MMA prospect rankings update heavyweight-light heavyweight: Tyler East, Phelipe Lins, & Jared Rosholt join ranks

ULTMMA.com has released and updated its 2012 set of Mixed Martial Arts prospect rankings. The rankings cover a top 20 for each of the eight major MMA weight classes heavyweight through flyweight with a total of 160 unsigned prospects rated.

----
The race to find the next great light heavyweight or heavyweight MMA fighter is a contest more about potential than proven cage work. When it comes to developing fighters in the sport's two biggest weight classes the regional scene's lack of "big man" depth provides prospects with slim options.

Fighting out of the MMA hotbed of New Mexico heavyweight Tyler East (10-3) is a three year pro at the ripe age of 22. Currently in the midst of six fight winning streak the lanky 6'6 East holds notable wins over Nick Gaston and Esteves Jones. Now training at Jackson's MMA in Albuquerque, East is a young, well coached heavyweight which should garner him serious attention from any and all national MMA promotions.  

A three time All American wrestler out of Oklahoma State Jared Rosholt (4-0) has quickly risen up the MMA prospects ranks. At 260 pounds Rosholt has dominated all four of his local opponents with takedowns an a suffocating top game. The 25 year old Rosholt has such a strong base to jump off from that 2012 will be another year the four star MMA prospects rounds out his skill set on the local MMA circuit.

Brazilian 205 pound prospect Phelipe Lins (5-0) returned to the cage for the first time in over five years. Lins knocked out his opponent in emphatic fashion and in the process once again became a major player in the Brazilian light heavyweight division. The 26 year old Lins is a physical force and will fight two to three times in his home country before he may be signed by a stateside promotion.

28 year old prospect Jan Blachowicz (14-3) entered 2011 on a nine fight winning streak. Sandwiched between a loss and a win versus former pride star Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Blachowicz picked up the seventh submission win of his career. The polish grappling wiz is a proven commodity on the European MMA scene and Blachowicz is in position to land a fight deal with the UFC or Bellator in 2012.

Middleweight and welterweight breakdown

Lightweight and featherweight breakdown

Bantamweight and flyweight breakdown

Light heavyweight and heavyweight updated top 20 prospects