Closing out the 2012 World MMA Lightweight Scouting Report, Brazil's Fabricio Guerreiro (12-1) tops our list as the #1 prospect on this year's countdown. The Amapa native has amassed a 12-1 record over the course of a three-year career in the sport.
If you have ever tried to follow the Brazilian MMA circuit, you know it can be chaotic. The vast, disparate patchwork of professional events play host to a rogue's gallery of local toughs, fiery young UFC hopefuls and veterans who have achieved "grizzled" status in their 20's.
Adriano Martins (20-6) may not appear to fit the established profile of young, emergent prospects set thus far in the 2012 World MMA Scouting Report.
Five years ago, Justin Salas (10-3) was slaving away in the trona mines of his hometown in Green River, Wyoming without any thoughts of a career in fighting. His only connection to mixed martial arts was a heralded high school wrestling career that bloomed into a spot on the University of Wyoming wrestling squad.
Within the confines of the lightweight division, Champion Team's Neilson Gomes (13-2) is one of the young fighters who has benefited greatly from everything Brazil has to offer.
When that day comes, Wushu expert Eduard Folayang (10-1) may be one of the select few Filipino-born fighters to grab the spotlight. The 27-year-old lightweight has amassed a 10-1 record in eleven professional bouts with six of his wins coming by way of submission or knockout.
One of Brazil's most credentialed exports is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Zorobabel Moreira (5-1). The 28-year-old expert grappler turned mixed martial artist left Brazil in late 2009 for a better life in Singapore, training and teaching at Evolve MMA.
That didn't take long, did it? After Finnish MMA fans everywhere relished in the glory of Juha-Pekka Vainikainen's placement at #10 on the 2012 World MMA Lightweight Scouting Report, fellow Finn Anton Kuivanen (16-4) claims the #8 spot.
Team R.O.C.'s Jordan Rinaldi (5-0) may be the man to bring prominence to North Carolina once again. The 24-year-old lightweight has impressed in his five-fight professional career so far, finishing off four of his five opponents and remaining undefeated over the last year-and-a-half.
Finland's Juha-Pekka Vainikainen (18-5-1) claims the country's first spot on this year's report, sporting an impressive eight-fight unbeaten streak spanning only one year.
