No. 2: Junior dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem, heavyweight
Analysis: These are two of the baddest men on the planet. Overeem has run through the heavyweight competition everywhere he’s been the past several years. He also dominated former UFC champion Brock Lesner last year. But Overeem is coming off a lengthy suspension that doesn’t conclude until the end of the year. Meanwhile, Dos Santos still has to get by a tough and motivated Cain Velasquez in their rematch. If “Cigano” remains the champ, Overeem is the No. 1 contender. Obviously, Overeem’s failed drug test will be a storyline. But expect the athletic commission of the hosting city to watch this matchup closely. A clean fight between these two would provide immense fireworks.
No. 1: Anderson Silva vs. Georges St. Pierre, catchweight (possibly 180 lbs)
Analysis: Conversations are starting and both fighters appear to be on board. That is the perfect recipe for one of the biggest superfights in MMA history. Silva vs. St. Pierre would sell out nearly any arena, and the fact that it’s at a catchweight shouldn’t matter. Who needs a belt on the line when you’re fighting for the pound-for-pound title? UFC president Dana White has discussed Cowboys Stadium, which holds more than 100,000, as a possibility. Both legacies are secure. This would be a fight for the advancement of MMA and proof that dream matchups can happen. But St. Pierre must first defend his welterweight title later this year against Carlos Condit.