With 2018 right around the corner, it is time to look ahead to the year in MMA. Who will be the fighter to watch in 2018?
FRANK HYDEN, MMATorch Columnist
He’s already a known name, but I think Tony Ferguson will make a huge impact on the fight scene in 2018. I think he’ll claim lightweight gold and keep putting together impressive victories. He’s an exciting fighter, and he’s also an excellent fighter. It won’t be a surprise, but I think he becomes a bigger star next year.
RAFFAEL IGLESIAS, MMATorch Contributor
Perhaps I’m playing around with the intent of the question but I know whom I want to watch in 2018 and that’s Justin Gaethje. His debut year in the UFC did not disappoint. If this guy is fighting, I’m there. He had three of the best fights I’ve seen this year and lives up to the moniker of ‘The Highlight.”
DAVE KOULA, MMATorch Contributor
Kumaru Usman is my pick. This guy is a monster that just can’t seem to get ranked fighters to sign the dotted line. At 8-0 in official UFC fights, a win over Emil Meek at the beginning of the year should set the stage for some critical matchups throughout the rest of the year. Welterweight is crowded, but fights with Darren Till, Stephen Thompson, Santiago Ponzinibbio and Jorge Masvidal all make a lot of sense. Realistically he’ll probably end up fighting Belal Muhammad or Gunnar Nelson instead. If he does go for the finish the way he did the last time out, he’s going to be impossible to keep ignoring.
SEAN COVINGTON, MMATorch Contributor
Ray Borg. Loved his fight with Demetrious Johnson and I think he will rematch him and be the one to take him down, he could be the new Georges St-Pierre. GSP lost to Matt Hughes the first time, when he beat him their second encounter he never looked back. Borg has to pass Henry Cejudo but I think he can, if he takes enough time and polishes his game.
COLE HENRY, MMATorch Contributor
Darren Till.
NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS ROUNDTABLE: What was the Fight of the Year in 2017?
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