Everyone needs a New Year’s resolution, so I’m happy to help some MMA fighters with a resolution that will bode well for them in 2011. Some are in need of some serious fitness classes, and others just need some nutrition help. Either way, they need to substitute some of their chubbiness with some toned muscle. I expect big things from these fighters if they do. Enjoy!

10. Tyson Griffin — A move down to Featherweight is needed

When the UFC absorbed the Featherweight Division from the WEC, Tyson Griffin should have been jumping for joy. He’s already lost three straight against Lightweights, and he’s definitely a smaller fighter than the Lightweight Division he’s been fighting in. Tyson needs to make the move and drop down to the Featherweight Division in order to challenge for the title.

9. Thiago Alves — Stay on diet or move up to Middleweight

Thiago Alves needs to continue to tone himself down when he fights. He’s a huge Welterweight, but would be a small Middleweight if he’s unable to make Welterweight. It seems like he’s got his stuff together in his last fight against John Howard, but there’s no time to slack now. When Dana White is eyeing your weight like a hawk, you better make weight.

8. Karo Parisyan — Take MMA seriously, or retire

If anyone needs to start taking their MMA career seriously, it’s Karo Parisyan. He has so much talent, but he’s been battling some harsh personal demons that’s preventing him to perform to his ability. He needs to move to Las Vegas, bring his family, and start taking this seriously by getting into condition. There was just too much flab when he fought Dennis Hallman.

7. Mayhem Miller - Cut the weight and face Nick Diaz

Nick Diaz vs. Mayhem Miller needs to happen. There’s been too much drama and smack talking both ways that these two fighters won’t fight each other. I think if Mayhem wants the fight, he needs to take the bullet and cut down to 170lbs to face the Strikeforce Welterweight Champion. His next fight should be in the Welterweight Division for a tune up fight, then on to the next one…Nick Diaz.

6. Josh Barnett — The Babyface Assassin could lose some baby fat

Josh Barnett always seemed to have a little bit of jelly around the waist when he fights, but he’s been able to pull through just from his shear skills and talent. Similar to Roy, but not to the extreme of losing over 30 pounds — Barnett should tone up to face the new crop of Heavyweights.

5. BJ Penn — Is he too small for Welterweight?

The Prodigy shouldn’t be hanging out with the Welterweights, especially in the UFC. They’re just too big. I know he’s trying to prove a point and say he belongs, especially after defeating Matt Hughes handily — but Jon Fitch is another type of beast. If he gets past him, he should stay — if not, start to lose some of that weight BJ. Although, I do have a good feeling about that fight.

4. Yoshihiro Akiyama — If he can last 3 rounds, he can win!

He’s 1-2 in the UFC, and although Yoshihiro Akiyama has already recorded 3 Fight of the Night honors — he needs to start winning again. A lot of his loses have been to bad cardio and running out of gas in the later rounds. He needs to start taking his conditioning more seriously and be at a more manageable weight instead of cutting so much weight the week of the fight. He can be a contender if he does.

3. Anthony Johnson — Do you want to be a Light Heavyweight?

Has Anthony Johnson ballooned up to 225 pounds? He’s not a Light Heavyweight or a Heavyweight, he’s a 170lb Welterweight. That’s a ton of weight to lose and if you’re facing a hungry Dan Hardy next, you better get yourself on track. After being on such a long hiatus, it’s important for him to cut down to manageable weight safely in order to bring the “Rumble” to the “Outlaw”.

2. Fedor Emelianenko — An in shape Fedor would be scary!

I hate to add Fedor Emelianenko here since he’s such a great, but don’t you think he would be more devastating if he matched his immense talent with a more fit body? He would nearly destroy his opponents if that was the case. Either way, he’s still one of the best.

1. Roy Nelson — Lose the gut and he’d destroy Heavyweights

I have consistently said that if Roy Nelson was able to shed some pounds and fight around 230-240lbs, he would be a force to be reckoned with. He has the power in his hands and the BJJ pedigree to face anyone in the Heavyweight Division. Just replace some of that fat with some muscle.

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QUESTION: Are there other fighters who should lose weight in 2011?