It's really simple to choose a dominant fighter such as BJ Penn, or Roger Huerta for this subject heading. However, going off the board isn't such a bad thing.
Tyson Griffin has compiled a great year, coming off wins against Marcus Aurelio and Gleison Tibau. Nothing but greatness awaits this 24-year-old out of Team Xtreme Couture.
Don't look too far into the future for his success though, as he's already put together a resume that would make an experienced veteran look twice.
With wins over some of the world's best fighters such as Clay "The Carpenter" Guida, and the world's best 145-pound fighter Urijah Faber, there's nothing that is stopping Griffin from earning a title shot within the next year.
- B/R Ticket Guide
As many MMA fans may already know, Faber is looking to one day avenge his loss to the vigorous Griffin, however, with a title defense coming up in the next few months, Faber may have to put that fight on hold.
Add to the equation the fact that Griffin may be well on his way into UFC Lightweight title contention by then, and you have yourself one heck of a UFC Lightweight division that is already stacked.
Griffin is no stranger to tough fights, and may look to avenge his only loss to
the hands of Frankie Edgar. However, a fight with a decent contender seems evident. With a matchup with Joe Stevenson or the loser of the Florian/Huerta fight, Griffin could be in for a big 2009 year with a few well strung together wins.
As far as 2008 goes, many fighters other than Griffin are worthy of this nomination. Frankie Edgar himself may be a nice consideration at this spot. However, Griffin is no slouch himself, and seems to be on the fast track to a title shot by the end of 2009.
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4 months ago
Tyson is a very good light weight fighter, but he was kind of boring in his last two fights. Granted he was fighting top competitors, he is starting to look incapable of finishing his opponents at a high level. His fights with Guida and Edgar were epic and I look forward to seeing him in more exciting fights. For me though I'd have to give LW fighter of 2008 to probably Shinya Aoki.
4 months ago
Yeah, you have got to like the guy with the great badonkadonk! He certainly uses his power to his best ability, I wouldn't really call him boring though. Sure hope he has a great year next year.
4 months ago
Yeah I wouldn't say he's a boring fighter, but I guess I have been spoiled with some of his previous fights, that I just expect more from him now.
4 months ago
I personally would like to see him get ahold of the (phamaceutically enhanced) muscle shark. That would be great...plus it would definitely give you a better argument. A win like that would only leave a handful of fighters in mind.
4 months ago
Tyson is certainly good, but how exactly was he the fighter of the year????
Going outside the box isn't at all logical move here....as only logic would point to BJ as the lightweight of the year! with all due respect all the way around, as there certainly are some great fighters in the 155 lb division, BJ is head and shoulders above the next group of lightweight fighters!!
from 4 months ago
BJ is the easy choice. He is clearly the best lightweight fighter around as I'm sure you'd agree, but for lightweight of the year, I decided to choose someone besides the obvious fighter. If you want to make an article for BJ being the lightweight of the year, I wouldn't argue against it. I just feel Tyson is a good choice here. He works about as hard as any FIGHTER around, not just lightweights, and I think he deserves to win that. Take into effect his 07, and it certainly supports it.
4 months ago
BJ gets the Lightweight fighter of the year, hands down. Tyson Griffin gets a nice little honorable mention though. They need to give Tyson his rematch vs Edgar.
The best scenario for the lightweight division is give Griffin the title shot vs Penn as soon as possible, probably this fall. Penn fightin in October would make sense, and since the winner of Florian vs Huerta will more than likely be the #1 contender, and since that fight is destined to be a war, they will need about 6 months off. Penn vs Griffin at UFC 90 or 91, then the Lightweight champion at that time vs. Florian/Huerta in spring... If only in dreams...
from 4 months ago
I think BJ should fight Florian, after he dusts off Huerta, then fight the winner of Griffin/Edgar rematch.
4 months ago
I think Griffin will be matched up against Sean Sherk before the end of the year. And seeing how weak Sherk was on the feet against BJ, I would be inclined to pick Tyson.
3 months ago
Tyson cant finish a fight he does not deserve the accolade of lightweight fighter of the year. I would give some respect if he could finish a fight even by submission but he can't. He will never get a shot at the title with his current fight plan. I hope he gets put away for good at the next UFC. He would be in my top 5 fighters I think should go to cbs.
3 months ago
Dan, that's not really an informed MMA fan's opinion. Tyson has earned respect of fans from the way he fights. He's by far one of the most exciting fighters, and b/c those he fights have good chins (Frankie Edgar, Clay Guida), doesn't make him a fighter that can't finish. You'll see vs. Sherk.
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