Georges St-Pierre closed the first quarter of 2013 with his first title defense of the year—a dominant win over rival Nick Diaz. Following the victory, the race for Fighter of the Year has heated up.
In April, light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and lightweight champion Benson Henderson will attempt to defend their titles for the first time in 2013. Jones will be meeting opposing The Ultimate Fighter coach Chael Sonnen, while Henderson will be challenged by former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez.
The winners of those title bouts are sure to begin receiving consideration for 2013 Fighter of the Year, too.
Here are the fighters they will be joining as candidates for the most successful MMA competitor of the calendar year.