Top 3 Under-The-Radar Fighters To Watch For During UFC London

#UFCLondon

The fighters that I'm going to talk about below may not be the most talented or recognizable but I believe they have the highest chance of surprising the masses and stealing the show. In my opinion, each of these competitors have the potential to be headlining events in the not-so-distant future.

3. Claudio Silva

Looking at the names on Silva's resume you may be surprised as to why he isn't higher up on the card, however there is an answer to that question -- injuries. Making his promotional debut five years ago, he put on an impressive performance by getting a unanimous decision win over Brad Scott, controlling the majority of the fight. Silva's next fight would come in late 2014 when he dealt Leon Edwards (10) what would be one of his only two UFC losses, the other came from current UFC champion, Kamaru Usman. Silva worked through his bout with Edwards and showed a lot of maturity and tenacity, earning the split decision. However it was after that performance when his promising UFC career would take a turn in a different direction.

Silva's next scheduled fight against Nordine Taleb in early 2015 would not take place as Silva suffered a foot injury and was forced to sit out. Numerous fight announcements would not come to fruition over the next several years due to what seemed like constant injuries. However in May of last year after nearly a four-year layoff the Brazillian would return to take on Taleb who he had been scheduled to fight three years prior. Silva did not look like he had skipped beat since departing the octagon to recover; he decimated and outclassed Taleb earning a first round submission and a POTN Bonus for his effort. Silva was next scheduled to fight Ramazan Emeev in September of 2018 but a lower back injury left him on the sidelines once again.

At 36 years of age Silva is winding down his physical prime but based on his last performance he still has a lot to show. This Saturday on the main card Silva takes on the tough Brit, Danny Roberts. This fight is crucial for a Silva, another impressive finish could fast track him into big fight very soon. According to himself, Silva has a lot of fight left in him and still has UFC gold in mind.

Silva is slated to fight second on the main card which should be enough incentive to watch the whole card to find out if he still has the skills necessary to make a splash in the stacked welterweight division.

2. Ian Heinisch

Ian Heinisch should not be alive today. Heinisch doesn't have flashy finishes or big names on his record by he does have by far the most compelling story of any fighter on this card. Heinisch battled through prison after smuggling drugs and learned martial arts in South American Detention Center and nearly died in Rikers Prison in the U.S.A. Combining these intangibles with his highschool wrestling pedigree, this makes Heinisch a very well-rounded fighter.

In just a little over three years fighting professionally the 30 year-old has amassed an impressive 12-1 record including an impressive UFC debut victory over seasoned veteran Cezar Ferreira. Heinisch came into that bout this past November on 6 days notice and outworked Ferreira for all 15 minutes. Heinisch's work effort and determination shined through in that fight as he did not shy away from tough clinching or striking affairs. Although Ferreira seemed to be a bad match up for the American, Heinisch did everything correctly and had the poise of a man who had been through a lot during his life.

Some might say that his life experiences do not translate in the cage but they certainly do. Heinisch has stared death in the face which means pressure will not be an obstacle for this man during his career; he has the drive to keep working and growing as a fighter and if he can keep his calm demeanor then a big year for the ex-con will be in the cards. Look forward to really interesting, close fight with Tom Breese this Saturday, if Heinisch can keep calm and implement his game plan he will have a good night.

1. Nathaniel Wood

Out of the three fighters on this list Wood definitely has the most hype built around him. The young Brit is billed as "The Prospect", and at only 25 years of age and 13 finishes he has definitely earned that nickname. Wood is currently being mentored by MMA Legend and fellow countryman, Brad Pickett. Wood is currently 2-0 in the UFC and both wins have come via submission.

The tenacious Wood has a long road ahead of him in the UFC but he has already called out 5 former competitors of his mentor and looks to have a very heavy work load for the rest of the year. In his home country of England, Wood will be looking to make a statement against his opponent, Jose Alberto Quinonez, who has constructed an impressive 4-1 UFC record of his own. Wood has a very bright future in the UFC and could become the biggest star out of England sooner rather than later. Look for a big stoppage from Wood and emotional post-fight speech if he can pull out the victory this Saturday