Five Ounces of Pain on CBS Sports: Nine that will shine in ’09

In Sam Caplan’s latest submission for CBSSports.com, he presents his list of nine fighters that he believes will breakout in 2009.

Some of the names, such as Bobby Lashley, will be very recognizable to casual fans. However, there are also names on the list that also be unknown to hardcore fans of the sport, such as New York-based amateur Al Iaquinta.

“After amassing a perfect 14-0 record and accomplishing all he could on the amateur scene, Al Iaquinta is finally set to go pro on Feb. 20 in Atlantic City when he fights for Lou Neglia’s Ring of Combat,” Caplan begins to write. “The New York native was originally a grappler but picked up the striking element of MMA like a sponge. A dynamic athlete, Iaquinta’s fighting style is not only effective but exciting. Despite only being 21, his upside is so tremendous that he might only be 12-18 months away from being ready to compete in the UFC’s lightweight division.”

To read Caplan’s entire list of fighters that he believes will break out this year, just click here.