Urijah Faber and the 13 Most Promotable UFC Fighters

In an era when key promotions and advertising can make or break MMA's exposure in mainstream American sports, the UFC has justified its reign as the supreme entity.

Whether it's off-air interviews, popular commercials, reality shows or actual Octagon potential, there are only a handful of fighters who encompass the dynamic ability to carry the UFC name on their shoulders.

Through high-grossing pay-per-views, these fighters have exposed themselves in ways once thought impossible.  Fans have embraced their extravagant, hard-noised and personable personas, resulting in a hodgepodge of legendary athletes.

With that said, here are the 13 most promotable fighters in the UFC today.

13. Chael Sonnen

Whether you like his brash commentary on the world's best mixed martial artists, or you hate the way he shoves his views in your face, Chael Sonnen has become one of the most recognizable faces in the UFC today.

Ever since his loss against Anderson Silva at UFC 117, Sonnen has emerged as one of the biggest haters in MMA. And for that matter, the most hated.

His on-camera persona is unremarkable, saying what's on his mind at all times, regardless of the repercussions.

That "genuine" characteristic has led to immediate media exposure, which in hand has made a rematch with Silva that much more promotable.

He may not be as good as he thinks he is, but Sonnen has become one of the most popular fighters in the world, for better or worse.

12. Forrest Griffin

Despite his recent collapse inside the Octagon, Forrest Griffin still thrives as one of the most popular fighters in the UFC.

His "average Joe" personality and sheer heart have alluded the lack of world-class talent that he possesses.

Regardless of his inability to seemingly contend at the light heavyweight championship level, the New York Times bestseller still incorporates what the UFC is all about: Heart, respect, hard work and the PPV notoriety that usually goes unmatched. 

As well as people always wanting to see that crazy guy who beat Stephan Bonnar in the "greatest fight ever."

11. Tito Ortiz

Tito Ortiz has always been a major piece in the UFC's plan to reach the mainstream sports outlet.

He's been one of the most successful fighters in MMA history, let alone his appeal to the average fight fan.

And while his recent lack of success in the cage could ultimately lead to his retirement within the next year, any event involving "The People's Champ" is going to receive the hype it deserves.

Bottom line: The dude can straight-up promote the sport.

10. Rashad Evans

Not a lot of people would consider Rashad Evans one of the most promotable fighters in the UFC.

But the fact of the matter is that Evans always gives the fans a good show. He goes after wins, never backs down in a trash-talking contest, rarely gets caught and still boasts one of the best MMA records around at 21-1-1.

If a one-loss go-getter doesn't get people interested in fights and PPV events, I don't know who does.

Not to mention he's already supplanted himself in the mainstream media while serving as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter.

9. Frankie Edgar

Over the past two years, championship victories over BJ Penn and Gray Maynard have transformed Frankie Edgar into a household name, and rightfully so.

The New Jersey product has carried a lightweight division that has recently witnessed the collapse of the aforementioned Penn. With such a legendary gap to fill, Edgar has done just fine.

Alongside his underdog mentality, one-loss record, and "guy's guy" personality, the 30-year-old has become one of the most likable characters in MMA.

Let's just hope his visit to Japan doesn't end with Benson Henderson's hand raised.

8. Junior Dos Santos

There's a reason why the UFC decided to promote Junior dos Santos via their debut on FOX.

The guy is a legitimate powerhouse in the heavyweight division. Physically and financially speaking.

Dos Santos is currently one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world of MMA and always seems to put his best foot forward. This was never more evident than his championship victory over Cain Velasquez and his dismantling of Shane Carwin at UFC 131.

But regardless of his in-cage appeal, the Brazilian touts excellent selling advantages. He literally has an entire country behind him and trains with some of the best fighters in the sport (Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo, Minotauro Nogueira, Feijao Cavalcante and Lyoto Machida).

Basically, if the heavyweight champion signs off on something, other people will surely follow.

7. Alistair Overeem

As one of the biggest MMA stars worldwide, Alistair Overeem should have no trouble translating his international appeal into mainstream American sports.

On top of literally being a God in Japan, Overeem has commanded respect and a mass following nearly everywhere he goes.

The guy may be a bit arrogant and too much of a wild card in the UFC heavyweight championship hunt, but people like that.

Fans of this sport love to see how a guy could potentially take over an entire organization from the first day he arrives (Brock Lesnar). And for that, Overeem is one of the most marketable fighters around.

