2012 World MMA Scouting Report Kickoff

It’s that time of year once again, fight fans. The 2012 edition of the World MMA Scouting Report will kick off in just a few hours, spotlighting ten prospects from around the world in each of the eight different weight classes. Last year’s report proved to be a huge success with over 50% of the prospects on the report signing with a major mixed martial arts promotion in the following year. Even to this day, many of the prospects featured on the 2011 World MMA Scouting Report who weren’t signed are now seeing interest, and we hope the same interest will come to this year’s crop of fighters.

Unlike last year’s report, we’ve been planning this year’s edition for five months, combing through a countless list of prospects hidden in the depths of the sport’s regional landscape. Unexpected moments of excitement weren’t common during the endless nights of daunting research, but the few moments in which we watched greatness overcome adversity made it all worth our while. Here’s a little teaser featuring a few of those moments. Get excited!

In order to make things easier and more focused, we’ve narrowed the criteria for inclusion on the report this year. Below is a list of the factors we outlined from the beginning of our research:

Limiting Factors

1. Prominence: Similar to last year, prospects are limited to unsigned fighters. Fighters in the UFC, Bellator, and DREAM were not considered. There is one exception to the rule however. Bellator has signed prospects to one-fight deals to fill out undercards. Those fighters are still under consideration until confirmed as tournament fighters or signed to long-term deals.
2. Age: Less than or equal to 30 years of age.
3. Exclusivity: All prospects are exclusive to this year’s report. Prospects from previous year’s reports cannot be included. Only fighters profiled in the end report honorable mention post are exempt.

Our ranking methodology is fairly straightforward. The prospects who have proven track records and possess the skills to make an immediate impact in a top-tier mixed martial arts organization top our divisional rankings. Strength of record is a factor among the top fighters while potential is a more significant factor among prospects in the middle or near the bottom. A fighter’s environment, training partners, and background all come into play as well, but nothing is as important as what we see inside the cage.

Finally, this year’s report will have some additions to the format. Last year was the inaugural edition, so there wasn’t any room for features. This year, we will add two new features to the report: Honorable Mentions and 2011 World MMA Scouting Report Recaps, putting us at a grand total of 88 articles in 42 days.

2012 World MMA Scouting Report Structure

1. Profiles: Eight weight classes will be featured. Flyweight was a late addition since the UFC just announced its inclusion in their ranks. It will be featured after the heavyweight division concludes. Every day, two profiles will be posted, usually at 8 AM ET and 8 PM ET. Times should be treated as tentative.
2. 2011 World MMA Scouting Report Recaps: These pieces will recap last year’s report. Where are they today? What are they doing now? They will be posted alongside their respective division after the countdown of the division has concluded.
3. Honorable Mentions: At the conclusion of the report, we will publish a post outlining 8 fighters, one from each weight class, as honorable mentions. These fighters are still eligible for next year’s report.