Top 20 Possible UFC Fights for 2013

1 of 22

Top 20 Possible Fights For 2013

MMA
Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

2012 was a great year for mixed martial arts. Fans saw some great fights, knockouts, and submissions. Dustin Poirier was able to put on a fight of the year performance against Chan Sung Jung, which was a back and forth affair for much of the fight. Edson Barboza was able to land a spinning wheel kick on Terry Etim, which won knockout of the year.

Also, fans were treated to a brilliant rivalry between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen. Their epic showdown displayed some amazing skills from Silva, proving he still is the best in the world right now. Jon Jones was able to keep his belt after defending it several times to Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort.

The UFC heavyweight belt changed hands twice when JDS was able to knockout Cain, but Cain would answer back with a dominating decision win to recapture his UFC gold. Ben Henderson became a breakout star in 2012, defeating Frankie Edgar, not once, but twice and also dominating Nate Diaz for five rounds.

George St. Pierre was able to get back in action against Carlos Condit, proving he still is the best welterweight on the planet right now. Also, Johny Hendricks was able to make his case as the new number one contender in the welterweight division.

All of the fights showcased a lot of action in the UFC, and 2013 has the makings to be an even bigger year for the promotion. Be sure to check out the slideshow on the next pages to see what fights could be booked in 2013 that will be huge and define some fighter's careers.

2 of 22

20. Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate 2

MMA
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

One women's fight that has the potential to be excellent is a rematch between Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey. Both fighters have met in the past, where Rousey was able to pull off the arm bar. The hype behind the first fight was entertaining, and the second could be even better. If Ronda is able to defeat Liz Carmouche, expect her to fight Tate again, which should be just as entertaining as their first fight.

3 of 22

19. Cyborg Santos vs. Ronda Rousey

MMA
Image via MMAFrenzy.com

Another women's mma fight that could happen in 2013 is between Ronda Rousey and Cyborg Santos. This fight would arguably be the biggest fight in women's history, and one can only imagine the hype up for this fight. In numerous interviews, Rousey has disparaged Cyborg's name for taking illegal substances. If Cyborg can safely make the trip down to 135lbs, then fans should expect fireworks inside the cage.

4 of 22

18. Luke Rockhold vs. Michael Bisping

MMA
Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

A middleweight showdown that might come to fruition in 2013 is a bout between Michael Bisping in Luke Rockhold. Both have built some momentum for themselves. Rockhold will be joining the UFC, and he is a sensational talent and trains with some of the best in the American Kickboxing Academy. Apparently, these two of sparred with each other, and Bisping claims to have gotten the better of Rockhold. So, they have the potential to settle it inside the cage, which would certainly propel the winner to a UFC middleweight title shot.

5 of 22

17. Glover Teixeira vs. Jon Jones

MMA
Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Glover Teixeira has been one of the hottest prospects in the light heavyweight division. He has dominated fighters such as Kyle Kingsbury and Fabio Maldonado, and he has the potential to do big things in 2013. If he can keep winning, then he will put himself in line for a title shot against Jon Jones. Many feel Teixeira's experience and knockout power will give Jones a stern test, which is something no one has yet to do.

6 of 22

16. Josh Koscheck vs. Nick Diaz

MMA
Joe Camporeale-US PRESSWIRE

Two of the most controversial fighters in mixed martial arts have been Nick Diaz and Josh Koscheck. Both are known for their trash talk, and also have the skills to back it all up. Seeing as how Nick Diaz is now in the UFC, it is only a matter of time before these welterweights cross each other's paths. Also, both have expressed inteterests in the fight, so it seems to be a go for both.

7 of 22

15. Johny Hendricks vs. George St. Pierre

MMA
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

One of the hottest prospects in the welterweight division right now is Johny Hendricks. He is coming off wins over Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, and Martin Kampmann. Many feel he has what it takes to give George St. Pierre a stern test because he has the wrestling and the knockout power to end a fight in brutal fashion. If Johny Hendricks keeps up his winning ways, he will surely be granted a title shot in 2013.

