5 championship caliber prospects in the UFC bantamweight division

Sean O'Malley [Image via @ufc on Twitter]

The UFC's bantamweight division has emerged as one of the most stacked and exciting weight classes in all of combat sports in recent times. As the sport of MMA continues to evolve, the masses have started to appreciate the lighter divisions more than they used to, in-part thanks to the new wave of fighters taking over at 135 pounds.

At UFC Vegas 53 this weekend, top-ranked bantamweight contenders Rob Font and Marlon Vera are set to lock horns in what promises to be an enthralling main event. Both fighters are tantalizingly close to a shot at gold and a win here could propel them closer to a championship opportunity.

UFC Vegas 53 poster [Image via @ufc on Twitter]

Both Font and Vera have transitioned from prospects to legitimate title contenders in recent years. The two fighters, along with Aljamain Sterling, T.J. Dillashaw, Petr Yan, Cory Sandhagen, Jose Aldo and Dominick Cruz, make up the cream of the crop at 135 pounds. A number of prospects will be looking to make their way into the top-tier of the division in the coming years.

On that note, here are five championship caliber prospects in the UFC bantamweight division.

#5. Adrian Yanez

Adrian Yanez is currently unranked in the bantamweight division. He burst onto the scene with a successful outing in season 4 of Dana White’s Contender Series, recording a stunning 39-second TKO victory over Brady Huang to earn a UFC contract.

Adrian Yanez with the fastest knockout in Contender Series history! https://t.co/G9OFFAq1Qq

Since joining the promotion, the American has been on a tear, picking up three ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses in as many fights. Knockout victories over Victor Rodriguez, Gustavo Lopez and Randy Costa saw him earn a reputation for being a durable fighter with crisp and pin-point striking. UFC commentator Michael Bisping has even dubbed Yanez a ‘Mini Masvidal’.

With his relentless pressure and impeccable boxing, Yanez’s style is very similar to that of one of the biggest stars in the sport, Jorge Masvidal. He even sports a similarly styled beard to 'Gamebred’, hence Bisping's comparisons between the two fighters.

Bored? Can't really sleep? Need something exciting to watch? Rewatch Adrian Yanez vs Randy Costa.

Thank me later.

This fight painted such a picture. He who controls the octagon and dictates the pace of the fight wins. https://t.co/uRKi4ApXZ2

The 28-year-old's impressive performances saw him take on English prospect Davey Grant at UFC Vegas 43. The duo bagged the ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus for their incredible bout and Yanez called for a ranked opponent after securing a split decision victory.

Yanez has a long way to go in his career, but the early signs are extremely promising. Additionally, his all-action style and propensity to deliver highlight-reel knockouts could see him break into the top 15 of the bantamweight rankings very soon.