Fighters to Keep an Eye On In 2010: Light-Heavyweights

The light-heavyweight division is considered by most to be the premier division in MMA and it is pretty easy to see why. As arguably the deepest, most talent-rich division in the sport, light-heavyweight is the division where legends are made.

Legends like Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, and Wanderlei Silva all competed in this mythic division.

Last year, fans witnessed the emergence of Gegard “The Dreamcatcher” Mousasi and Jon “Bones” Jones.

Who will it be this year?

Muhammed Lawal—Strikeforce

Muhammed Lawal, or King Mo as he is affectionately known, is coming off of a monster year in 2009; four fights, four wins, three first round TKOs.

His most recent win came against Mike Whitehead at Strikeforce: Evolution; King Mo controlled and dominated the much larger and more experienced Whitehead eventually catching him with a big right that led to a TKO stoppage.

Strikeforce has truly landed a gem in this fighter. Not only does King Mo have an immense amount of talent and potential, he has the personality and swagger needed to generate buzz.

King Mo just has “It”; that “It” that will likely make him the face of the organization by the end of 2010.

With his blend of athleticism, punching power, and world class wrestling, King Mo will be a force. As he continues to gain experience he will only become more dangerous.

Expect to see King Mo taking on Mousasi for the Strikeforce light-heavyweight in the not too distant future.

Ryan Bader—UFC

As the winner of the eighth installment of The Ultimate Fighter , Ryan Bader is far from being an unknown, but with the meteoric rise of Jon “Bones” Jones, Bader is often overlooked.

2010 will prove to be Bader’s year as this undefeated powerhouse is primed for his breakout year.

As it stands right now, it looks as if Bader’s next bout will be against perennial UFC gatekeeper Keith Jardine at UFC 112 in Sidney, Australia.

Jardine is the perfect test for Bader at this point in his career. Jardine has one of the most unique and awkward styles and it will be interesting to see what Bader’s approach will be.

If Bader is able to get past Jardine, then he will likely be only one more quality win away from breaking into the top 10.

If Bader can’t find a way to beat Jardine, however, all is not lost. Bader is still a young and developing fighter that can use the loss to help improve his preparation as he attempts to climb back up the ladder.

Win or lose, Bader is in a great situation as his first test of 2010 approaches.