With the sport of mixed martial arts expanding at such a rapid rate, new talent emerges on a daily basis. In fact, it can be tough keeping your eyes locked on upcoming prospects. Some of those prospects however, have been fortunate enough to land opportunities with larger promotion, affording them a new level of exposure. Here’s a couple of MMA fighters to keep your eyes on in 2012.

Michael Chandler

This kid is rugged as they come, extremely athletic and surprisingly well rounded. Unbeaten with just nine fights on his résumé thus far, Chandler has already disposed of dangerous Brazilian Patricky Freire and perennial contender to the top lightweight position in the world, Eddie Alvarez. Chandler’s showcased genuine power, some great wrestling, an unbreakable will to win, and even some sound submission skills. The lightweight rankings are beginning to shift, and this is a name you’ll see occupying more lists with each passing day.

Eduardo Dantas

This kid looks like Hell on two feet. A precise striker with absolutely no fear in his heart, "Dudu" moves forward with an aggression rarely seen. Though largely unknown until this year when he signed to compete under the Bellator banner, Dantas has turned heads with dominant victories over Wilson Reis, Ed West and Alexis Vila to claim his first Bellator tournament win.

So there are a couple of fighters to watch in 2012. Although there will be a few more that will pop up I don't think anyone will make a bigger splash then these two.

Article written by: Tony Hackerott who is a writer for several MMA blogs and is currently the editor at the MMA Zone blog.