Sherdog’s Top 10: Late Bloomers

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9. Tim Kennedy

MMA was not a major priority for Kennedy as an active member of the U.S. Army. However, when he has ditched the sniper rifle for gloves, he has been successful, losing only four times in 22 professional fights.

Following an undefeated stint in the International Fight League, Kennedy fought twice before joining Strikeforce. The 34-year-old went 4-2 for the now-defunct promotion, but the glaring marks on his record came in his two middleweight title shots, losing by decision to Ronaldo Souza and Luke Rockhold. Since signing with the UFC, Kennedy has distanced himself from being a fighter that could not get over the proverbial hump to a competitor at the forefront of today’s 185-pound division. He not only has the results to prove it, but his victory following a war of words with one of MMA’s most prolific trash talkers, Michael Bisping, left those questioning his antics speechless.

With three wins in three attempts under the UFC banner, Kennedy continues to impress and take steps closer to Chris Weidman’s title. With a win over Yoel Romero at UFC 178 in September, the middleweight division may have an all-American duel for the 185-pound title for the first time since Rich Franklin wiped out Nate Quarry at UFC 56 almost nine years ago.

Number 8 » Anthony Johnson