10 UFC Fighters to Keep on Your Radar in 2012

As we quickly approach the end of a spectacular year in mixed martial arts, we begin to look ahead to what the future may hold.

Over the course of 2011, UFC fans across the globe had the opportunity to witness some great all-out wars, brutal knockouts and heart-wrenching submissions.

Fans also got to witness some legends fall from their glory, while others established themselves as legitimate contenders.

As we move into the new year, fans can expect several fighters to take the fast track to the top of their respective divisions.

There will be many fighters to keep an eye on as the highly anticipated year of 2012 begins.

The following slides display 10 fighters to keep on your radar in 2012.

Let's take a look.

Alexander Gustafsson

Alexander Gustafsson may very well be the most underrated fighter in all of mixed martial arts, as he's lost just one fight in his career.

The 6'5" Gustafsson has established himself as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC today, as he's coming off an impressive knockout victory over Matt Hamill at UFC 133.

Gustafsson is a fighter to keep on your radar in 2012.

Donald Cerrone

Prior to joining the UFC, Donald Cerrone was considered a contender in the lightweight division, posting a 6-3 (1) record during his stint in the WEC.

However, since making the transition to the UFC, Cerrone has posted a perfect 4-0 record, including his most recent victory over Dennis Siver at UFC 137.

Cerrone is quickly approaching the top of the lightweight division and could certainly find himself in a title chase at some point in 2012.

Hatsu Hioki

Despite a subpar performance in his UFC debut at UFC 137, Hatsu Hioki remains one of the best up-and-coming fighters in the UFC today.

Hioki is considered by many to be a top-five featherweight in all of mixed martial arts, as he is on a career-best five-fight winning streak.

Hioki is certainly a fighter who could explode when 2012 comes.

Diego Brandao

Diego Brandao is coming off the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career, where he defeated Dennis Bermudez in one of the best fights of 2011.

Brandao dominated his competition up until his TUF championship bout with Bermudez and will look to continue his success with 2012 quickly approaching.

Many fans have already begun to compare Brandao to a young Wanderlei Silva.

Rory MacDonald

Rory MacDonald has come to be one of the best up-and-coming fighters in the UFC today as he is a product of Georges St-Pierre.

Despite a knockout defeat to Carlos Condit at UFC 115, MacDonald's career has been nearly flawless.

While MacDonald is currently recovering from an injury that he endured in training, he'll be back and better than ever when 2012 rolls around.

Tony Ferguson

Tony Ferguson is a former Ultimate Fighter champion who is coming off the biggest win of his young career over Yves Edwards at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale.

Ferguson has posted a perfect 3-0 record since joining the UFC and is certainly on a fast track to the top of the lightweight division.

The large lightweight is sure to make some noise during the new year.

Dennis Bermudez

Despite coming up just short in his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale, Dennis Bermudez has the ingredients to become an elite contender in the featherweight division.

In his loss to Diego Brandao, Bermudez displayed exceptional striking skills and controlled the action throughout the first round.

Bermudez is a former Division I wrestler and will certainly become a contender in the 155-pound division.

Renan Barao

Renan Barao lost the very first fight of his career only to go 28 consecutive fights without a single defeat.

Barao is coming off the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career, where he submitted Brad Pickett in the very first round of UFC 138.

As the new year rapidly approaches, he is certainly moving closer to his much-desired bantamweight title shot.

Yuri Alcantara

Similar to that of Barao, Yuri Alcantara's success as a mixed martial artist has gone seemingly unnoticed.

Alcantara has won 12 consecutive fights, including a decision victory over Felipe Arantes at UFC 134 in Brazil.

Alcantara is an up-and-coming fighter in the UFC and needs to be recognized in 2012.

John Dodson

John Dodson dominated competition leading up to his bout with T.J. Dillashaw at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale.

His dominance continued, as he finished Dillashaw in the very first round of action, earning Knockout of the Night honors.

Dodson is certainly one of the best young bantamweights in the UFC and is destined to become a legitimate contender in 2012.

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