5 European fighters who have a legitimate chance to become UFC champion

#4 Jiri Prochazka - UFC light heavyweight

Czech-born UFC light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka currently sits at the number two spot in the 205lb rankings. This is despite him being only two fights into his UFC career. It was the way in which Prochazka performed in his two fights that saw him rise up the rankings in such a rapid fashion.

Prochazka knocked out UFC light heavyweight veteran Volkan Oezdemir on his debut, instantly alerting the top 15 to his presence. He followed that up with a spinning elbow KO over former title challenger Dominick Reyes.

The current light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz, is scheduled to face off against Glover Teixera in October. Prochazka may be able to lobby for a title shot should he wait for their fight to be resolved. But considering Prochazka's competitive nature, it is more likely he will take the fight to fellow European contender Aleksander Rakic.

#3 Islam Makhachev - UFC lightweight

Dagestan is a true cultural hotbed for MMA talent following the huge success of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Islam Makhachev is considered by many to be the man who will inherit Nurmagomedov's title as lightweight king.

Makhachev is both a training partner and close friend of Nurmagomedov. This shows in his fighting style, with the signature Dagestani wrestling being a huge aspect of his game.

Makhachev is on an eight-fight winning streak in the UFC. He has defeated multiple 155lb elites, including Drew Dober and Arman Tsarukyan, as well as the man who arguably gave Khabib his toughest test in the octagon, Gleison Tibau.

Makhachev is now set to face off against Thiago Moises in the main event of UFC Vegas 31. A win here will likely put him in a number one contender position.