The UFC Gatekeeper of Every Weight Class

What makes the Ultimate Fighting Championship an elite organization is its ability to provide entertainment in a variety of different ways.

The UFC is filled with some of the world's greatest fighters as they've established themselves as nearly unbeatable throughout their mixed martial arts careers.

However, the UFC is filled with many others, such as the up-and-coming fighters, those who aren't very good and, of course, the beloved gatekeepers.

The gatekeeper is that fighter who certainly doesn't cause harm to his respected weight division but certainly won't ever reign supreme.

They are the gatekeepers.

So, the following slides display the gatekeeper for each UFC weight division.

Let's take a look.

Bantamweight: Takeya Mizugaki

At one point in his career, Takeya Mizugaki was considered to be the next best thing in the 135-pound weight division.

In fact, Mizugaki got off to an exceptional start, posting a record of 11-2-2.

However, every time Mizugaki got the chance to establish himself as an elite force, he came crumbling down.

Mizugaki had the chance to defeat Urijah Faber, Brian Bowles, Scott Jorgensen and Miguel Torres, but failed each time.

Featherweight: George Roop

George Roop entered the sport of mixed martial arts in May of 2006 and has been considered the gatekeeper of the featherweight division ever since.

In fact, Roop has never won more than three consecutive fights as every time he makes a run toward the top, he leaves to guard the gate.

While Roop will never wear UFC gold or be considered "great," he is the gatekeeper of the 145-pound weight division.

Lightweight: Clay Guida

Clay Guida has been one of the most popular fighters in all of mixed martial arts since entering the sport in July of 2003.

Unfortunately for Guida, his career hasn't amounted to anything more than excitement and entertainment.

And just when Guida appeared to be getting over the hump, he reassured us of his gatekeeper position in his electrifying loss to Ben Henderson at UFC on FOX.

Guida is the gatekeeper of the lightweight division.

Welterweight: Martin Kampmann

It was April of 2009 when UFC fans across the globe believed Martin Kampmann was leaving the position of the gatekeeper after a huge victory over Carlos Condit.

But Kampmann would remain employed as he would go on to continue in his inconsistency.

Despite minor signs of greatness throughout his mixed martial arts career, Kampmann has been and will continue to be the gatekeeper of the welterweight division.

Middleweight: Chris Leben

While Chris Leben has been recognized as one of the craziest, funniest and more likable fighters in the UFC, it's likely he'll never be more than a gatekeeper.

Leben appeared to be close to moving forward in his career leading up to his bout with Mark Munoz at UFC 138.

However, Leben fell and proved once again why he is the definition of the gatekeeper throughout the entire sport of mixed martial arts.

While Leben isn't a stepping stone, its unlikely he'll ever become an elite middleweight in the UFC.

Light Heavyweight: Tito Ortiz

At one point in his career, Tito Ortiz was considered to be one of the best light heavyweights in the world as he held the 205-pound title.

Ortiz defended his title in five consecutive fights before being dethroned by Randy Couture at UFC 44.

Many feel Ortiz never recovered as the subpar part of his career began to come alive.

While Ortiz certainly isn't a slouch, he's definitely not the fighter he once was, as he holds the title of the gatekeeper for the light heavyweight division.

Heavyweight: Cheick Kongo

Despite being on the most impressive stretch of his mixed martial arts career, it's likely Cheick Kongo will never be considered an elite title contender in the heavyweight division.

Kongo hasn't lost since December of 2009 but got only matched up with Mark Hunt in his up-and-coming bout at UFC 144.

While Kongo still has time to prove the critics wrong, its hard to imagine him becoming more than what he is right now.

Kongo is certainly the front runner for the gatekeeper of the UFC heavyweight division.