By Raphael Garcia 
The mixed martial arts world has seen its fair share of action throughout 2012. So many memorable fights and moments stand out in each of the 12 months that have passed. As we look back at this year in the sport, we at MMA Ratings are picking out particular moments from every month that stand out amongst them all. These are some of the highlights that came from August 2012
Fight of the Month: Bantamweights Run on Batteries
Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez, UFC 152
The smallest fighters to step into the Octagon seem to have the biggest gas tanks, and Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez was just another example.
In the contest to decide the first ever UFC bantamweight champion, Johnson and Benavidez did not disappoint, as they brought the fight for one another for 25 minutes. Johnson controlled much of the fight, but as a champion should have to, he fought out of a dangerous position when he found himself caught in the patented Team Alpha Male front headlock series, which was transitioned into a tight guillotine choke. Johnson survived that position, however, and went back to controlling the bout en route to the victory.
With that win he defeated two fighters who were considered the top athletes at 125 in Ian McCall and Benavidez. As he preps to defend the title against John Dodson at UFC on Fox 6 in January, “Mighty Mouse” has the opportunity to seize control of the fledgling division and build himself up into a major star within the sport.
Submission of the Month: Beat You At Your Own Game
Matt Wiman vs. Paul Sass, UFC on Fuel TV 5
Calling someone a “one-trick pony” may be disrespectful everywhere but in the sports world. Paul Sass walked into his bout with Matt Wiman riding a 13-fight win streak and had just submitted Jacob Volkmann, who has been a mainstay at lightweight for an extended period of time. According to the expectations of most fans and analysts, if the fight went to the ground, Sass would have a huge advantage. However, that wasn’t the case.
Wiman stayed active off of his back and kept Sass in danger, much to the surprise of everyone watching the fight. In less than four minutes he was able to transition into an armbar that forced Sass to tap out in the first round. This was an impressive win for Wiman, one which provides momentum for his career that he can build upon in the coming year.
Knockout of the Month: Delayed Reaction
Cub Swanson vs. Charles Oliveira, UFC 152
“Do Bronx” was riding a wave of hype into his featherweight bout at UFC 152. Since dropping down to 145, Oliveira had stopped both of his opponents with submissions. Unfortunately, he would run into a revitalized Cub Swanson. Since losing to Ricardo Lamas in 2011, he’s been on a three-fight win streak, and the third straight knockout was Oliveira.
When Swanson caught Oliveira with a crisp right hand it seemed like it took a moment for Oliveira’s mind to register what just occurred. Seconds pased before the Brazilian hit the floor in a heap, allowing Swanson to swarm for the finish. While the knockout may have looked funny, there’s no denying that Oliveira did not find anything funny about the shot he took that evening.
Story of the Month: The Much-Awaited Debut
Gunnar Nelson vs. DaMarques Johnson, UFC on Fuel TV 5
As mixed martial arts grows in popularity throughout the world, we often hear about stars from foreign countries who generate a lot of hype for their UFC debuts due to their performance overseas. Unfortunately, these individuals rarely live up to expectations when they finally get their chance to perform in the Octagon. Iceland native Gunnar Nelson would not be added to that list, however, as his well-calculated entry into the Ultimate Fighting Championship finally came to pass.
Though only 24 years of age, Gunnar has shown a level of patience and preparation that few young athletes have. After taking extensive time off from his mixed martial arts career in 2008 and 2010 to develop his abilities, the undefeated Renzo Gracie standout made his UFC debut against DaMarques Johnson at UFC on Fuel 5 in Birmingham, England, and submitted him in the first round, to the delight of the fans in attendance, many of whom made the trip over from Iceland to see their countryman perform.
Nelson is now preparing to fight in February at UFC on Fuel 7 in Wembley Arena, and most fans expect a similar result against Justin Edwards. In Nelson, the UFC may have found their next big star to build around when traveling to Europe, and it couldn’t happen at a better time.
We should always appreciate the highlights of each passing year, and with all the action that occurred this year there is a lot to look back at. As we prepare to welcome 2013 in a couple of days, we shouldn’t forget about the promise of the fall, and the excitement it provided for us all.
