Top 10 Best Single Years in MMA

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/14/2634634/top-best-single-years-in-mma
by HeadKickOfDoom on Dec 13, 2011 9:54 PM PST
So, apparently the other night, possibly while high, I managed to post like 400 word of this thing. So lets try it again.

With his victory over Lyoto Machida, Jon Jones has had arguably the
best single year run in the history of MMA. He defeated 4 top 10
fighters with very little difficulty. We as fans got all excited on
Saturday when someone actually tested his skills for a full round. His
evisceration of Ryan Bader, Shogun Rua, Rampage Jackson and Lyoto
Machida may never be matched in modern MMA, where elite fighters seem to
rarely fight three times a year. With his monumental 2011 in the
books, I wanted to look back at the 10 best single years in the history
of MMA.

10. Fedor Emelianenko 2004

Victories: Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman, Naoya Ogawa, Antonio Rodrigo Nogeuira 2 and 3

Coming into 2004, Fedor was well on his way to being recognized as
the best heavyweight mixed martial artist of all time. He was the
undisputed Pride Heavyweight champion, and virtually undefeated. He
would enter Pride's 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix as the favorite, and
would not disappoint. He began the tournament in April with a quick
armbar over a still relevant Mark Coleman in just over 2 minutes. He
would move on to the quarter finals to face Coleman's HammerHouse
teammate (and also still kind of relevant) Kevin Randleman, fresh off an
upset of Mirko Cro Cop.

Randleman came in obviously as the heavy underdog, but he came out
firing. Early in the first round, Randleman took Fedor down, and in a
scramble, took the Russian's back and then dropped this crazy shit on
the MMA world






GIFSoup

Literally, any other person probably would have been out, but not
Fedor. Within less than a minute, Fedor would sweep the former Ohio
State wrestler and end up catching him with a kimura. This victory
would go down as one of the most brilliant victories in Emelianenko
career.

The victory over Randleman would lead to a fight with 7 -1 judoka
Naoya Ogawa in the semi finals. Fedor would show that Ogawa wasn't even
on his level with a quick armbar, earning a spot in the finals in a
rematch with Antonio Rodrigo Nogeuira.




The second meeting between the two heavyweight legends would be
ruined later that night when an accidental clashing of heads opened a
huge cut on Fedor's head and the fight being declared a no contest.
They would meet on New Years Eve for not only the Heavyweight GP title,
but the Pride world title as well. In a three round battle, Fedor
would outlast Nogeuira to solidify his standing as the best heavyweight
in the world.



9. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira 2001

Victories: Volk Han, Hiromitsu Kanehara, Valentjin Overeem, Gary Goodridge, Mark Coleman, Heath Herring

In 2001, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira was just in the nacasance of his
MMA career. The 25 year old Big Nog entered the year already being in
the Finals Block of the RINGS King of Kings 2000 32 man tournament. In a
night where he would fight 3 times, Nogeuira would defeat Sambo
fighter Volk Han, catch wrestler Hiromistsu Kanehara, and then a
victory over the less successful Overeem, Valentjin Overeem. Soon after
winning the tournament, Nogeuira would move over to Pride and
beginning to estabilsh himself as the undisputed number 1 HW in the
world. He would win his Pride debut over Gary Goodridge, and then meet
up with reigning Pride GP 2000 winner Mark Coleman. Big Nog would
submit the former UFC champion and earn the unofficial title of #1
heavyweight in the world. He would face Heath Herring in November of
that year to win the inagural Pride Heavyweight title and cap off
perhaps the best year of Nogueira's storried career.

