Chito Vera and 4 other dark horses in UFC divisions
Every UFC division has fighters who are expected to dominate and do well in the upper echelons of the rankings. While some of these mixed martial artists are predicted to become title contenders, others are even regarded as uncrowned champions.
Prior to dethroning Charles Oliveira, Islam Makhachev was one such fighter. But this isn't always the case. Sometimes, champions and top contenders emerge from absolute obscurity. Hardly anyone, for example, expected 'do Bronx' to capture the divisional crown at 155 lbs.
This list looks at five dark horses in the UFC's current divisions. They might not necessarily have the skills to become champions, but they're dangerous enough to be a threat at the very top of the division despite no one previously thinking they're capable of doing so.
#5. Arman Tsarukyan – UFC lightweight
Arman Tsarukyan is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC's 155 lbs weight class. He possesses a breadth of grappling skills and serviceable striking to the point that he has never been dominated in a UFC bout. His only knockout loss took place in his sophomore MMA fight. Every other bout was a decision loss.
I still believe that Arman Tsarukyan will be the one to dethrone Islam Makhachev. https://t.co/RRK1I96dHX
In each of those losses, the 26-year old gave a good account of himself. He faced future UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev on his promotional debut and managed to initiate scrambles and force the Dagestani phenom into extended grappling exchanges that kept him in the fight.
While most fans and fighters don't regard him as a championship threat, 'Ahalkalakets' has the necessary skill-set to trouble any 155'er. More than that, however, he is young enough that he has plenty of time to develop and surpass everyone else.
#4. Rafael Fiziev – UFC lightweight
Rafael Fiziev is a tough matchup for anyone at 155 lbs. He is a former Muay Thai standout and the deep pool of striking knowledge he possesses is evident every time he steps inside the octagon. He is unique among high-level kickboxers due to how he implements leans.
Most kickboxers lean away from strikes as their opponents march towards them. This causes aggressive opponents to overextend their punches. 'Ataman', however, doesn't lean away just to avoid strikes. After leaning away, he bounces right back into range and uses his momentum to empower his counterpunches.
Rafael Fiziev knocks out Rafael Dos Anjos in round 5 at #UFCVegas58 👀🔥 https://t.co/NOtgR67VKc
Furthermore, he uses stance-switching to shift the alignment of his strikes. This allows him to land hard kicks to the body without fear due to different alignments. He also uses level changes while kicking to drag his opponent's guard all over the place. This renders him very difficult to strike against.
Due to the strength of his defensive wrestling, very few have been able to take him down, but no one has managed to keep him on the mat. If he's able to force anyone to engage him in a kickboxing bout, his combination of skill, speed and power makes him an extremely difficult foe for anyone.
#3. Ilia Topuria – UFC featherweight
Ilia Topuria is a brutally powerful puncher. He is akin to a force of nature once he steps inside the octagon. He possesses a significant amount of physical strength, solid toughness and the ability to end any fight at a moment's notice. As an undefeated fighter, he has only gone to decision once across 13 bouts.
Ilia Topuria KO's Ryan Hall 🔥
https://t.co/0RpapQiRd3
Every other win has been either a knockout or submission. Anyone who engages in prolonged striking exchanges with 'El Matador' is bound to find themselves slumbering on the mat. In addition to his power-punches, he is an exceptional grappler who holds a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.
His grappling prowess is so extensive that he was able to completely neutralize fellow BJJ black belt Bryce Mitchell from grappling with him. Not only did he stop him, but he secured a submission of his own. This combination of skills renders him a threat in every phase of combat, whether it's striking or grappling.
#2. Belal Muhammad – UFC welterweight
There's no dark horse in the welterweight division that's more obvious than Belal Muhammad. The Palestinian-American is currently at the helm of a four-year unbeaten run across 9 fights, with his only hiccup being a no-contest against the reigning UFC welterweight champion, Leon Edwards.
While 'Remember the Name' isn't exceptionally powerful or fast, he is tireless. He is capable of pursuing takedowns throughout the entire fight while maintaining a high-volume of strikes. This is the perfect recipe at welterweight, where cardio is king.
REMEMBER THE NAME !!!! 🔥🔥
BELAL MUHAMMAD S'IMPOSE PAR TKO AU 2 ÈME ROUND CONTRE SEAN BRADY ! #UFC280
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Against the likes of Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman, he can't afford to tire himself out. Thus, being able to match their pace and use his own wrestling skills to counter theirs is more than important. But what matches him up well with so many 170'ers is how often he attacks an exposed back.
Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington all have a habit of getting on all fours to stop takedowns. In doing so, they expose their backs. While 'Remember the Name' isn't the best finisher in the world, he frequently threatens with rear-naked chokes if the opportunity presents itself.
This doesn't bode well for anyone who is willing to expose their backs to him too often. He may never be a champion, but his skills are at a high-enough level that he's a danger to anyone.
#1. Marlon Vera – UFC bantamweight
The bantamweight division is the only weight class in the promotion that can challenge lightweight for the title of the deepest division in the UFC. Near the top of the division is a fighter who, years ago, most wouldn't have predicted to capture the number four spot in the rankings.
Former foe Sean O'Malley once described him as a journeyman. But in 2023, Marlon Vera has been anything but. He is at the helm of a four-fight win streak, including two brutal knockouts against former champions Dominick Cruz and Frankie Edgar.
Chito Vera knocks out Dominick Cruz in the 4th round
#UFCSanDiego
https://t.co/bBPtfrsZ8y
Why 'Chito' is a dark horse is simple. He has the nuclear option in every limb. He is a patient predator who stalks his prey before crushing them with brutal power-shots. Furthermore, he can effortlessly walk through his opponent's blows due to his iron chin.
This combination of otherworldly durability and one-punch knockout power is a danger to anyone as long as the fight clock is ticking.