Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Some critics believe UFC welterweight contender Matt Brown needs at least one more win before he gets a shot at divisional champion Johny Hendricks, but Brown says he wouldn't disappoint in a title fight.

Speaking on the "Great MMA Debate" podcast, "The Immortal" expressed his confidence in being able to be the first fighter to put Hendricks out cold inside the Octagon, per Damon Martin of Fox Sports:

I definitely don't think it would go to decision. Like I've said 100 times, I'm not going to hit him that many times and not knock him out. He's not going to stay on his feet if I hit him as many times as Robbie Lawler did. I'm a really accurate striker. ... I hate to eat my own words because I hit Erick Silva a lot of times and he didn't go down and it went three rounds, but I've got to get my groove back. I can knock him out, I guarantee it.

Brown improved his win streak to seven with his spectacular come-from-behind knockout of Erick Silva at UFC Fight Night 40 last week, his fifth straight finish via strikes.

At one time an afterthought on the UFC roster after losing three straight bouts via submission in 2010, the Ohio native has improbably worked his way up to the No. 6 170-pound fighter in the UFC's official rankings.

While it's impossible to deny that Brown is on a roll, boasting one of the fastest-paced, violent styles in the division, he joins a crowded list of title contenders who are anxiously awaiting Hendricks' return from bicep surgery.

One fellow contender wasn't shy in stating that he wants a piece of Brown before he gets a crack at UFC gold:

@danawhite people want to see Hector Lombard vs Matt brown what about you?? @ufc —Hector Lombard (@HectorLombard) May 14, 2014

Hendricks, who captured the vacant title with a win over Robbie Lawler in March, is victorious in seven of his last eight fights. His sole loss was a controversial split-decision defeat to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 167 in November.

Given the current landscape of the UFC's welterweight division, which fight makes more sense: Brown vs. Hendricks or Brown vs. Lombard?

John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.