Five Stars To Look Out for in 2009!

* I OFFICIALLY HATE THE NEW GETTY IMAGES SEARCH ENGINE*

Now that I got that out of my system, I can begin!

In 2009, there will be a number of new stars that emerge into household names. Or at-least names known by all MMA fans (casual and hardcore). So, in this article, I am picking five fighters I think will be those break-out stars in 2009!

ENJOY!!!

Dustin Hazelett

Dustin Hazelett is known by hardcore fans right now, but in '09, I see big things for him. He needs to net a big win over a legit contender. He is a submission machine and has all the tools to be a star.

The UFC should boost him up to be the next GSP. He does need to work on his stand-up, but when he does, he'll definitely be a force in the 170-pound division. With a nick-name like McLovin, how can you not like the guy?

Ben Saunders

A TUF 6 alum, Ben Saunders has all the tools to be successful in the UFC. He has notoriety from the show, and had a dominant performance at the Fight For The Troops on Spike tv, which reminded me a tiny bit of Anderson Silva.

Saunders is not the second coming of "The Spider," don't get me wrong. All I'm saying is that he is a good fighter, young, and marketable. All the things you looks for in a star!

Jim Miller

Jim Miller is an all-around stud, I've been watching him most of his career. He recently defeated Matt Wiman in dominant fashion at the Fight For The Troops. He is a former champion and has only one loss, and that is to Frankie Edgar.

Jim Miller has a bright future, and I hope the UFC can market him correctly. He is very charismatic and well rounded. He can be force at the 155-pound weight class and a star!

Anthony Johnson

"Rumble" Johnson is a very complete fighter. He has nice stand-up, an above average ground game, and pretty solid defense. He is a nice guy, and should be pretty easy to market. He has an extremely bright future in '09.

He needs to face better competition. He has one thing in his favor: He finishes fights! He does so in an exciting way!

He has two high-light reel knockouts,and is already known by the hardcore fan. Now he needs to take the next step.

Cain Velasquez

Cain is already known by the hardcore fans but is still relatively unknown by the casual fans. He fights in the heavyweight division, which is kind of hard to give him quality opponents. He needs a couple wins to face names like: Mir, Gonzaga, Carwin, Couture, Nogueria, Etc.

He is only 4-0 in his career but has talent beyond talent. He is the "next" thing in the heavyweight division for sure. It again depends on the UFC to market him correctly, but if they do, he is a sure star!

Honorable Mentions

Junie Browning- If he gets his head-on straight he'll be a star, it all depends on him.

Efrain Escudero- He has all the tools, and the Ultimate Fighter tag, but time will tell how far he goes.

Ryan Bader- He is a very talented fighter, and if he improves his stand-up game, the sky is the limit!

Steve Cantwell- Although he made douche bag statements after breaking a guy's arm, he still has the tools to be a star in the UFC. After all, he was the WEC light-heavyweight champion!

That concludes my picks, I'd love to hear feedback!