Sherdog’s Top 10: Rising Stars, 2014 First Edition

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5. Kelvin Gastelum (9-0)

Even the most dedicated, hardcore fans of MMA had no idea who Gastelum was when he showed up on the 17th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” The Arizona native and high school wrestler had five wins under his belt, none of them against opponents with winning records, and at only 21 years old, he was stacked up against some of the best middleweight prospects in the world.

Gastelum was Chael Sonnen’s last pick, and nobody expected much from him, but he just kept on winning. First came a rear-naked choke over Bubba McDaniel, a training partner of opposing coach Jon Jones. Next, he knocked out Collin Hart in the first round and then secured his spot in the final with a surprisingly easy rear-naked choke over Josh Samman. A 3-to-1 underdog against Uriah Hall at the finale, Gastelum used his wrestling and cardio to grind out a tough decision against his bigger and more experienced opponent.

Since then, Gastelum has yet to slow down. A brutal finish of Brian Melancon led to a matchup with the tough Rick Story, and while most of the media scored it for Story, the mere fact that a 22-year-old with seven fights on his record could hang tough with the crafty, savvy veteran demonstrates just how quickly Gastelum has evolved from unknown wrestler to dangerous, well-rounded mixed martial artist.

The southpaw has demonstrated consistent growth in every area of his game since we first saw him on “The Ultimate Fighter,” and he boasts incredible physical tools. If he continues to improve, his charisma and connection to the growing Latin American market the UFC is currently trying to tap could make him a huge star. Gastelum will get his opportunity to put his name in the top 10 conversation in the stacked welterweight division and prove himself to the Mexican fans on Nov. 15, as he takes on Jake Ellenberger in a barnburner of a matchup at UFC 180.

Even if we cannot see them coming, prospects like Gastelum only show up once in a long while. Here is hoping he can put it all together and become one of the new faces of the UFC.

Number 4 » The protégé of Japanese great and what-if story Norifumi Yamamoto and his Krazy Bee team, he has the athleticism, ridiculous speed and big power that his mentor showcased before the devastating injuries that shortened his prime.