THE TOP 15 OF 2015: #12 THE RISE AND FALL OF RONDA ROUSEY

In 2015 we saw an emergence of women in the UFC.  This emergence was led by Ronda Rousey.  She was dominating the UFC's Bantamweight division.  Like anyone else who burst on to the scene out of nowhere people were quickly jumping on the "Rousey Bandwagon." 

Fans were claiming she was the best fighter ever.  They even said that she could knockout unbeaten boxer Floyd Mayweather,  mainly because a boxer wouldn't have a chance against her.

That all changed November 14 when Rousey climbed into the octagon with unknown Holly Holm.  Holm ended up knocking Rousey out 59 seconds into the second round.  Not only was Rousey embarrassed by the loss but her image as a dominant UFC fighter would be tarnished.  Rousey will look for revenge when she gets her rematch sometime in 2016.

THE TOP 15 OF 2015: #13 KOBE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

After a few injuries that have slowed him down and a sluggish start to the 2015 NBS season Laker great Kobe Bryant has decided to hang up his basketball shoes and call an end to his Hall of Fame career.  He will play the rest of the 2015-2016 season.

You can say what you want about Kobe, heck you don't even have to like him, but if you are a true basketball fan you need to respect what the man has done for the sport.  He was the next dominating player after Jordan and should be considered when talking about the best players of all time.  Not retiring sooner may have damaged his unstoppable image on the court but he will never be forgotten by the Laker faithful.

THE TOP 15 OF 2015: #14 RGIII GETS BENCHED

What once promised to be a stellar career for quarterback Robert Griffin III came to to screeching halt earlier this year when RGIII was sent to the bench and replaced by someone that was drafted the same year he was, Kirk Cousins.

In a blink of an eye RGIII went from being a "Washington Redskins God" to a scout team safety!  We can argue that it was injuries or bad coaching but the reality is that RGIII will never wear a Redskins jersey again.  Not only was he replaced by Cousins, who has the team thinking playoffs,  He was placed on the third string and doesn't even suit up for games.

This is such a tragic story because RGIII had so much promise but just could not get over the hump and be an elite QB the NFL.

THE TOP 15 OF 2015: #15 THE UNBEATEN PANTHERS

Coming in to the 2015 NFL season the Carolina Panther's had high hopes.  They won the NFC South and a playoff game last season despite a sub par record.  Many people questioned how good they would be this season due to the fact that their playoff win came against a quarterback less Arizona Cardinal team that had such a promising season.  They also only won 8 regular season games last year.

Coach Ron Rivera and his team had high expectations for themselves and many fans thought they would have a better season.  But no one saw what was coming.  Behind superstar QB Cam Newton the Carolina Panthers are 13-0 and very close to clinching home field advantage throughout the playoffs. 

The Panther's are now chasing a perfect season and every week more and more people are staring to believe. 

THE TOP SPORTS STORIES OF 2015

The holiday's are quickly approaching.  Time for food, family and of coarse sports.  We are just over two weeks away from a new year.  That means is time for the top sports stories of 2015.

Over the next few weeks I will rewind back to the most memorable moments this year has seen in sports.  So sit back and enjoy my Top 15 of 2015!