2011 Year End Report: The Heavyweights

Will Gray (Contributor) | December 28, 2011 | Reply

Heavyweights. That right there can bring up men of goliath proportions who have decimated opponents with brute force and size, where some have used years of training and technique to cut down someone to their size. Ranging in fighters from Pat Barry to Stefan Struve, the heavyweight division in MMA is always entertaining and explosive for all to enjoy.

This past year did not disappoint and here is the final breakdown of the year for MMA Valor’s Year End Report.

THE BEST

Junior Dos Santos (14-1) Unbeaten in his UFC career, “Cigano” had an eventful year for the UFC. He earned a title shot by defeating former interim champion Shane Carwin and becoming a known fighter to the masses by coaching alongside Brock Lesnar on TUF 13. He then finished off the year as best he could, by knocking out Cain Velasquez to win the UFC heavyweight championship.

Dedicated everyday in training to become better at all aspects of the game, Dos Santos has the best hands in a division filled with heavy hitters and can take powerful shots without being fazed. Most likely defending his belt against the winner of Lesnar/ Overeem, the Brazilian star will seek to defend his title in a division that has seen the title frequently change hands.

THE WORST

Pat Barry (6-4) Regardless of his record and performances this year, it is hard not to love a fighter like “HD”. Someone who is always willing to give it everything they have and not stop until they are stopped. Receiving a surprise knockout from Kongo and most recently being submitted by Struve, the Rufusport kickboxer needs to evaluate his career and shift training styles if he wants to continue to compete for the UFC.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Unlike other divisions that had a few standouts here and there, the heavyweight division across the board is filled with talent and guys like: Josh Barnett, Frank Mir and Roy Nelson seem to be getting back into winning ways and can all make their claim for the top. New fighters like Daniel Cormier and Travis Browne may also be on the verge of top ten statuses in 2012.

It will be exciting to see what happens next for AKA star and former champion Cain Velasquez when he returns to action next year. Most importantly, the biggest fight inside the octagon happens this Friday night as Brock Lesnar returns to face world-class striker, Alistair Overeem in a fight with title possibilities for the victor.

Think there are names overlooked or argue with who we thought of as best and worst for the year? Feel free to sound off in the comments below and thank you all for reading this piece among with others you found right here on MMA Valor.

Tags: Alistair Overeem, Brock Lesnar, Frank Mir, Heavyweights, Josh Barnett, junior Dos Santos, Mixed Martial Arts, MMA, Pat Barry, Roy Nelson, UFC, Year End