Brian Bowles (Bantamweight - UFC)Record: 10-1-0
So Far in 2011: Bowles has fought twice so far in 2011 and finds himself on a two fight streak following his only lose, to Dominick Cruz. His most recent victim was top 10 rated Takeya Mizuagaki.
Why Watch: Former WEC Champion, Only lose came to current champion (Dominick Cruz), Heavy Hands, Finished all but one of his fights, Vocal about wanting a title shot
Summary: Bowles looked to be the heir apparent to the Bantamweight thrown until he ran into Cruz. The right match-up could put Bowles one fight away from a title shot. Many, including myself, think a rematch with Cruz could be look very different from their first meeting.
Tyron Woodley (Welterweight – Strikeforce)
Record: 8-0-0
So Far in 2011: Woodley notched his eighth win in January. Strikeforce usually forces longer layoffs than the UFC because it runs fewer events but Woodley fights in July and would earn a title shot with a win, a shot that could come by years end.
Why Watch: Faces his biggest challenge to date on July 30th in Paul Daley – a title eliminator, Highly touted, Athletic, Dynamic wrestling
Summary: Woodley has been talked about for years but has been relatively untested against top talent. Strikeforce has protected Woodly to this point and thinks he has potential to be great. Circumstance has forced Woodley into a title eliminator with Paul Daley so the kid gloves are coming off, one way or another.
Carlos Condit (Welterweight – UFC)
Record: 27-5-0
So Far in 2011: Just one huge win over Dong Hyun Kim, but 2010 saw two significant victories, all finishes. Condit handed Kim his first defeat and flirts with a title shot following his next success.
Why Watch: Four fight win streak, Already in line for shot at Georges St. Pierre, Considered one of the to WW’s in the sport, Tons of momentum, Experienced, Well-rounded, Exciting, Knack for finishing fights.
Summary: Condit is one of the hottest topics in all of MMA. He has put together one of the most impressive four fight streaks in recent memory and seems to finally be coming into his own in the UFC. This is a really good fighter who is both young and experienced on the brink of becoming a true top tier star.
Alexander Gustafsson (Light Heavyweight – UFC)
Record: 11-1-0
So Far in 2011: One win in 2011 defeating highly regarded James Te Huna in just one round. Gustafsson has never seen a decision in his professional career. He has shown a propensity for excitement and at just 24 years of age his best days are in front of him.
Why Watch: Quietly gathering momentum with a three fight win streak, Finished all his fights, Unique blend of skills, Shows improvement with each outing
Summary: Next month Gustafsson squares off against veteran Vladimir Matyushenko, who will likely present his toughest test since Phil Davis. A second win in 2011 with time for another fight by years end would go a long way in developing him as a future contender.
Matt Mitrione (Heavyweight – UFC)
Record: 5-0-0
So Far in 2011: Mitrione is 2-0 against tough opponents this year and 3-0 against quality heavyweights in the last 9 months. He shows true improvement in every fight and as a former NFL football player he is a superb athlete.
Why Watch: Gets Better with every fight, Heavy hands, Technically improving stand-up, Big personality – always entertaining, Knack for finishing fights
Summary: Mitrione should get another fight this year and it could be a breakout fight at that. If he is not pushed too far too fast he could develop into a legit contender in a tough yet evolving division.
Melvin Guillard (Lightweight – UFC)
Record: 29-8-2
So Far in 2011: Guillard started the year with a huge victory over blue chip prospect Evan Dunham, putting him back on the map and marking what might be the full on turn around of his career. He then went on to knock Shane Roller into another dimension, putting him at 2-0 for the year with time for another fight.
Why Watch: Elite athlete, Dynamic striking and knockout power, four fight win streak, Strong wrestling base, Showed marked improvement since joining Greg Jackson’s camp
Summary: Few fighters are as hot as Melvin Guillard, who has long been touted as the guy who “just couldn’t put it all together.” A move to Greg Jackson’s camp seems to have changed that and now Guillard is knocking on the door of the top tier fighters.
Mark Munoz - (Middleweight – UFC)
Record: 11-2-0
So Far in 2011: Munoz has put up two wins in 4 months to this point and is on a three fight streak over the last 9 months. Most recently Munoz defeated former MW challenger Demian Maia, typifying his ascension into upper tiers of the division.
Why Watch: Elite wrestling, Drastically improved striking, Coming off biggest victory of his career, Trains with elite camp - Black House (Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo)
Summary: Mark Munoz is 6-1 since moving to 185 pounds and his only lose has come to current number one contender Yushin Okami. He is a young fighter who still has his best days in front of him and his win over Maia should open the door for him to make more big moves sooner rather than later.
Daniel Cormier – (Heavyweight – Strikeforce)
Record: 8-0-0
So Far in 2011: Cormier is 2-0 in 2011, notching his biggest win to date over Jeff Monson in June. He could be in line as a Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix alternate and should be booked to fight at the tail end of 2011 or the front of 2012 regardless.
Why Watch: Olympic caliber wrestling, drastically improved striking, Has yet to be truly threatened in the cage, Unlimited potential
Summary: Cormier has been nurtured along slowly to this point but the time seems ripe to test him. If he doesn’t get another fight this year it could signal him being saved as a potential alternate in the tournament but the two are not mutually exclusive. One way or another expect Cormier to take a huge step in his career and soon. He is one one of the hottest prospects the heavyweight division has seen in quite some time.
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