The UFC already has a slew of exciting matchups scheduled to take place in 2012. Fights like Junior Dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem, Ben Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar, and Vitor Belfort vs. Wanderlei Silva have fans salivating.
Here’s a look at some other fights that we as MMA fans would like to see inside the Octagon in 2012:
Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz
This fight was supposed to take place at UFC 137 in October, but due to Diaz skipping out on certain media obligations the bout was scrapped. GSP has since injured his knee and will be out of action for most of 2012, while Diaz fights Carlos Condit for the interim welterweight title at UFC 143 on Feb. 3. After Diaz’s win over B.J. Penn in October he called out GSP and the Canadian wasn’t pleased. He told UFC president Dana White that he has never wanted to fight anybody as much as he wants to fight the former Strikeforce champion.
Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen 2
Many were surprised when it was announced that Chael Sonnen would fight Mark Munoz in a No. 1 contender bout at the UFC on FOX 2 show on Jan. 28, instead of getting another title shot. But Silva is recovering from an injury and Sonnen wanted to stay active. At UFC 117 in August 2010 Sonnen gave Silva his toughest test in the UFC, beating up the Brazilian champion for the majority of five rounds before being submitted with less than two minutes remaining in the fight. A win over Munoz would guarantee Sonnen a title shot. If Silva and Sonnen meet for a second time, a new record will surely be set in terms of pre-fight trash talk.
Mauricio Rua vs. Dan Henderson 2
The first time these two met inside the Octagon at UFC 139, it was a classic five-round brawl that many called one of the best fights in MMA history. Henderson won the first three rounds, nearly finishing Shogun on several occasions. The Brazilian, however, came back to win the final two rounds. In the fifth round Shogun completely dominated the action. He spent much of the round in full mount, landing 79 strikes, compared to Henderson’s eight (according to FightMetric.com). Surprisingly none of the judges scored the round 10-8 for Shogun and all three scored the fight for Hendo 48-47. Fans would gladly welcome a rematch of the best fight from 2011.
Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez (at flyweight)
These two pint-sized pugilists are both currently ranked in the top five in the bantamweight division, which is impressive considering they are natural 125-pounders. Many have speculated about this potential matchup and it could become reality in 2012. Benavidez will fight Yasuhiro Urushitani, and Johnson fights Tachi Palace flyweight champ Ian McCall at UFC on FX 2 on Mar. 3. If Johnson and Benavidez win, the two will meet for the first-ever UFC flyweight title later in the year.
Rashad Evans vs. Jon Jones
These two former teammates have developed some serious bad blood that rivals — and maybe even surpasses — the bad blood Rashad had with Quinton (Rampage) Jackson in the leadup to their UFC 114 bout. Evans fights Phil Davis in the main event at UFC on FOX 2 on Jan. 28 and if he is victorious he will earn a title shot. Many feel Evans, with his wrestling, knockout power and history training with the 24-year-old champ, will be Jones’ toughest test to date.
Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar 3
When Griffin and Bonnar fought for the first time, at the TUF 1 finale in April 2005, it changed the sport of mixed martial arts forever. Griffin won by split decision and then defeated Bonnar in their rematch at UFC 62 in 2006. Both men are admittedly nearing the end of their UFC careers, which could help the cause for this fight to happen. Griffin has lost three of his past five fights and Bonnar has won three straight, which means a third bout between the two TUF legends is a definite possibility.
Gilbert Melendez vs. the UFC lightweight champion
The Strikeforce lightweight champion is running out of opponents in the “hexagon” and wants to step foot in the Octagon. The UFC brought over Diaz and Overeem from Strikeforce to fight tougher competition and Melendez wants this too.
Sam Stout vs. Dennis Siver
This fight was scheduled to take place UFC 137 but Stout had to pull out. Stout fights Thiago Tavares in Brazil at UFC 142 on Jan. 14 and if he wins it makes sense to pair him up with the German kickboxer. The striking prowess of Stout and Siver would make for a definite “Fight of the Night” candidate.
Mark Hominick vs. Chan Sung Jung 2
Can anyone say mulligan? “The Korean Zomie” knocked out the Canadian in under seven seconds at UFC 140 after Hominick made an uncharacteristic mistake and came out throwing a wild left hook. The fight was also Hominick’s first time in the Octagon since the death of his longtime trainer Shawn Tompkins.
Dustin Poirier vs. Erik Koch
These two young talents were supposed to fight at UFC 143 to determine the next featherweight title contender, but an injury to Koch forced the bout to be cancelled. Poirier, 22, and Koch, 23, are the future of the featherweight division it’s inevitable the two will meet one day.
Dominick Cruz vs. Renan Barao
Since moving to bantamweight, Cruz has looked unstoppable. Barao looked outstanding in his first-round submission win over Brad Pickett at UFC 138. With dangerous striking and arguably the best ground game at bantamweight, he could give Cruz a run for his money. Cruz will fight Urijah Faber again later in the year following their stints as coaches on TUF 15. If he beats Faber for a second time, Barao could be next in line for a title shot.
Cole Miller vs. Donald Cerrone
Talk about a grudge match. These two talented lightweights have been trash talking for over a year and are keen to fight each other. The UFC likes when fighters have some bad blood and it results in an exciting fight. This matchup would be no exception.
Honourable mentions:
Diego Brandao vs. Jimy Hettes – The TUF 14 winner taking on a fellow featherweight up-and-comer to determine the division’s next potential star would have fans on their feet.
Tito Ortiz vs. Rich Franklin – Tito says he will fight one more time and then retire. Franklin is also considering retirement. What better way for the two former champions to go out than in a high-profile crowd-pleaser?
Demian Maia vs. Rousimar Palhares – A bout that would decide who has the best submissions at middleweight.
Michael McDonald vs. Yves Jabouin – Two of the bantamweight division’s quickest and most explosive strikers could make for a memorable matchup.
Frank Mir vs. Cain Velasquez – Two former UFC champions fighting is always intriguing. They’re currently the top two heavyweights outside of Dos Santos and Overeem.
Fabio Maldonado vs. James Te-Huna – Can anyone say light-heavyweight slobberknocker?
Urijah Faber vs. Miguel Torres – The former faces of World Extreme Cagefighting meeting in the UFC would bring a smile to the face of anyone who was a fan of the WEC.
