UFC's Look Ahead: 10 Fighters Set To Have a Breakout Year in 2011

The UFC set new standards and gave us new champions in 2010.  Breakout stars like Frankie Edgar, Chael Sonnen (albeit the steroid issues) and Cain Velasquez were on display this year.  These men all fought for titles, two of them won and now look to carry that momentum into the 2011 calendar year.  All in all, the UFC did its part in 2010 by putting out very solid cards all year long and it's still not over. 

Now though, we look ahead to 2011.  A new year with fresh cards and even more breakout stars to come.  Dana White has helped transform this company from a scarce promotion to a global phenomenon.  Their marketing and promoting have helped set them apart from competition Strikeforce as they remain the top choice in the eyes of many MMA enthusiasts.  They've even had their minor-league promotion, the WEC to help their continual growth all across the world.

Here are some hopeful breakout stars of 2011.

10. Brendan Schaub

Brendan Schaub, TUF 10's runner-up has had an impressive start to his UFC career.  In his first fight, he defeated Chase Gormley via TKO in the first round.  This proved to be an excellent start to what looks to be a very promising career for Schaub in the UFC,  From his experience on TUF, you could just tell that he had the ability to become something special.

He then followed his debut up with another quick victory over Chris Tuchscherer also via TKO.  This set Schaub up nicely for his "break"  and the chance to appear on a main card of a quality PPV.  This date came just this past weekend at UFC 121 when he defeated Gabriel Gonzaga via unanimous decision.  

From here Schaub is looking to solidify his position in the UFC's heavyweight division in 2011 and make himself a viable threat.  His next opponent has yet to be decided, though potentially it could be Frank Mir.  This would be an interesting fight and a great challenge for the younger Schaub.  Also, in Mir's case, another chance to prove his relevance at heavyweight.   

9.Court McGee

From addict to athlete in a flash.  That is the only thing that justly describes TUF 11 winner Court McGee.  This submission specialist comes into the UFC with a good bit of experience already.  This late pick of Chuck Liddell's was dominant in Season 11 and is now well on his way to becoming a big name in the UFC.  

In his first fight this past weekend he defeated Ryan Jensen via Arm Triangle Choke, another solid performance from McGee who could become a legitimate UFC star in an instant.  TUF has produced some very good fighters to date, but McGee is one of the most well-rounded fighters to come out of the show in quite some time.  

Expect 2011 to be a banner year for McGee.  It could be a year that he proves that he is ready to take the big step needed to become a contender at middleweight.  

8. Evan Dunham

Evan Dunham is sure to become another breakout star out of Lightweight within no time.  He was undefeated until his questionable split decision loss to Sean Sherk at UFC 119. Next he gets a shot at a true veteran contender in the division in Kenny Florian.

This fight with Florian may be a good start and present a tough bout for Dunham who looks to have a breakout year in 2011.  He's well on his way now and a win over Florian could really help put him on the map.  Much like Frankie Edgar and Grey Maynard at 155, don't be surprised if Dunham is also able to jump the ranks quickly.  

7. Yushin Okami

UFC veteran Yushin Okami is one of the most underrated fighters in the sport.  He now has come back into the spotlight and will face Nate Marquardt at UFC 122 on November 13th.  The winner of this fight is expected to get a title shot at 185-pound Champion Anderson Silva, considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Okami defeated Silva via DQ back in 2004 and now looks to take the title from him, but first he must defeat the "King of Pancrase" Nate Marquardt.  It's possible that 2011 could be the Year of Yushin Okami if all goes according to plan.  Though saying he could beat Silva again is a long shot, you never know in the UFC.  Even with steroids in him, Chael Sonnen nearly did it.  

6. Ryan Bader

Ryan Bader has become a household name in MMA.  His next task will be his toughest to date.  On Super Bowl Weekend, Bader will square off with Jon Jones.  These two likely future champions are both set for monster 2011 campaigns.  Bader, a two-time D-1 All-American at Arizona State University, still undefeated, will become a top contender in the UFC this year.

Even if he were to lose to Jones, he will still be on track for a good overall year at 205.  The changing of the guard at light heavyweight includes guys like Bader, Jones and others replacing the aging guys atop the division.  The division as a whole has gotten stronger and faster and the young guys are key in this concept.  

5. Matt Hamill

UFC veteran Matt Hamill looks to be on his way back to the top of the pecking order.  He's won five straight fights and may finally get his "big break" in the UFC.  His fight with Jon Jones was an exception as he won via DQ despite being dominated.  Though all in all, Hamill now needs to prove that he can face elite competition at 205.  

The amazing thing about him, besides his being a 34-year-old that is growing with age, is that he's legally deaf.  He has not let this disability hold him back from a successful MMA career and now looks to continue to grow on that.  He's seldom mentioned with other big names in the division but truly deserves the recognition.  This coming year expect Matt Hamill to come into his own and become a contender.  His true tests are still to come and will certainly be there in 2011.

4. Jake Shields

Valerie Macon/Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD - MARCH 17: Strikeforce World Middleweight Champion Jake Shields attends the CBS' Strikeforce MMA Fighters Open Media Workout on March 17, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images)

The UFC's newest addition, besides of course the entire WEC, Jake Shields is well on his way to making a name for himself in the UFC.  He was Strikeforce's Middleweight Champion and now dropped down to Welterweight and should get the next shot at the title there.  This will likely be against Georges St. Pierre sometime in 2011.  This would make him the only man to ever win both Strikeforce and UFC gold.  He already is one of the most accomplished fighters in the world and this move to the UFC will only improve his resume.  

Shields' style must remain the same in 2011 and beyond during his time here.  He must utilize his outstanding wrestling and should be a contender at Welterweight for quite some time.  Though it seems as if St. Pierre will never be defeated again, it will be worth a try for Shields.  This potential fight with St. Pierre would be a huge draw and would make for an interesting build-up.  

3. Grey Maynard

Grey Maynard remains undefeated in his professional career and now looks forward to starting 2011 off with a Lightweight Title bout against Champion Frankie Edgar.  Edgar's lone loss came against Maynard as he "bullied" his way to victory and looks to do so again, this time in hopes of taking home the title.  

Maynard, a more conservative fighter who fights for the decision, has become a quality contender at Lightweight.  Despite often being dubbed "boring," he gets the job done and now is one win away from becoming champion.  This fight will present an interesting challenge for Edgar who looks to avenge his loss from 2008.  If Maynard's victorious, 2011 could shape up to be a huge year for him as well.

2. Junior Dos Santos

Junior Dos Santos is a freak athlete at heavyweight and could take the title off of new champion Cain Velasquez in 2011.  Velasquez vs. Dos Santos is certainly something to look forward to in the coming months.  Though, you all must admit that it will be mighty strange not seeing Brock Lesnar defend the Heavyweight Title.  

Dos Santos improves with every fight and was exceptional in the number one contender match with Roy Nelson back in August.  His style is very unique and may give Velasquez problems.  Many are anticipating this exciting fight as a new wave of heavyweights enter into the Octagon. 

1. Jon Jones

Jon "Bones" Jones is a star in the making.  His style is very unique and his amazing reach help his striking out as he constantly hits from a distance.  His limbs are incredibly long, he's not like a UFC fighter, but instead just a super freak athlete.  

Jones' athletic ability is incomparable and he now looks to become one of the UFC's most marketable fighters.  A win against wrestler Ryan Bader could launch him to the elite of 205 and make him champion within no time.  Jones' rise to the top has been an interesting one and now it looks to all be coming full-circle.   

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