Sean Strickland
I mean he’s a big guy. Apparently he cuts weight from around 230lbs, which is absolutely ridiculous for a middleweight. If he puts on a bit more muscle, he could definitely be a good contender at 205. Welterweight and Middleweight are the two most stacked divisions right now, so most of these names would be involving these two weight classes.
Sean O’Malley
Having lost to Merab twice, he’d probably lose to Umar, and that puts him out of the title race at 135. He’s inches taller than anyone else in his division, and at 5’11 he’d probably still be slightly big for his weight class. With Volk retiring there’s new room at Featherweight, so Suga again needs to put on muscle and he’d be a great contender.
Jiri Prochazka
According to reports, Jiri fought at 211lbs against Jamahal Hill at 311…he’s a light heavyweight. Idk if that’s something to do with his rehydration or his diet or something, but cmon. The only reason I’d say he shouldn’t move down is because 185 is incredibly stacked, and Jiri isn’t exactly young either.
Rafael Fiziev
We heard rumours that he would move down to 145, but he decided to stay at lightweight. Although older fighters like Oliveira, Gaethje, Poirier are going/gone, I don’t see Fiziev being a top contender in the division. However with 145 looking slightly dry at the moment, Fiziev could definitely reach the top 5 at some point in his career.
Sean Brady
Now until a couple of months ago he was the #1 ranked welterweight, but I don’t see him being champ. I think he’s just been lucky with his matchups, and I don’t think he beats Islam, Shavkat, Garry, Usman or realistically anyone else except Edwards. He’s relatively short, cuts weight decently easily, and his BJJ could stand out at lightweight with Oliveira likely only having a couple of fights left.
Paulo Costa
Walks around at over 225lbs, pretty much all you need to know. Once again, middleweight is super stacked and with the number of new prospects climbing the rankings, I doubt Costa is going to be a top contender again. A move up to an aging Light Heavyweight division could be great for him, and could definitely reignite his career again.
Who else belongs on this list, because I’ve definitely forgotten some people.