendes is 2-0 since entering the UFC and will face his toughest opponent to date when he squares off with Jose Aldo at UFC 142 in Brazil.

Mendes will have the chance to wear UFC gold sooner than most fighters, but he'll have to get through the undisputed champion first.

Lightweight: Ben Henderson

UFC fans across the globe weren't exactly sure just how good Ben Henderson was leading up to his bout with Clay Guida at UFC on FOX.

But, Henderson put away any doubt in a dominating unanimous decision victory in arguably the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career.

Bendo's win earned him an immediate title fight against Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 in February 2012.

Henderson's strength and exceptional skill set could very well earn him UFC gold when the new year comes around.

Welterweight: Nick Diaz

Nick Diaz's reputation quickly turned from "the guy who misses press conferences" to "the best boxer in mixed martial arts" after an exceptional performance over BJ Penn at UFC 137.

It was Diaz's first fight inside the Octagon since November 2006.

Not only has Diaz now won 11 consecutive bouts, but he's done it in impressive fashion.

Diaz will get his chance to wear UFC gold when he meets the current welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre at UFC 143.

Middleweight: Chael Sonnen

After dominating arguably the world's greatest fighter for four and a half rounds at UFC 117, Chael Sonnen found himself in a desperate situation with just two minutes remaining in the fight.

Then, Silva took advantage of a late triangle armbar submission to remain the UFC middleweight champion as Sonnen fell to defeat.

And, while the date is yet to be determined, Sonnen will be getting his much-desired rematch at some point in 2012.

Sonnen is destined to be declared the new UFC middleweight champion.

Light Heavyweight: Dan Henderson

In his first fight back inside the Octagon, Dan Henderson took on Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in what would end up being one of the greatest fights of all time.

Henderson would go on to defeat Rua as the five-round war came to a close, declaring "Hendo" victorious by unanimous decision.

Not only did Henderson's win establish himself as a legitimate light heavyweight contender, but worthy of wearing UFC gold.

While Henderson may have to wait his turn, it will certainly come.

Heavyweight: Alistair Overeem

Despite never having stepped foot inside the Octagon, Alistair Overeem is considered one of the most dangerous strikers on the planet.

In fact, Overeem has knocked out 14 opponents over the course of his career and has earned 19 victories via submission.

Overeem will have his chance to compete for UFC gold if he can get by the highly dangerous Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Dec. 30, 2011.