A year ago, we selected the inaugural class of fighters that would make up the first edition of the World MMA Scouting Report. It's been a gratifying experience to see some of the athletes we selected go on to succeed in major fight opportunities, and a heartbreaking one to see others come up just short.
Fighting out of MMA powerhouse Nova Uniao under Master Andre Pedeneiras, Hacran Dias (20-1-1) has to be getting a little impatient by now. After all, it can't be easy for him to see his younger teammates such as Jose Aldo and Eduardo Dantas finding success in the UFC and Bellator while he sits on the sidelines in Brazil.
Despite sharing his name with an infamous New York City mob family, Joey Gambino (8-0) isn't known for whacking bums in the back alleys of the Big Apple. He is, however, well-known for brutalizing any opponent foolish enough to step inside a cage with him.
A quick glance at the résumé of California-native Brandon Bender (8-0) might shock some fans. After a decision victory in his debut at King of the Cage: Rapid Fire in August of ‘06, Bender rattled off seven consecutive victories, all by submission.
Today, collegiate wrestlers are transitioning to the sport at a record pace, and the past success of highly-credentialed NCAA wrestlers has convinced many more to make their way into the cage. Four-time NCAA Division I All-American Lance Palmer (2-0) is the latest to make the move.
South Florida's Jim Alers (6-1) isn't your typical mixed martial arts prospect. He has a plan, one that involves constant improvement both inside and outside of the cage. During the weekdays, the 24-year-old studies full-time at the University of Central Florida, working toward a career in elementary education.
One of those talents is K2L Grindhouse team member Anthony Gutierrez (4-0). The 21-year-old submission specialist, who's been featured under the Titan Fighting Championships' banner, has been impressive in his short four-fight professional career, submitting all of his opponents inside the first round.
One of the highlights of digging through the depths of the talent pool is the occasional discovery of a hidden gem. An unknown talent who either didn't find his way onto our radar or wasn't expected to impress. Ultimately, Hawaii's Max Holloway (4-0) struck his way into our hearts despite his novice status in the sport.
From Lyoto Machida and Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza to Jose Aldo and Diego Brandao, the Amazon region of Brazil is known for producing elite MMA stars with some of the best technique in the game. Though mostly unknown outside of the region, undefeated Muay Thai specialist John "Macapa" Teixeira (12-0-1) aspires to continue that legacy in earnest.
One of the fighters on the cutting edge of that movement is Cody Bollinger (11-2). The 20-year-old featherweight fighter has already amassed thirteen career fights in over four years of fighting, making him only sixteen years of age when he first stepped into the cage.
