Passing of the Guard: A Closer Look at the New Breed of UFC Fighters

4. Rafael Dos Anjos

Rafael Dos Anjos is the undisputed champion of the most stacked division in the UFC–the lightweight division.

He’s thrown Anthony “Showtime” Pettis around like a ragdoll, not giving him enough space and neutralizing Pettis’ dangerous striking game. A good game plan won Rafael Dos Anjos the belt in UFC 189. He silenced his critics when he then triumphed over a hungry Donald Cerrone who was dead-set on avenging his loss to the Brazilian. All it took was a little pressure and Donald Cerrone was in deep trouble, rocked, and eventually unable to protect himself–giving Rafael Dos Anjos his secnd title defense.

Rafael Dos Anjos next opponent is going to be featherweight champion, Conor McGregor. It’s been years since a fighter has held a belt in two divisions but Conor promises he will, and he has fulfilled all his promises–or predictions, if you believe in his Mystic Mac powers. What Conor faces in Dos Anjos is a mean fighting machine, and a much bigger man then most he’s faced even if Conor is still taller. It’s a tough fight to call, but these fighters definitely have a spot in the rankings of 2015’s best fighters.

3. Luke Rockhold

via ufc.com

Luke Rockhold was the former middleweight champion of Strikeforce, and he just recently dispatched Anderson Silva’s executor, Chris Weidman, officially earning him the UFC middleweight championship belt.

Rockhold lost his first fight in the UFC via a spinning heel kick from Vitor Belfort (who was most probably on steroids). Since that fight, he has been ripping through a division full of monsters, disposing of the likes of Time Boetsch, Lyoto Machida and Michael Bisping via unorthodox and crazy submissions. He then came in to face Chris Weidman, and was a huge underdog in the fight. It has been revealed that Rockhold was injured at the time and was only fighting at 20%, but he mauled Chris Weidman and made him a bloody mess. Luke Rockhold is no joke–he’s one of the UFC’s best fighters and it looks like he’ll be holding onto that belt for a while.

2. Daniel “DC” Cormier

via yellmagazine.com

Even though Cormier didn’t really win the belt by beating the champion (it was vacated because Jon Jones was suspended), he has proven that he is at least the second best lightheavy weight alive in the world today.

Formerly a heavyweight, DC moved to the lighter division to give way to his teammate and friend Cain Velasquez, who was champion of the Heavyweight division at the time. Since moving down, he has looked like a man on a mission. He lost a close decision to Jones but has proven that he is definitely the best wrestler in the division, maybe even in the whole UFC. He threw Gustaffson around like it was nothing and did the same to the powerful Anthony Johnson. Say what you will about the eligibility of his championship status, but the rematch against Jones will showcase a new and improved Cormier–one who definitely stands a bigger chance this time around.

1. Conor “Notorious” McGregor

via telegraph.co.uk

Conor McGregor, Mystic Mac, The Notorious, The Jester–call him what you want but there is no doubt that Conor McGregor is the definition of a new breed fighter. He uses his movement so excellently and trains in a way that doesn’t risk serious injury. He’s very loose and confident inside the octagon–a trait most fighters do not possess.

Disposing of the likes of Brandao, Porrier, Siver, Mendes and Jose Aldo himself, all in the rounds and with methods he predicted he would, is an amazing feat. Conor has given the UFC a new breath, making it exciting through how he markets himself and trash talks his opponents.

Half the fun of watching Conor is watching him speak at press conferences and interviews. Then he gets into the octagon and walks the talk. Every. Single. Time. Will Rafael Dos Anjos finally derail the featherweight champion in their lightweight bout? Or is Mystic Mac going to be correct again? McGregor said he would finish RDA in one round. We can only wait until March 6 to find out.

What other UFC fighters have got you excited? Sound off in the Comments Section!