8. Dominick Cruz 2010

Victories: Brian Bowles, Joseph Benavidez, Scott Jorgensen

One of the UFC's most underrated champions, Dominick Cruz put
together a career year in 2010. Having earned a title shot with a
victory over Joseph Benavidez in 2009, Cruz would win the batamweight
title when Brian Bowles quit on his stool after suffering a broken hand
during the first round. Cruz would defend the title via a close split
decision rematch with Joseph Benavidez in August of that year. At WEC
53, the final show in the company's history, Cruz would take another
decision from honeybadger like Scott Jorgensen and win the very first
UFC bantamweight title. With 3 victories over top 10 opposition, and
the very first batamweight title in UFC history(since defended twice)
Cruz helped solidify himself as a force and P4P fighter in 2010.

7. Lyoto Machida 2009

Victories: Thiago Silva, Rashad Evans, Shogun 1

Machida in 2009 was a puzzle wrapped in a riddle wrapped in an
enigma. No one could seem to figure out how to defeat the man, as
evident at his 13 - 0 record entering 2009. He would begin the year
meeting top 10 ranked and also undefeated Thiago Silva. In the dying
seconds of the 1st round, Machida would drop the Brazilian wrecking
machine and finish him with only 1 second left on the clock. Based on
this impressive victory, and his undefeated record, Machida was matched
up with newly minted Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans.

The two undefeated fights would meet at UFC 98 (billed with
something like "Someone's O has got to go." I can imagine Goldie
pitching this one in Dana's office in my head, I swear). Machida would
introduce the world to The Stanky Leg, when he caught Rashad with a
series of punches against the cage in 2nd round to win the title. With
that, Joe Rogan proclaimed us in the "Machida Era".

5 months later, Machida would match up with former Pride GP winner
Shogun Rua. Over 5 rounds at UFC 104, fans were treated to a technical
masterpiece between the two Brazilians, where Machida would win a
razor close and controversial decision over Rua. Despite the
controversial nature of the victory, Lyoto KOed two top 5 opponents,
and put on a great fight with a MMA legend. Thus far this year was the
highlight of Machida's career, going 1-3 since his victory at UFC 104

6. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic 2006

Victories: Isuhisa Minowa, Hidehiko Yoshida, Wanderlei Silva, Josh Barnett

Coming into 2006, Cro Cop was starting to look like the Dan Marino
of MMA. He was exciting, won some big fights, but could never seem to
win a championship. He had lost to Fedor Emelianeko in 2005, and had
dropped a fight to Mark Hunt on New Years Eve. He entered the Pride
2006 Open Weight Grand Prix hoping to finally break the curse.

He began the tournament over future Super Hluk tournament champion
Isuhisa Minowa. In a one sided affair, Filipovic crushed the Japanese
sensation in just over a minute. This would earn him a spot versus
former Olympic Judo gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida. Cro Cop would
defeat the Japanese star, forcing him to submit due to having his leg
kicked into a living death over the span of 7 minutes.

Advancing to the semi finals held in September of 2006, Cro Cop
would square off with Pride 205 lbs champion Wanderlei Silva. These two
feared strikers would not disappoint, but in one of the final
highlights of his career, Cro Cop knocked out Silva with a vicious left
high kick. This would allow him to move on to face Josh Barnett that
same night for the GP title. Cro Cop would finally fulfill his destiny
when he shattered Barnett's orbital bone to earn a stoppage in the
first round. This would be the pinnacle of Filipovic's career, as he
would never again live up to these high standards.

5. Chuck Liddell 2006

Victories: Randy Couture 3, Renato Sobral, Tito Ortiz 2

2006 was easily the peak of Chuck Liddell's career. He was finally
the UFC Light Heavyweight champion, and had defended it once since
defeating Randy Couture. He would enter 2006 with the end of the storied
trilogy between himself and Randy Couture. When they met at UFC 57, it
was one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the company.
Chuck would make relative short work of Randy, KOing him in the 2nd
round and vaulted himself further into the MMA stratosphere. He would
follow up this victory with a rematch with Renato "Babalu" Sobral.

