This year has certainly got off to a great start with many up-and-coming fighters showcasing their skills and lighting up the chatter on MMA forums.
Fighters like Josh Thomson, Ronaldo Souza and Renan Barao have already had a noteworthy 2013, with wins propelling them to the centre of contendership speculation. However, other fighters are poised in the shadows to make 2013 their story.
Most of the young fighters on this list have already gained attention as prospects to watch, but the coming year should see them in competition once again, making an even bigger name for themselves.
They’ve shown promise in either putting on impressive winning runs or putting on impressive performances already, but have yet to earn a regular place on the main card. That can all change as the year plays out and these fighters step back into the Octagon.