Can be from any from any organization. Just give your reason(s) why...
1. Vitaly Minakov- The guys an absolute beast. 13-0, all finishes, save for one (most of which occurred in the first round). Absolutely scorched the Bellator competition, which isn't saying much, but I see real potential. Heavy hands, strong, and good movement. Out of all of the heavyweights NOT in the UFC, I see Minakov as being a contender. Just give him a bit more time and experience....
2. Damian Grabowski- Submission machine. 19-1. Only loss was to Cole Konrad, who'd probably be my #1 if he hadn't retired. Once again, the level of competition he's faced hasn't been extraordinary, but I was impressed with his win over Garner.
3. Sergei Kharitonov- The one guy everybody's always wanted to see in the UFC. Unfortunately he's been kickboxing and getting older (and fatter). He needs work on his submission game, but is a threat to anybody at any time. His record speaks for itself. Fought some of the best and wins more often than not.
4. Satoshi Ishii- Fought a who's who of legends, and former champions. The UFC needs a Japanese star and Ishii is the most likely candidate. Yes, most of the "names" he fought have been washed-up for years, but I say give him a chance. He's 11-2 and I think he has potential.
5. Alexander Volkov- Nice boxing technique. Fun to watch. Got blown out by Minakov but certainly a great fighter, with a nice record.
Honorable Mentions: Arlovski- Won 4 of last 5. I don't think he could come close to a title shot, but he's always fun to watch and could certainly scorch the lower tier of UFC heavies. Aleks Emelienenko- Least likely to ever see in UFC. Has a presence and is exciting to watch.
1. Vitaly Minakov- The guys an absolute beast. 13-0, all finishes, save for one (most of which occurred in the first round). Absolutely scorched the Bellator competition, which isn't saying much, but I see real potential. Heavy hands, strong, and good movement. Out of all of the heavyweights NOT in the UFC, I see Minakov as being a contender. Just give him a bit more time and experience....
2. Damian Grabowski- Submission machine. 19-1. Only loss was to Cole Konrad, who'd probably be my #1 if he hadn't retired. Once again, the level of competition he's faced hasn't been extraordinary, but I was impressed with his win over Garner.
3. Sergei Kharitonov- The one guy everybody's always wanted to see in the UFC. Unfortunately he's been kickboxing and getting older (and fatter). He needs work on his submission game, but is a threat to anybody at any time. His record speaks for itself. Fought some of the best and wins more often than not.
4. Satoshi Ishii- Fought a who's who of legends, and former champions. The UFC needs a Japanese star and Ishii is the most likely candidate. Yes, most of the "names" he fought have been washed-up for years, but I say give him a chance. He's 11-2 and I think he has potential.
5. Alexander Volkov- Nice boxing technique. Fun to watch. Got blown out by Minakov but certainly a great fighter, with a nice record.
Honorable Mentions: Arlovski- Won 4 of last 5. I don't think he could come close to a title shot, but he's always fun to watch and could certainly scorch the lower tier of UFC heavies. Aleks Emelienenko- Least likely to ever see in UFC. Has a presence and is exciting to watch.