MMA Fighter of the Year 2013 [poll]

Chris Weidman (2-0)

The only man to beat Anderson Silva in the UFC did it twice this year, once by knockout, once by checking a leg kick or two. The end to their second fight was a unexpected horror show but to be fair to Weidman he was winning up to that point and had dropped Silva in the first round with a short punch to the ear. Two wins over Anderson Silva a career makes but it looks like The All-American is just getting started.

Vitor Belfort (3-0)

The shadow of TRT looms over the 36-year old but his performances in 2013 have been nothing short of spectacular. Three wins over ranked fighters, all by head kick knockout. Belfort finished the year by flattening Dan Henderson which is an achievement in itself.

Urijah Faber (4-0)

For most fighters losing five straight title fights would mean the end to their time at the top of the sport. Not so for Faber who reeled off four wins in 2013 and demanded another crack at the bantamweight championship (once that's sorted). Three of Faber's four wins were via submission and he didn't even use the guillotine to do it. Team Alpha Male's best hopes for a title in 2014 rest on their leader's shoulders.

Demetrious Johnson (3-0)

A convincing win over John Dodson led to the brutal and surprising domination of John Moraga and a thundering knockout win against Joe Benavidez. Johnson put in work this year defeating three top contenders in succession and looking better in each fight than the last. The 125-lb. king may have graduated from UFC on FOX to PPV headliner with his top-level performances.

 

Re: MMA Fighter of the Year [poll]

For me, its Weidman. He conquered the Mt. Everest of MMA. He cracked the uncrackable. Vitor and Urijah are a close second for me.

 

Re: MMA Fighter of the Year [poll]

Although I think DJ had a tremendous year and I would vote for him otherwise, Weidman's wins over the GOAT are just insurmountable. I'd still be inclined to pick Weidman if he'd only had the one fight with Silva. Beating AS clean > all.