Best Of 2009: Breakthrough Fighters

Two thousand nine has been a wild year for the sport of MMA. Making headlines this year: an internet sensation hit cable, UFC turned 100, MMA returned to primetime, and a Russian invaded America. Fans around the world were treated to many great fights, a variety of brutal knockouts, loads of slick submissions, and plenty of controversial moments to talk about. With this year coming to a close, MMA Spot takes a look back at the last twelve months and the many memorable moments that helped to shape the year that was. Today's edition of "MMA Spot's Best Of 2009" recaps the most spectacular breakthrough fighters of this past year.

Jose Aldo (16-1) was the easy choice for the top spot on our "Breakthroughs of the Year" list. His four fights in 2009 all ended by stoppage, and were never in doubt. Aldo’s combination of speed and power make him a dangerous opponent, regardless of match up. He easily defeated Rolando Perez and Chris Mickle earlier this year in WEC, setting up his meeting with Cub Swanson in June. It took just eight seconds, and one highlight reel flying knee, to defeat Swanson. With that win he earned himself a shot at the WEC featherweight championship against Mike Brown. Brown, who had been a dominate champion, looked like the contender in the bout as Aldo controlled nearly every second of the match, until finally finishing Brown early in the second. Aldo started the year as an almost unknown commodity in WEC, and finished as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world...

Full Article - Ten Breakthrough Fighters For 2009
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