Babalu would enter the fight with Liddell at UFC 62 on a 10 fight
winning streak, including victories over Shogun Rua, Jeremy Horn, Jose
Landis-Johns, and Chael Sonnen. None of this seemed to matter, as Chuck
landed a huge uppercut that left Sobral in a pile on the mat at 1:35
of the first round.

Chuck would end the year with another huge rematch, this time
against bitter enemy Tito Ortiz. Tito came into the fight riding a 5
fight streak since he lost to Chuck at UFC 47. The rematch would be the
biggest fight in the UFC's history at that point, and Chuck would not
disappoint, finishing Ortiz via TKO in the 3rd round. Despite maybe not
a more impressive stretch as say Nogeuira in 2001, the historical
significance of Chuck's fights in 2006 propelled him to the number 5
spot.

4. Takanori Gomi 2005

Victories: Jens Pulver, Luis Azeredo, Jean Silva, Tasuya Kawajiri, Luis Azeredo, Hayato Sakurai

UFC fans may know Takanori Gomi as that hyped up Japanese fighter
who likes to come into the Octagon and do a poor man's imitation of Dan
Henderson. Constantly looking to land the fastball of an overhand
right, he has not looked good in any of his appearances in the Octagon.
But once upon a time, in the mythical land of Japan, The Fireball Kid
was arguably the best 155 pounder in the world. He would begin his
2005 on New Years with a huge KO victory over former UFC lightweight
champion Jens Pulver. He would meet up with Chute Boxe fighter Luis
Azeredo in May of 2005, where Gomi was getting pummeled until landing a
left/right hook combo that caused the Brazilian to drop like his
strings were cut. Gomi apparently didn't think he had had enough, as he
continued to try and hammer Azeredo even as the ref and Pride
officials tried to hold him back.

7 weeks later, Gomi was back in the Pride ring (thank you no
commissions in Japan) to fight another Chute Boxe opponent in Jean
Silva, taking a decision. 8 weeks after that, Gomi would enter the Pride
Lightweight Grand Prix looking to be crowned the first lightweight
champion in the company's history. He would meet the Shooto champion
Tasuya "Crusher" Kawajiri in the first round of the tournament. They put
on what was voted the Pride 2005 fight of the year, which Gomi won
via a first round rear naked choke. That same night, Gomi would
rematch Luis Azeredo, roughly 15 weeks after they had first met. Gomi
would win this fight via decision, earning his spot in the tournament
finals on New Years eve.

In the finals, he would square off against former teammate and
Japanese MMA legend Hayato Sakurai. Sakurai was in the midst of a
career rival since moving to the US to train with Matt Hume, and this
was considered an epic fight. Gomi would waste little time, KOing
Sakurai in 3:56 of the very first round. With this victory he would
become the first Pride lightweight champion, and can be considered the
best stretch of Gomi's entire career.



3. Dan Henderson 2011

Victories: Rafael Cavalcante, Fedor, Shogun

Dan Henderson is like a good bottle of scotch, he just becomes more
awesome and intoxicating as he gets older. Despite already having a
legendary career, 2011 has arguably been his best. After defeating
Babalu Sobral in Dec of 2010, Hendo would meet up with Strikeforce's
205 lbs champion Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante in March. Henderson didn't
disappoint, winning his first championship since winning the Pride 205
championship back in 2007 by loading up the H Bomb and dropping
Cavalcante face first, Rick Flair style on the mat.

After his victory, as opposed to defending his title, Henderson
decided he wanted to move up to heavyweight to meet fellow Pride legend
Fedor Emelianeko in July. In a crazy back and forth first round,
Henderson would show that nothing could stand up to the power of his
right hand, when he slipped out the backdoor on Fedor, took his back
and landed a couple of punches, being the first man to stop the MMA
legend via strikes.

With his stock at an all time high, Hendo came back to the UFC after
leaving for Strikeforce in Dec of 2009 to face another Pride legend in
Shogun Rua. As most MMA fans are well aware of, Henderson and Shogun
put on a fight for the ages, arguably the best fight of all time to cap
of Henderson's impressive and epic 2011. Two finishes, one over a
former cyborg, and an all time classic fight is enough for him to crack
the top 3.

