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Bellator MMA has a talented roster that features many fighters who are capable of being successful in any other major promotion. In recent years, their light heavyweight, welterweight, and bantamweight divisions have been viewed as proper competition for the UFC.
With that said, many of the fighters have generated plenty of interest for their fights. Fans have wondered how their favorite fighters would fare inside the octagon and whether they’d have the same level of success. Winning is important, however, their performances are what leave a lasting impression on the fanbase.
‘Iron’ Michael Chandler is a recent example of a fighter that joined the UFC. Despite having a 1-2 record in the UFC, all three fights have been memorable. His loss to Justin Gaethje was praised by fans and the media, with many considering it Fight of the Year.
Chandler is a former multiple Bellator champion, and proved he can mix it with the best in the UFC. There are others who could do the same and here are 5 Bellator fighters that could thrive in the UFC.
#5. Michael ‘Venom’ Page - Bellator welterweight
Bellator welterweight contender Michael ‘Venom’ Page is a fighter that could thrive if he competed in the UFC. He is one of the most exciting fighters on the roster and has many highlight-reel knockouts on his resume.
Since transitioning from kickboxing, 'MVP' has gone 20-1 in MMA with his only career loss being against former champion Douglas Lima. He eventually avenged his lone career loss when he defeated Lima by split decision last October. As a result, 'MVP' will challenge Yaroslav Amosov for the welterweight championship this May in London, England.
From a marketing standpoint, 'MVP' would be a huge signing should he join the UFC. Potential bouts with welterweights like Jorge Masvidal, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson, and Nate Diaz would generate a lot of buzz. His unorthodox fighting style is also what makes him stand out from other welterweights as he is difficult to stop.
#4. Yaroslav Amosov - Bellator welterweight champion
Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav ‘Dynamo’ Amosov would not only be a welcome addition, but he could thrive in the UFC. He has an unbeaten 26-0 record and has been able to neutralize his opponents with his wrestling.
‘Dynamo’ won the title last year when he turned in a dominant performance against Douglas Lima on way to a unanimous decision. He showed what he’s capable of doing to somebody of Lima’s caliber. His fighting style may not produce highlight-reel, but it is very effective.
Amosov has even been compared to former UFC lightweight champion Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov in the past. The two have a similar background in Sambo and a long undefeated streak.
If ‘Dynamo’ competed in the UFC, bouts with Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns, and welterweight champion Kamaru Usman would be interesting. If he continues his winning streak this year, he could eventually attract the attention of Dana White and the UFC’s matchmakers.
#3. Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire – Bellator featherweight
Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire is arguably the greatest fighter in Bellator history. He has achieved many milestones during his tenure with the promotion. Not only is he a former two-time featherweight champion, but he also won the lightweight championship and held the titles simultaneously.
'Pitbull' has defeated some of the biggest names in the promotion's history, including Michael Chandler, Daniel Straus, and Juan Archuleta. For years, many have wondered how ‘Pitbull’ would fare against the top fighters in the UFC featherweight division. A bout against reigning UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski would definitely appeal to fans as both fighters match up well.
In addition to his accolades as a champion, Friere also has the most wins and title fights in the promotion's history. It would be intriguing to see him compete in the UFC before he eventually calls it a career.
#2. Vadim Nemkov – Bellator light heavyweight champion
Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov has made a strong case for why he should be considered the best 205-pounder currently in MMA.
Since Jon Jones moved up to heavyweight, many fans have debated who should be considered the best light heavyweight. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz defended the title once and current champion Glover Teixeira has yet to defend.
Nemkov, on the other hand, has had two title defenses, while also advancing to the light heavyweight Grand Prix finals. He is currently riding a 9-fight win streak with wins over former champions could make him a formidable opponent in the UFC.
Nemkov has proven that he’s more than capable of competing in the UFC. The Fedor Team protege has a decorated Sambo background and devastating knockout power, which makes him a difficult fighter to stop.
#1. A.J. McKee – Bellator featherweight champion
Bellator featherweight champion A.J. ‘Mercenary’ McKee has certainly garnered plenty of attention this past year. He won the featherweight Grand Prix by defeating Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire and hasn’t shied away from sharing his opinions. Following the Grand Prix win, McKee let it be known that he believed he was the best 145-pounder in the world.
‘Mercenary’ stated that he’s better than his UFC counterparts and would do the same thing to them as he did ‘Pitbull'. What's fascinating about McKee is that he’s 26 years old and is still entering the prime of his career.
“When his contract’s up, he’ll have to call. We’ll see what we can do,” Dana White to TSN
He has even caught the attention of UFC President Dana White, who spoke highly of him during interviews. With White seemingly interested, perhaps McKee will be the next big name to thrive in the UFC.
