Eric McConico

Nobody hands you anything at middleweight. Eric McConico has built a 11-4 record the hard way, one fight at a time since leaving the United States's regional scene.

The record shows a bit of everything: knockouts (4), submissions (3), decisions (4). Well-rounded is an overused word; here it's just accurate. Add the southpaw stance and a 77" reach, and the puzzle gets harder still.

Last time out he beat Rodolfo Vieira (Decision - Unanimous) — the kind of result that keeps a career pointed in the right direction.

He's 36 now. Fighters at this stage aren't building toward something; they're spending what's left, and that usually makes for the best fights.