UFC Mid-Year Awards 2011: Top 5 Fighters of the Year

After a long stretch of major MMA events ended with UFC 132, we are now midway through the calender year. As we wait for the MMA schedule to pick back up, Bleacher Report will be taking a look at several different mid-year awards.

This installment will focus on the UFC Fighter of the Year, which will be handed out to the fighter who has had the most success in 2011. There are already plenty of candidates for the award, but we had to narrow it down to five nominees.

Here are the top five UFC fighters from the first half of 2011.

5. Brian Stann

It has been an excellent year for Brian Stann and it could get even better if he is able to win his next fight. Already, Stann has gone from a new face in the division to middleweight contender with wins over Chris Leben and Jorge Santiago.

Now, Stann may have the chance to become the division's top contender with a win over Chael Sonnen at UFC 136.

4. Demetrious Johnson

For Demetrious Johnson, the move from the WEC to the UFC has been nothing but successful. In his first two fights with the new promotion, Johnson has defeated two very talented opponents in Miguel Torres and Norifumi Yamamoto.

With his win over Torres, Johnson has earned a title shot against Dominick Cruz, which will be aired on free television at UFC on Versus 6 in October 2011.

3. Clay Guida

Clay Guida has always been one of the most successful lightweights in the UFC, but 2011 has finally seen "The Carpenter" become recognized as a serious contender.

With wins over Takanori Gomi and Anthony Pettis, Guida is in a battle with Jim Miller and a few other lightweights to become the top contender who will face the winner of a UFC 136 fight between UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard.

2. Anderson Silva

The only champion to defend his belt in impressive fashion in 2011, Anderson Silva is already preparing for his second attempted title defense of the year, which will come against Yushin Okami at UFC 134.

At UFC 126, Silva was expected to receive a test on his feet against Vitor Belfort. However, Silva finished Belfort in the first round with a front kick to the chin.

1. Jon Jones

Heading into 2011, Jon Jones was the brightest rising star in the UFC, but few imagined he would be able to capture the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship with as much ease as he did.

After running through Ryan Bader at UFC 126, Jones was given a title shot against Mauricio Rua on short notice. Once again, Jones completely dominated his opponent to capture the belt.

Sean Smith is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. Sean has also had his work featured on UFC.com. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, you can follow Sean on Twitter @SeanSmithMMA.