Top 10 MMA Fighters of the Year - Part 1

Well, its been one hell of a year in mixed marital arts and we've seen a lot happen during the past 12 months. As the sport of MMA grows and continues to push the media boundaries to a much more recognizable sport, we need to reflect on the fighters who have helped mold this year into a great one. Our special guest writer Jonny T is here with his thoughts on the subject: My top ten list is NOT the best all-around fighters, but the athletes that have had the most successful year. My list will goes as follows: 10. Minowa (5-1) "The Punk" only suffered one loss this year at it was at the hands of fellow "top 10er" Mirco Cro-Cop. Minowa did score victories over Legeno, Cesar Silva, Hyunkab, Esch, and Plothle. He has proven he will fight you anywhere, any place, anytime, and has over 80 fights to prove it. He was far too small to be fighting in an Pride's absolute division but he accepted the challenge anyway. 9. Matt. Hughes (2-1) Matt's sole loss this year was to George St. Pierre, the new UFC welterweight champion and also a top 10er. Hughes did beat the legend Royce Gracie in one of the biggest UFCs ever. He also had a win ofer A-level fighter BJ Pen. To his credit this year, he defeated the living legend and redeemed his last loss. His only blemish is that he clearly outclassed by the new champ. 8. Wanderlei Silva (2-1) Loss to Cro-Cop, W's over Arona and Fujita. Knocked out the hardest chin in MMA and redeemed his last loss. Took a beaten from Cro-Cop...tough one to watch. 7. Josh Barnett (5-1) Yet another top fighter who lost to Mirko Cro-Cop. That fight is his only blemish over 2006. He racked up five wins over five solid fighters. Nakamura, Aleksander E., Mark Hunt, Nogeira, and Nastula. 6. Andersen Silva (3-1) He would have been higher in the rankings this year, but he did have a loss to Okami and Rumble on the Rocks. On the flip side, he took out Tony Frykland and destroyed "The Crippler" Chris Leben and Rich "Ace" Franklin (who was considered to be one of the best pound-for-pound MMA fighters) to become the new UFC Middleweight Champ. Up next, and in more detail, are the cream of the crop, my top Five picks. Stay tuned...