Men: Rafal Kijanczuk
You can’t argue with a 7-0 record in a calendar year and his opposition has been very good for a rookie fighter. We got the most recent win in the DB just a few minutes ago, so I expect him to get in or near the Top 100 on the next update.
Honorable Mentions: Khamzat Chimaev
Women: Kayla Harrison
It is tough to get excited over a fighter without an officially recognized division, but her 2018 performances have been good enough to net her this award.
Honorable Mention: Kay Hansen