6. Jon Jones

Jon Jones may currently be regarded as Anderson Silva 2.0, but the 24-year-old has more than a decade to catch the elusive "Spider."

People are intrigued by Jones. He has only been training MMA for just about four years and has already accomplished so much in the sport—things that professional fighters work for for nearly 20 years and never achieve.

Jones has already beaten down two of the best light heavyweights of all time in Rampage Jackson and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Not to mention his decisive victory over Lyoto Machida.

With Octagon grace, a down-to-earth personality and the world at his fingertips, Jones is going to be the face of the UFC for many years to come.

Fans who are just starting to following the sport are going to be pulled in further by watching Jones. His youth and sheer dominance have transformed into revenue and mainstream viewership for the sport of MMA.

5. Rampage Jackson

Despite what you may think, Rampage Jackson is still one of the most well-known names in MMA.

His transition to the Hollywood big screen and reality television doesn't hurt, but his mass appeal is more or less based on his legendary status in the sport and an exuberant personality.

Whether it's his post-fight howling, top-notch chatter or extensive training, Jackson is the full package.

In a sport where age is the biggest show-stopper, the man who has compiled over 40 career bouts doesn't seem to be slowing down.

The only problem heading into the future is getting Jackson a new UFC contract, because it's pretty self-explanatory: You need to employ a fighter to reap the benefits of his promotional dominance.

4. Brock Lesnar

At this point in his career, Brock Lesnar could be considered the most controversial heavyweight in MMA history.

Some fans love to hate him and others hate to love him. Either way, there's hate involved.

And that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Lesnar is one of the biggest names to ever grace the Octagon, due in part to his heralded past as a WWE professional wrestler.

Whichever way you spin it, Lesnar always encompasses a mass following. They more often than not want to see him lose, but the former champion never seems to get rattled.

Not to mention his PPV fights are some of the biggest grossing events in UFC history. 

There's no arguing that Lesnar is a beast.

3. Anderson Silva

As long as Anderson Silva is competing in MMA, he'll always be considered a top-five promotable fighter.

On top of commanding the UFC middleweight title for over five years and currently being undefeated in the organization, Silva's highlight-reel finishes even prove worthy in the eyes of a mainstream audience that often fails to realize the true ins and outs of the sport.

He is "that guy."

The fighter who is known by even the most average combat sport fan in the world, whether it's boxing, professional wrestling or MMA, "The Baddest Man on the Planet" commands attention.

Even at a sometimes career-depleting age of 36, Silva continues to showcase why he may be the greatest fighter to ever grace the Octagon.

Honestly, if the next two guys retire, there's nobody that could touch Silva in the promotional department.

2. Georges St. Pierre

Whether it's his Octagon dominance or nice guy getup, Georges St. Pierre continues to be the most promotable fighter in the UFC today.

And even after only one fight in 2011, completely due to injuries, that trend still continues.

On top of St. Pierre fights basically being national holidays in Canada, his appeal to the American sports world is well-known.

ESPN commercials, Sports Illustrated Fighter of the Year honors, ESPY nominations, Spike Choice awards and television appearances all grace the resume of "Rush."

Even if the new year fails to swing St. Pierre's way, he'll never shy away from promotional appeal for as long as he's fighting.

1. Urijah Faber

I'm putting Urijah Faber here solely based on potential.

Georges St. Pierre is currently the most promotable fighter in the UFC, but Faber's youthful following and social relevance could supersede the welterweight titleholder in due time.

"The California Kid" has already maintained a loyal following amongst the American MMA community. All of which grew from his championship days in the WEC.

But after only three fights in the UFC, fans are starting to realize why the fight community holds such a high bar for the man known as Faber.

And quite frankly, there's a reason why UFC president Dana White and fight promoter Joe Silva continue to play into Faber's championship opportunities. They're both aware of his promise as the future face of the organization.

Simply put, he could be the guy that launches MMA into mainstream media. His edgy personality, unique fight style and California swag all play into the age demographic the the UFC is thriving to reach.

But despite his AMP Energy Drink promotions, K-Swiss commercials with Kenny Powers and infamous golden hair, the 32-year-old doesn't have much time remaining to start his fast track to national stardom.

But don't worry, it should all fall in place when Faber starts his reality TV stint as a coach on the new installment of The Ultimate Fighter on FX.

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