6.Nick Diaz: While Nick Diaz only has a 1-2 record with 1 no-contest during his latest run in the UFC, there is no denying his fan appeal. All four of his fights have been main events on PPV events and he has stood toe-to-toe with former champions in each of those fights. Yes, he is a headache, who is prone to failing marijuana tests and no-showing media obligations. However, Dana White keeps giving him second and third chances because he draws in the fans with his authentic personality and exciting fighting style. Once his current suspension ends in August 2016, expect Diaz to get a title fight against UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler who he knocked out back at UFC 47 or at least a title-eliminator fight to get another shot at Lawler.
7.Gilbert Melendez: Like his Cesar Gracie teammate Nick Diaz, Melendez’s record in the UFC doesn’t reflect his efforts and popularity with the fans. He is currently 1-3 in the Octagon and is currently suspended for testosterone metabolites, but he has coached The Ultimate Fighter and received two title shots during his run. The UFC even matched Bellator’s generous contract offer in order to keep Melendez in the promotion. There is no shame in coming up short against former UFC lightweight champions Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis and former Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez. He has always put on a show with his willingness to stand and brawl with the best. In addition to fighting, Melendez has also worked as a television analyst for both Fox Sports and ESPN.
8.Miesha Tate: Every champion needs a rival and Tate has been a long-time thorn in Ronda Rousey’s side. She built upon her feud with Rousey by coaching against her on The Ulimate Fighter and co-main eventing against Rousey at UFC 168. The former Strikeforce bantamweight champion is one of the most marketable fighters on the UFC roster and has been profiled in ESPN Magazine and worked as an analyst on Fox Sports. Tate is currently on a four-fight winning streak and is getting her second shot at the UFC crown at UFC 196.
9.Alistair Overeem: Overeem was once considered the crown jewel of the Strikeforce acquisition since he was the reigning Strikeforce heavyweight champion and had recently won the K-1 Kickboxing Grand Prix Championship. While he made a big splash with a first round finish of former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, Overeem was pulled from a title fight with Junior Dos Santos at UFC 146 after failing a pre-fight drug test. Upon his return from his suspension, a noticeably smaller Overeem lost three of four fights by knockout and looked to be on his way out the door. Since moving to Jackson-Winklejohn, Overeem has worked to removed the “bust” label and has won three-fights in a row.
10.Gegard Mousasi: It was hard to pick which fighter would get the last spot in the top 10. Mousasi was picked for the slot since he has been used to main event four UFC Fight Night cards and has been added to cards in Europe and Asia due to his popularity on both continents. Mousasi has been very active over the past two years, fighting seven times and putting together an overall UFC record of 5-3 record with notable wins over Dan Henderson, Mark Munoz and Thales Leites.
Honorable Mention: Jacare Souza, Tyron Woodley, Yoel Romero, Tim Kennedy, Josh Barnett, Tarec Saffiedine