2. Mauricio Rua 2005

Victories: Hiromitsu Kanehara, Quinton Jackson, Antionio Rogerio Nogueira, Alistair Overeem, Ricardo Arona

Shogun's 2005 was what once was the epitome of a great single year
in MMA history. He would start his 2005 with a victory over former pro
wrestler Hiromitsu Kanehara via brutal KO. (Oh Pride head stomps, you
were vicious but effective). Eight weeks later, Shogun would enter the
Pride Middleweight (205 lbs) GP with a first round destruction over the
heavily favored Rampage Jackson.

Following the first round upset of Jackson, Rua moved on to face
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira where they put on one of the best fights in
MMA history at Pride Critical Countdown 2005. Shogun would manage to
win a decision over the BJJ black belt, moving on to meet Alistair
Overeem in the semi finals. Rua would continue his Cinderella story,
defeating the Dutch kickboxer via TKO in the first round, to move onto
the finals.

In the finals he would meet Ricardo Arona, of the rival Brazilian
Top Team. Arona had defeated Shogun's Chute Boxe teammate Wanderlei
Silva earlier that evening, and Shogun had a taste for revenge. In
under 3 mins, the then 24 year old Rua would vault himself from virtual
unknown to a top 3 Light Heavyweight in the world when he stopped
Arona with hammerfists.

1. Jon Jones 2011


Victories: Ryan Bader, Shogun Rua, Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida

What else needs to be said. Jon Jones is a monster, and could
potentially be a dominant force for the next 10 years in this sport.
This will be the year people will always talk about when we discuss the
single best year a MMA fighter has ever had.

Lol at 7 and 8.

Machida's seems out of place.

freakzilla wrote:

Lol at 7 and 8.

Truth. You got the disco king and the king of dodge ball. They should have a dance off.

I like some of the assesments, but that #7 is killing me too.

I guess he didn't know that Gumby went 21-1 in 1999.

How about Rampage in 07? He beat Eastman, Iceman (when he was on top fo the world), & Hendo (when he was Pride champ)

Edgar 10 was decent with 2 wins over BJ Penn. The #1 then #2 LW at the time.

I was gonna say Rampage 07 myself but I didn't want to be a homer.

Wand 2003

Jeremy Horn 1999


Win 37–5–4 Aaron Pendleton Submission (punches) 1-Dec-99 1 3:25
Win 36–5–4 John Marsh Decision (unanimous) 20-Nov-99 3 5:00
Win 35–5–4 Johnathan Ivey TKO (injury) 6-Nov-99 1 1:24
Loss 34–5–4 Hiromitsu Kanehara Decision (majority) 28-Oct-99 2 5:00
Win 34–4–4 Jason Godsey Submission (armbar) 24-Sep-99 1 2:08
Win 33–4–4 Adam Harris TKO (punches) 21-Aug-99 1 2:31
Win 32–4–4 Daiju Takase TKO (punches) 16-Jul-99 1 4:41
Win 31–4–4 Scott Ventimiglia Submission (armbar) 12-Jun-99 1 N/A
Win 30–4–4 Kristian Rothaermel Submission (rear-naked choke) 11-Jun-99 1 2:31
Win 29–4–4 Justin Ellison Submission (palm strikes) 15-May-99 1 2:30
Win 28–4–4 Jim Theobald Submission (rear-naked choke) 30-Apr-99 1 N/A
Win 27–4–4 Mike Delaney Submission (punches) 19-Apr-99 1 8:05
Win 26–4–4 Todd Butler Submission (armbar) 2-Apr-99 1 2:22
Win 25–4–4 Jammy Daniels Submission (punches) 23-Mar-99 1 2:47
Win 24–4–4 Brandon Wilson Submission (rear-naked choke) 18-Mar-99 1 1:40
Win 23–4–4 Chuck Liddell Technical submission (arm-triangle choke) 5-Mar-99 1 12:00
Win 22–4–4 Steve Berger Decision (unanimous) 31-Jan-99 1 24:00:00
Win 21–4–4 Ken Parr Submission (rear-naked choke) 30-Jan-99 1 3:23
Win 20–4–4 Mark Walker Submission (arm-triangle choke) 20-Jan-99 1 2:29
Win 19–4–4 John Dixon Submission (armbar) 9-Jan-99 1 0:57
Win 18–4–4 Rene Tremblay Submission (triangle choke) 9-Jan-99 1 1:01
Win 17–4–4 Nick Starks Submission (arm-triangle choke) 31-Dec-98 1 5:21

