By Matt Molgaard
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

A lot of people seem to have different ideas of what the term “gatekeeper” means, most confusing the moniker with “journeyman”. So, before I even launch into my list, allow me to just breakdown what a gatekeeper is, in my mind. A true gatekeeper is the toughest guy in a division, sans the champion himself. He's the one man who stands to separate a contender from a bona fide challenger. If a gatekeeper is beatable, then access into the holy grounds of promotional gold is typically extended, and even if that's not the case, access is certainly earned (we all know that there are times in which rankings mean little and marketability means everything).

Now, having gotten that off of my chest, and ensuring you don't confuse or misunderstand my use of the word gatekeeper, follow along while I guide you through the UFC's strongest gatekeepers, division by division.

Flyweight: Ian McCall

The truth of the matter is, we won't know who the true flyweight gatekeeper is until Joseph Benavidez and Demetrius Johnson square off at UFC 152 for the chance to be called the promotion's first 125 pound champion. Until then however, we have a very obvious contender for the Gatekeeper Title in Ian McCall, a man many felt did enough to take a win over Johnson in their first encounter at UFC on FX 2. Johnson and McCall went wild the first time they met, and come the final bell, it seemed as though Ian had done just enough to escape with a narrow victory. Instead, the athletic commission botched the situation, the fight was actually ruled a draw, but announced as a Johnson victory, which was shortly thereafter overturned. An immediate rematch was booked and the two battled for a shot at gold once more at UFC on FX 3. This time, Johnson emerged the clear victor. We know that talent wise, both McCall and Johnson are remarkably comparable. What we don't know for certain is how Benavidez matches up with either man. For my money, he's the future champion, but we won't know that until September 22nd. In the meantime, Ian McCall is clearly the toughest out aside from Johnson and Benavidez, and he earns the GK title at 125.