1. Anderson Silva
We thought Silva’s next challenge would come from Georges St. Pierre, but it appears that won’t be the case. Instead, look for Yushin Okami to finally get his title shot, likely in the main event of UFC 132 in July. Media and fans are already clamoring for Silva to move up a weight class and face Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title. Should it come to fruition, that would easily be the biggest fight of 2012.
2. Georges St. Pierre
St. Pierre will face Jake Shields at UFC 129 next month. There was talk of St. Pierre abdicating the welterweight throne with a win, but that train seems to be leaving the station. Staying at welterweight might be better for St. Pierre’s legacy, and it’s not like the fans will ever tire of seeing him destroy challengers.
3. Jose Aldo
Aldo finally makes his UFC debut next month with a title defense against Mark Hominick. UFC fans will be pleasantly surprised at just how awesome Aldo actually is. Hominick is the best striker Aldo has faced thus far, but he’ll be no match for the Brazilian wunderkind.
Jake Shields
4. Jake Shields
Jake Shields
The new commercial for UFC 129 reminds you of just how great Shields actually is, and it should go a long way towards informing UFC fans that Shields presents a credible challenge to St. Pierre’s throne.
5. Frankie Edgar
A rematch with Gray Maynard looms in the distance, and Jim Miller, Clay Guida and Anthony Pettis are all waiting in the wings. If Edgar survives that gauntlet, he could find himself face to face with Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez sometime in 2012.
6. Jon Fitch
Fitch will rematch with B.J. Penn in July and try to work his way back into the title picture. If he can’t deliver an emphatic win over Penn on the second go-round, Fitch could find himself on the outside looking in – a shame for a fighter with the kind of UFC record he has.
Jones vaults up the rankings after destroying Shogun Rua at UFC 128. We suspect he’s going to be a lot higher up on this list in twelve months or so, and he may not stop until he’s the best in the world. There is no limit for this kid.
8. Dominick Cruz
Cruz will finally get his rematch with Urijah Faber after the California Kid beat Eddie Wineland. The pair could end up coaching the Ultimate Fighter later this year, but even if they don’t, fans will be treated to the first true grudge match of the new lighter weight classes in the UFC.
9. Nick Diaz
Diaz will defend his title against Paul Daley in April. It’s a dangerous fight for Diaz, who will no doubt want to get the fight to the ground as soon as possible as to avoid being knocked into next week. A victory would set Diaz up for potential superfights with top UFC welterweights down the road – a benefit of the recent purchase of Strikeforce by Zuffa.
10. Gilbert Melendez
Melendez could be the biggest beneficiary of the Strikeforce sale. He’s been demanding to face top talent for a long time, and he could get his chance sooner rather than later. He has to get by Tatsuya Kawajiri on April 9, but if he does that, we could see Melendez lead the Strikeforce charge into the UFC.
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