The were many incredible moments in the UFC in 2015 and with 2016 quickly approaching it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the more memorable ones. Over the next several days Sportsnet staff writer Mike Johnston plus MMA contributors James Lynch and Paolo Go will take a look back at the year that was. Today they debate about the best coaches and prospects.
Best coach
JOHNSTON: John Kavanagh (Straight Blast Gym)
No fighter had a bigger year than Conor McGregor and the Irish superstar couldn’t have done it without Kavanagh. He’s a calm, cerebral presence that has helped lead McGregor to the tippy top of the MMA mountain. In addition to McGregor, Kavanagh also trains Gunnar Nelson, Paddy Holohan, Aisling Daly and other talented UFC athletes. Even though Kavanagh’s other pupils didn’t have the best 2015, McGregor’s journey to the featherweight championship makes Kavanagh the coach of the year in my books.
Honorable mention: Javier Mendez
LYNCH: Rafael Cordeiro (Kings MMA)
Two new Brazilian champions were crowed this year with Fabricio Werdum taking home the UFC heavyweight title and Rafael Dos Anjos taking home the lightweight belt. Cordeiro is a big part of why both these champions have UFC gold strapped around their waists. For Werdum, having him train in Mexico well in advance of his title fight against Cain Velasquez at UFC 188 paid dividends as the Brazilian appeared to be the much fresher fighter in that matchup. Dos Anjos countered Anthony Pettis in their title fight at UFC 185 using an overly aggressive style that paved the way for his unanimous decision victory. He also finished Donald Cerrone in the first round in the final fight of 2015, proving why he’s the top 155-pound fighter in the world. Kings MMA has established itself as one of the elite camps in MMA and coach Cordeiro is a big part of that.
Honorable mention: Mike Winkeljohn
GO: Rafael Cordeiro (Kings MMA)
The improbable but impeccable championship runs of Werdum and dos Anjos must be the crowning jewel for Cordeiro and Kings MMA. The Brazilians were noted primarily as grapplers but have since become two of the best striking dynamos in their divisions. Werdum outstruck Velasquez and jos Anjos is coming off a TKO win over Cerrone. Cordeiro’s tutelage turned both men into arguably the most well-rounded fighters in their respective divisions.
Honorable mention: Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn
Best prospect
JOHNSTON: Tom Breese
He finished Luiz Dutra Jr. and Cathal Pendred in his first two UFC bouts and looked fantastic in doing so. There’s still plenty of room for improvement, but the Birmingham, England native is training under Firas Zahabi at Tristar so he’s in good hands. Breese could end up being the next great welterweight to come out of the Montreal gym, joining Georges St-Pierre and Rory MacDonald.
Honorable mention: Cody Garbrandt
LYNCH: Thomas Almeida
The young Brazilian made a successful UFC debut last year with a comfortable decision victory over Tim Gorman, however this year he made the leap from UFC newcomer to potential contender going 3-0 and catapulting up to the No. 6 spot on the UFC bantamweight rankings. With a 20-0 record, this 24-year-old may be closer to a UFC title shot than we think.
Honorable mention: Aljamain Sterling
GO: Thomas Almeida
“Thominhas” is looking more and more like the next big thing to come out of Brazil. The Chute Boxe fighter is unbeaten as a pro with 16 wins coming by TKO. He went 3-0 this year with wins over Brad Pickett, Yves Jabouin and Anthony Birchak – all via highlight-reel knockout. He is only 24 and embodies the old school type of fighter who walks into the Octagon with only one thing in mind: destroy.
Honorable mention: Tom Breese