2013 will be forever known as a year of transition in the UFC. It was 12 months of evolution, perhaps even revolution. Remarkably, the once ‘invincibles’ (Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva) were more or less dethroned, both facing futures of uncertainty. After so many years anchoring the top of UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, the possibility of the duo’s long-term absence has presented other fighters with a chance to fill the negated slot, to carry the proverbial flame, to make 2014 their own. In many fans’ eyes, the three fighters that I will now focus on are some of the brightest young stars on the planet, quite possibly UFC’s hope for the future.

Tarec Saffiedine

Saffiedine is a larger than life character, his victory against Hyun Gyu Lim was impressive, and UFC Fight Night 34 showcased his potency as a fighter. Currently riding high on the back of five straight wins, Saffiedine possesses superb striking ability. A master at delivering fierce leg kicks, 2014 could very well present Saffiedine with a title contending fight, especially with St. Pierre’s unplanned hiatus; a win in such a bout could thrust Saffiedine into title contention by year’s end. Saffiedine is a master of Shihaishinkai, an atypical type of karate. An art which focuses on aspects such as throws and grappling, the dynamic fighter is exceptionally equipped for life in the UFC. Holding a black belt in the aforementioned art, the 27-year-old also holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ya, it’s best not to disagree with this guy. Wiley and deceptive, Saffiedine possesses extraordinary speed and grace. Blink and he will snap you with a revelatory right hook. Honestly, an opponent is lucky if it ends there, I say this because instead of opting to find his equilibrium, he will more than likely follow up the jab with a vicious roundhouse kick. His heretical combination of karate and conventional boxing techniques makes him one of the most unpredictable fighters on the planet.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Having won all his career fights to date, 2014 could be Nurmagomedov’s year of true exposure. With 21 victories firmly tucked away, the Russian powerhouse has now entered the realm of possibilities; one of these prospects involves a title shot in the not too distant future. 11 months ago, it seemed likely that Nurmagomedov was going to get such a fight against Gilbert Melendez, a former Strikeforce champion. Rather mysteriously, the fight was postponed. Nonetheless, even with this inexplicable cancellation, Nurmagomedov’s importance as a fighter rivals the difficulty encountered when you try to pronounce his name drunk. Displaying unbelievable self-belief and poise, ever since Khabib Nurmagomedov entered the Octagon, we have witnessed the evolution of a modern day star, a young man who is fully responsive, a methodical individual who can throw the most brutal of strikes. An inexorable fighter, his game plan is not disguised or revelatory. Superbly conditioned, the Russian is like a bulked up Energizer bunny, he’s going to keep chipping away, all in the hope of executing a powerful takedown. Even with such an uncomplicated sounding game plan, trying to prevent it from unfolding is a truly difficult task, no matter who the opponent might be. If Nurmagomedov can take the fight to the mat, then execute the perfect takedown, there is a high chance that he will secure a decision victory.

John Lineker

John Lineker’s biggest enemy seems to be the weighing scale. Last year, Lineker proved his dominance as a fighter. Emerging victorious in all three of his fights, the domineering combatant considerably improved his winning streak. Lineker has managed to carve out four wins in a row, three by knock out, totaling up to an impressive 17 wins in his last 18 fights. Nevertheless, it ain’t all good news, in three of his five UFC fights, John Lineker has failed to achieve the 126-pounds required. Naturally, questions remains as to whether or not the UFC can give him a title shot if he consistently fails to make the weight. However, currently, there seems to be a real lack of depth in the division, and if Lineker can meet the weight cut requirement, there is every chance of a title shot this year.

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