Sherdog’s Top 10: Late Bloomers

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5. Cub Swanson

Swanson’s ascension through the mixed martial arts ranks was drastic, losing only once in his first 12 professional bouts. However, when he faced a stiffer test in Jens Pulver at WEC 31 and lost in only 35 seconds, doubters came out of the woodwork.

Since the loss, Swanson’s only defeats have come against the cream of the crop at 145 pounds: Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes and Ricardo Lamas. Swanson has lost just once since joining the UFC, and his wins have been dominant and vicious, particularly his finishes of George Roop, Ross Pearson, Charles Oliveira, and Dennis Siver. His most recent outing -- which came on the heels of a year-long layoff -- continued to separate Swanson from the pack. Jeremy Stephens entered their UFC Fight Night “Swanson vs. Stephens” main event riding a three fight winning streak, but Swanson dominated the Alliance MMA product over the course of five rounds, rightfully claiming his spot as the next No. 1 contender for the man who emerges from the forthcoming Aldo-Mendes rematch.

If Swanson can rectify his losses against Aldo or Mendes, the low point of his 10-year MMA career will be wiped clean, making way for a reign atop one of the stronger divisions in the UFC.

Number 4 » Robbie Lawler