For what the sport had at its disposal, 2014 was a fairly competitive and entertaining epoch for mixed martial arts as a whole.
Injuries certainly played a role in prohibiting a higher degree of excellence, but the handful of elite fighters leftover were able to efficiently suffice for the loss.
From memorable title upsets to unforgettable headliners, the past 12 months offered excitement of all shapes and sizes.
But for the fans who enjoy witnessing a fighter come out of his or her shell in effort to stake their divisional claim, certain fights stood out more than others.
Here are the biggest breakthrough performances of 2014 as new names have launched themselves to the front line of the sport.