By MATT MOLGAARD
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

The year is new, and while Nostradamus may have predicted humanities demise this year, I’m not banking on it (I don’t invest much thought in the finality of the Mayan calendar either, which also indicates the world may end in 2012). In fact, I’m not banking on much of anything, but I’m certainly retaining hope; I’m hoping this year proves to be a monumental one for the sport of mixed martial arts, and early indicators lead me to believe my hopes may be rewarded in abundance.

The UFC’s continued expansion has opened up a massive gateway to a bona fide exposure explosion. Countries previously not privy to the brand are now being afforded the chance to witness a powerful product that brings true quality to the table on a very, very consistent basis. New network deals all but ensure continued growth for a sport many believed had reached its peak in recent years, and that alone ignites a fire in my belly. But the shift’s the sport is experiencing sure as hell do not stop there.

It’s now been announced that Strikeforce will be officially disbanding their heavyweight division upon the conclusion of the current heavyweight grand prix (which will see Josh Barnett and Daniel Cormier slug it out once Cormier has fully healed from a lingering hand injury). That may sound like a frightening fact, but take into consideration that the promotions most impressive big men will be making their way over to the UFC. With figures like Josh Barnett, Daniel Cormier, Antonio Silva and Fabricio Werdum migrating over to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the heavyweight picture not only becomes infinitely more interesting, it also ensures that some unheralded fighters will finally receive their long overdue respect.

On the topic of Strikeforce, I’ve got to say it’s extremely important to stress the power of this brand, and my personal gratitude that Zuffa hasn’t opted to disband the promotion as a whole (a maneuver deeply feared by many upon Zuffa’s purchase of the promotion). There are some extremely talented fighters on Strikeforce’s roster, but in order to keep the brand alive, some of those names must remain content fighting outside of the UFC. With characters like Tim Kennedy, Luke Rockhold, Robbie Lawler, Jorge Masvidal, K.J. Noons, Ronaldo Souza, Rafael Cavalcante, Josh Thomson, Gegard Mousasi and Mo Lawal, the promotion still has plenty of personality and talent to keep the Strikeforce name growing in popularity. While the UFC still stands as the sports true powerhouse promotion, quality alternatives (I recommend tuning into Bellator as well, if you’ve been neglecting the fledgling promotions efforts thus far) are always embraced, especially by those who subscribe to Showtime.

My greatest hope however, is that we continue to see some of the sports young prospects develop into the machines that they’re clearly capable of being. Roger Gracie has the capacity to be the greatest active submission fighter in the sport; a more measured fight schedule will enable the young Gracie rep to live up to his enormous potential; Tony Ferguson will be one of the most well rounded men south of 185 pounds if he’s afforded the chance to evolve at an appropriate pace; Ben Askren is the owner of the most awkwardly effective wrestling the sport has seen, some work on the pads could launch this arrogant gent to genuine stardom. And believe me, these are only a few of the countless fighters who look to have immeasurable ceilings in this sport.