5 exciting up-and-comers who could break out in the UFC in 2018

#2 Curtis Blaydes

Curtis Blaydes is a top up-and-comer to watch at Heavyweight

Blaydes has the frame of a true Heavyweight – standing at 6’4” and weighing in at almost 260lbs – and he’s seemingly gotten into far better shape since his UFC debut too, probably due to being able to train full-time now he’s a UFC contender. At 26 he’s young for a Heavyweight too, and yet his skills belie his age – he’s already one of the best wrestlers in the division and his striking is quickly improving, too.

Matched against Mark Hunt at UFC 221, Blaydes has quite the test ahead of him, but Hunt is in the twilight of his career, his once iron chin is now weaker than before and he’s always been vulnerable to the takedown. That means Blaydes has an excellent chance of winning and if he pulls it out, then we could be looking at a title contender before 2018 is out.