The 2008 MMA HQ MMA Awards roll on today as we look at the fighter who had a “breakout” year in 2008 and rose to international prominence.
- Brock Lesnar – In my opinion, UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar is hands-down the Breakout Fighter of 2008. After a single professional MMA fight, Lesnar joined the UFC’s ranks and fought three times in 2008. Getting off to a disappointing start to his UFC career in a submission loss to Frank Mir, Lesnar bounced back from defeat in a big way. Lesnar’s second UFC fight was against Heath Herring this past August and he dominated Herring from start to finish. Next up was UFC Hall-of-Famer and then heavyweight champion Randy Couture at UFC 91. Lesnar stayed composed in such a big fight and TKO’d the MMA icon in the second round to become the UFC heavyweight champion in only his fourth professional fight.
- Miguel Torres – It’s somewhat ironic to call a fighter with over 35 fights to his name a “breakout” fighter in 2008, but that is exactly the case for WEB bantamweight champion Miguel Torres. Torres fought three time in 2008 ending all of his fights early via TKO or submission and continues to dominate the bantamweight division as WEC champion. Torres’ record stands at 35-1 with his sole loss coming back in 2003. Since the loss, Torres has put together an incredible 16 fight win streak and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
- Eddie Alvarez – Some MMA fans started keeping track of Eddie Alvarez as he worked his way through the now defunct BodogFIGHT promotion. The rest of the MMA world caught on in 2008 when Alvarez exploded in popularity working his way to through the DREAM lightweight grand prix. Alvarez won his first four fights of 2008 including victories over Joachim Hansen and Tatsuya Kawajiri and his only loss came on New Year’s Eve to Shinya Aoki in the WAMMA lightweight title fight. Alvarez spent 2008 going from being a relatively unknown fighter to a consensus top five lightweight.
Tomorrow we will hand out the award for Fight of the Year, so come on back and check it out.
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Caesar Gracie
John
Yael Grauer
Dale
Tyler Johnson
felo
Mike
Tony
Shawn
Ben Cartlidge
i have to agree with these even though i wish lesnar wasnt on there.
I would argue that Dustin Hazelett could be up there too. He did lose to Koscheck but won his last two fights. Both of them earning submission of the night.
yeah Hazelett had a great year, as did Demian Maia, but I don’t think that either guy has really “broken through” yet onto the main stage. both are close but they aren’t main draw guys yet.
yo KANSAS..matthew 12:32 what other world is he talking about?
Heaven…
or during the 1000 year reign with the new heavens and earth..
I am taking Franklin for the win over Hendo in this upcoming fight, hate to short our man Dan, I really like him and his fighting, but I see Franklin over powering, and unless Hendo goes in there and mad’dogs Franklin into the cage and just unleashes the fury, I see Franklin avoiding the take down and clinching up …. of course the gloves are 4oz, and anything can happen, Hendo has the ability to end this with one shot so I am cheering for Hendo, but on PLayground I am betting and picking Franklin…
kansas
where have u been my friend?oh did u happen to catch wandy getting his asss knocked the **** out?if u didnt here it is
http://www.mma-core.com/videos/_Wanderlei_Silva_vs_Quinton_Jackson_III_UFC_92?vid=10002611&tid=100