Five Upcoming UFC Contenders

Michael Bisping, Diego Sanchez, Kendall Grove, Brandon Vera, Franca

Apr 1, 2007

These five unknowns are fighters you should be watching out for in the weeks and months to come.

This Brit has what it takes to be a very serious threat in a powerful Light Heavyweight division. Bisping became a household name after winning the season three TUF Light Heavyweight winner. “The Count” defeated Josh Haynes in that bout.Bisping last fought at UFC 66 when he defeated Eric Schafer in the first round by a technical knock out. He currently holds a record of 13-0 in his Mixed Martial Arts career.

Next up for Bisping is Elvis Sinosic, who makes his return to the UFC for the first time in over a year, later this month at UFC 70. This will be a big challenge for Bisping and a win would bring him one step closer to a shot at the Light Heavyweight title. However, we shouldn’t expect Bisping to get a title shot if he defeats Sinosic, he has many contenders in his way, including Forrest Griffin, Keith Jardine and even the man who coached him during TUF season three, Tito Ortiz. Expect this star to continue to rise.

Sanchez’s popularity has skyrocketed since he defeated Kenny Florian in the Welterweight final of the first TUF show. Sanchez has been a “Nightmare” for all of his opponents and has yet to be defeated in either the UFC or in MMA.The Albuquerque native is 6-0 in the UFC. His recent win came at an Ultimate Fight Night in December over Joe Riggs.

Next up for “Nightmare” is a match against Josh Koscheck at UFC 69 this Saturday. Sanchez hopes to get his seventh win in the UFC and a title shot against the winner of the Welterweight Championship match.

Sanchez is well-deserving of a title shot, whether it is against Georges St- Pierre or Matt Serra.

Grove worked through many competitors on his way to winning the third season TUF show. He defeated Ed Herman to win the Middleweight crown.Grove is 2-0 in the UFC. He last defeated Chris Price at an Ultimate Fight Night in October. Grove is considered a protégé of his TUF three coach, Tito Ortiz. His next match will be against Alan Belcher at UFC 69. A win puts Grove in favorable position in the Middleweight division. He has a chance to go up against such stars as Mike Swick and Rich Franklin.

“The Truth” is making a lot of noise in a Heavyweight division that is starting to regain some of that luster. With the return of current UFC Heavyweight champion Randy Couture and the acquisition of Mirko Cro Cop, Vera is a rising star. Vera is undefeated in the UFC and in MMA. His last victory came in November when he defeated Frank Mir in the first round. Vera has a chance to face Tim Sylvia, Mirko Cro Cop and even Randy Couture in the near future.

This Brazilian has caught the attention of many, despite the depth of the Lightweight division, stars including Jens Pulver, BJ Penn, Florian and Champion Sean Sherk. Franca defeated Lightweight contender Spencer Fisher in January. Rumors suggest that he could fight Sherk for the title this summer.

The copyright of the article Five Upcoming UFC Contenders in Martial Arts is owned by Andrew Nostvick. Permission to republish Five Upcoming UFC Contenders in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.