Did any notice Mike Pyle going 3-0, all KO's, against Funch, Neer, and Head? I'm sure most people noticed Matt Brown going 4-0, turning his career around, including his recent KO win over Mike Swick?
Swanson had a good year. I still don't think he's as amazing as some are giving him credit for though.
Lauzon had an amazing year. SOTN and FOTN with Varner, FOTN and posibnly FOTY with Miller and choked out Guillard
Cung Le isn't quite as under the radar as some other guys, but he had a good year with wins over Cote and Franklin.
Chris Camozzi went from almost being released by the company to pulling off 3 straight wins with a few finishes in the mix.
not sure going 2-1 during 2012 counts, but i'll throw in dustin poirier's name. sandwiched around his FOTY w/ korean zombie, he defeated max holloway and jonathon brookins- both via 1st rd sub.
I read this article and i agree with it... Ben Henderson had a great year and he holds the belt of one of the hardest divisions of UFC.. http://www.bjpenn.com/ufc-lists-benson-henderson-as-best-fighter-of-2012-ufc-news/
Don't know why but I started to think about Werdum. It feels like he's a serious threat at the HW with much improved stand up. He literally tooled Russow and Nelson.
He only went 2-0 but Raphael Assuncao went from being just another guy to possible title contender IMO
Yeah someone posted a best KOs of 2012 video a couple of days ago and Pyle had some nice KOs. I always thought he was more of a submission guy but he put the beatdown on some guys. He did have a super lame post fight interview quote though where someone asked him what happened and he said "he just go caught in the quicksand"
Pyle has become REALLY good at keeping his composure even when hit with good strikes and to grab the thai clinch while his opponents land strikes. They think they are on to something with them punches and BANG before they realise shit their faces are pushed downward to meet Mr. knee. It was great to see him do that vs Head, Head totally fell in the trap Pyle laid. QUICKSAND INDEED. WAR PYLE