Which fighters did you notice and keep track of early in their career, before they blew up?

[John Lee Pettimore]

For me, I saw Robert Whittaker on TUF Smashes. Liked his fighting style, hoped he'd at least make the walk in the big show, and maybe even get a win. Kept following him when he was a .500 WW, could not believe it when he suddenly turned into a borderline HOF MW.

Also read an article talking about Bellator signing a 16 year old kid named Aaron Pico to a development contract, and I decided I was going to watch out for him. Really enjoyed his career so far, still on the bandwagon.

Which guys did you notice early on, you just kept track of them for whatever reason, then years later they became a big name?

??

 

[SongExotic2]

I watched wsof so got some exposure to Justin gaetche, then @ECC170 would bring him up as one to keep an eye on.


I do remember tuf smashes, Whitaker was a dickhead but you could tell he was good. He supposed to fight bisping but it didn't happen, I was happy as I figured he'd knock the shit outta Mike.

 

[gentlemanscombatives]

Max Holloway, Saw him against Andre Fili and was impressed so I followed him up from there. Not sure if that counts given he was already on the ufc. Most of the Australians who've turned up in the ufc in the past 3 years I've seen on shows down here

 

[SongExotic2]

I used to like Jon Hathaway, I really thought he was destined for the top

 

[John Lee Pettimore]

Max Holloway, Saw him against Andre Fili and was impressed so I followed him up from there. Not sure if that counts given he was already on the ufc. Most of the Australians who've turned up in the ufc in the past 3 years I've seen on shows down here

Of course it counts, most of us aren't keeping track of local or regional shows. ?

??

 

[SongExotic2]

I specifically watched the prelims to see adesanya debut in the UFC. I knew he was from glory and I couldn't remember if I'd seen him.

 

[jimmy boogaloo]

Mike Bisping was massive on the UK scene but before TUF no-one from America on any forum would listen. I banged on for months, posted interviews etc

finally he got on TUF, was entertaining and bashed everyone. I wasn't expecting a formal apology.

 

[so long]

Do Bronx

 

[Robbie Hart]

@ECC170 has a long list of these kinds of fighters he identified way before they “made it”

 

[Judobill]

I was aware of Brock Lesnar before he even started to trane UFC

 

[kneeblock]

Durinho, though based on how he did BJJ, I never in a million years expected him to become such a dynamic striker.

Also, I've been following Ryan Hall in the BJJ world since he was like 18. Saw him get a crazy heelhook on Gordinho in an alternate match at ADCC 2007. We heard Gordinho scream throughout the arena. Sadly people keep ducking him in MMA so we'll never know how good he could've been.

 

[tang]

Miocic, although he wasn't like spectacularly superstar but he did become a hw champ and defended the most

 

[Sheepdog]

Adesanya, but for an Aussie/Kiwi MMA fan that almost goes without saying.

GSP and Rampage I was on to when they just started out in UCC and KOTC/Gladiator Challenge respectively - also just like every other hardcore fan at the time.

Really the questions are 'do you regularly train with elite prospects' or 'were you ever a big enough nerd that you watched regional MMA?'

Now I barely know who a guy is until they have had multiple UFC fights unless there is some reason for outside hype.

 

[ender852]

Mousassi, Benson Henderson, lyoto machida

 

[ender852]

More recently jaelin turner, bet $100 on him in the Riddell fight

 

[ender852]

Also shavkat rakhmonov

 

[SongExotic2]

Miocic, although he wasn't like spectacularly superstar but he did become a hw champ and defended the most

I saw miocic get tko by struve. I didn't think he was champ material, and still don't tbh. Probably an unpopular opinion, but fuck em. He's a B level fighter.

 

[ender852]

I saw miocic get tko by struve. I didn't think he was champ material, and still don't tbh. Probably an unpopular opinion, but fuck em. He's a B level fighter.

I remember being shocked hearing that no heavyweight champ in the ufc's 25 year history had defended the belt more than twice before stipe

 

[ender852]

 

[tang]

I saw miocic get tko by struve. I didn't think he was champ material, and still don't tbh. Probably an unpopular opinion, but fuck em. He's a B level fighter.

I guess what I remember was the JDS fight. for some reason (considering HW being weak without Cain) I thought Stipe would be the champ and he did! If he is good HW or not, that's another discussion

 

[crowbar]

Your definition of blowing up will vary from person to person.

I worked for 6 different promotions,so I have seen my share.

I''ll just mention one & he is definately the biggest.

Georges St Pierre.

 

[steroid to heaven]

cung le
pre-mma
i knew he would do well

 

[Rambo John J]

cung le
pre-mma
i knew he would do well

San Shou K-1 special rules matches vs guys like Brian Warren


I remember