Cro Cop 2006.

Win	21–4–2	Josh Barnett	Submission (punches)	Pride Final Conflict Absolute	September 10, 2006	1	7:32	Saitama, Saitama, Japan	Pride 2006 Openweight GP final ; Won the 2006 PRIDE World Grand Prix Openweight Champion.
Win	20–4–2	Wanderlei Silva	KO (head kick)	Pride Final Conflict Absolute	September 10, 2006	1	5:22	Saitama, Saitama, Japan	Pride 2006 Openweight Semifinal GP. Won Sherdog Knockout of the Year (2006).
Win	19–4–2	Hidehiko Yoshida	TKO (leg kicks)	Pride Critical Countdown Absolute	July 1, 2006	1	7:38	Saitama, Saitama, Japan	Pride 2006 Openweight Quarterfinal GP.
Win	18–4–2	Ikuhisa Minowa	TKO (punches)	Pride Total Elimination Absolute	May 5, 2006	1	1:10	Osaka, Osaka, Japan	Pride 2006 Openweight Opening Round GP.

Did you guys hear something?

GDPofDRC wrote:

Did you guys hear something?

I heard Oklahomans can't read.

Bas Rutten 1996


Win 20–4 Manabu Yamada 8-Oct-96 1 0:54
Win 19–4 Masakatsu Funaki 7-Sep-96 1 17:05
Win 18–4 Jason Delucia 25-Jun-96 1 8:48
Win 17–4 Frank Shamrock 16-May-96 1 11:11:00
Win 16–4 Katsuomi Inagaki 8-Apr-96 1 14:07
Win 15–4 Guy Mezger 2-Mar-96 1 19:36

Minowman

Win	44-30-8	Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou	TKO (punches)	Dynamite!! 2009	December 31, 2009	3	3:29	Saitama, Japan	Dream Super Hulk Grand Prix final.
Win	43-30-8	Choi Hong-man	Submission (heel hook)	Dream 11	October 6, 2009	2	1:27	Yokohama, Japan	Dream Super Hulk Grand Prix semifinal.
Win	42-30-8	Bob Sapp	Submission (achilles lock)	Dream 9	May 26, 2009	1	1:15	Yokohama, Japan	Dream Super Hulk Grand Prix quarterfinal.

Farmer1906 wrote:

How about Rampage in 07? He beat Eastman, Iceman (when he was on top fo the world), & Hendo (when he was Pride champ)

Edgar 10 was decent with 2 wins over BJ Penn. The #1 then #2 LW at the time.

Compare that to Randy

Win	12–5	Tito Ortiz	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 44	September 26, 2003	5	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States	Won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Win	11–5	Chuck Liddell	TKO (punches)	UFC 43	June 6, 2003	3	2:40	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States	Won the Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

probably this guy on name alone

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Wanderson-Silva-13585

7 should be either Randy Couture 1997(Tony Halme, Steve Graham, Vitor Belfort, Maurice Smith) or Wanderlei Silva in 2004(Minowa, Kondo getting stomped to death, Rampage, and fighting to a decision with Mark Hunt).