There's UFC... and then there's everyone else!

As the sport of MMA continues to grow all over the world, UFC has been the leader in all aspects. The UFC is the major leagues compared to the rest of the MMA organizations. Many of the best MMA fighters are in the UFC with some others fighting in smaller less recognized organizations. Japan was moving towards the right direction with Pride but then sold out to... UFC. There are some other smaller organizations both here in the US and Japan that have some very good fighters. Because UFC is so accessible its easy to write about them and find out alot of stuff that fans may want to know. This is an introduction to some of these other premier fighters that are fighting elsewhere.

Everyone knows guys like Fedor and Urijah Faber (WEC is also owned by UFC but a separate entity) but some of these fighters are only known by big time fans. Some of these fighters you actually might see in the UFC.

Alistair Overeem- This Dutch Muay Thai/BJJ fighter has fought some of the toughest fighters in the Light Heavyweight division in Chuck Liddell, Shogun and Rogerio Nogueira and has a record of 23-7. He has recently moved up to heavyweight and throughout has shown great stand up and an even better ground game. He could be a contender for top Heavyweight very soon.

Jose Aldo- The WEC Featherweight is the most explosive and innovative fighter I have ever seen. He can punch, kick or pull an opponent to the ground and have a tap out in seconds. If you don't believe me watch anyone of his fights since joining WEC. He carries a 5-0 record in WEC and 15-1 overall.

Jake Shields- This American MMA fighter is moving up in the ranks and is a submission specialist with improving stand up game. He has beaten some very good fighters including latest 1st round submission of Robbie Lawler in a middleweight fight. He has expressed his interest in fighting the best fighters and in the UFC. Right now he is under contract with Strikeforce. Could be a nice matchup against either Anderson Silva or GSP in the future.

Gegard Mousasi- This Armenian fighter has a very similar style to Anderson Silva and their careers are closing in. Both fighters are moving up to the Light Heavyweight division and Mousasi is moving to America to fight in the same company as his training partner, Fedor Emilianko. He has beaten very solid fighters such as Denis Kang, Mark Hunt and "Jacare" Souza and carries a record of 25-2-1.

Although, there are the best fighters in the UFC these are just a few fighters who are worth watching.