8 of 22

14. Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson 3

MMA
Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

One of the best rivals in the lightweight division is between Frankie Edgar and Ben Henderson. These two lightweights have fought twice already, where Henderson was able to go 2-0. Now, Frankie is fighting in the featherweight division, but he is still one of the best lightweights on the planet. Frankie has the potential to move back up to lightweight and fight Ben a third time because the first two fights were razor close. If these two square off, it would be an excellent trilogy in 2013.

9 of 22

13. Dan Henderson vs. Jon Jones

MMA
Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

Dan Henderson has been one of the best fighters on the planet for some time now. Beating Fedor Emenelianenko, Henderson solidified his status as an all-time great. He was previously matched up with Jon Jones for a light heavyweight title shot, but an injury forced him off the card. If he can beat Lyoto Machida, he will be next in line for a title shot against Jon Jones, which would be a fantastic match up for both fighters.

10 of 22

12. Nick Diaz vs. Anderson Silva

MMA
Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE

Nick Diaz has made an impact in the UFC, despite losing a controversial decision to Carlos Condit. When Anderson Silva needed an opponent, Nick Diaz and his camp threw in his name. Anderson is on the verge of retirement, and he will probably only fight three or four more times inside the UFC. A Nick Diaz fight would be huge for Anderson because of his name. Both fighters would benefit from the pay per view buys, and this would be an exciting catch weight fight that could come to fruition in 2013 if both keep up their winning ways.

11 of 22

12. Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones

MMA
Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Daniel Cormier is one of the best heavyweights right now in mixed martial arts. He will be debuting in the UFC against Frank Mir, and a win solidifies his status as being a legitimate UFC contender. Daniel has gone on record, saying he won't fight his training partner Cain Velasquez, who is the current heavyweight champion right now. Instead, he said he would fight Jon Jones at light heavyweight, in what would be one of Jon's hardest fights to date. If Cormier is able to defeat Mir, expect him to make his way to the light heavyweight division.

12 of 22

11. Alistair Overeem vs. Junior Dos Santos

MMA
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

One beef in the UFC's heavyweight division is between Alistair Overeem and Junior Dos Santos. Both have talked trash to each other in the past, and they have the chance to lock horns in 2013. Overeem has said that JDS is scared to fight him, and JDS has said he would fight a clean Overeem, referring to his past-failed drug trusts. If Overeem is able to get past Anotonio Silva, expect him to face JDS next for a chance at a UFC heavyweight title shot.

13 of 22

10. Cain Velasquez vs. Alistair Overeem

MMA
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

One heavyweight match up that has the potential to garner a lot of attention is a bout between Cain Velasquez and Alistair Overeem. Cain is currently coming off a destruction over Junior Dos Santos. For Overeem, he is set to take on Antonio Silva; a about that will grant him a title shot if he is victorious. Expect to see this match up in 2013, which will prove if Overeem has the striking to deal with Cain on the feet.

14 of 22

9. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Jon Jones

MMA
Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

In the light heavyweight division, Jon Jones is king. He has beaten a who's who list and is one of the best fighters in the world at this point. Alexander Gustafsson is a rising prospect, and solidified his status as he beat Shogun Rua for three rounds. Alexander matches up quite nicely in terms of size against Jones, and his striking is also dynamic. Expect to see Gustafsson get a chance to test himself against the best in Jon Jones if he continues his impressive winning streak.

15 of 22

8. Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold

MMA
Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

A middleweight bout between Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold seems like the most logical move for both fighters right now. Weidman is currently without an opponent, and Luke Rockhold is coming over to the UFC from Strikeforce. Both fighters have dynamic striking and grappling skills, and the winner of this bout would be the number one contender in the middleweight division.

16 of 22

7. Luke Rockhold vs. Anderson Silva

MMA
Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

Luke Rockhold is coming over from Strikeforce as the middleweight champion into the UFC. Currently, Anderson Silva is the UFC middleweight champion. This fight would be great because the UFC could promote it as a champion vs. champion fight. Luke has competent striking skills, so he would be able to survive if squared off against Silva. Also, his grappling is top notch, training with the American Kickboxing academy, so it would be a great fight to book for Rockhold.

17 of 22

6. Hector Lombard vs. Anderson Silva

MMA
Anne-Marie Sorvin-US PRESSWIRE

The middleweight division has been revitalized as of late as Hector Lombard is finding his stride. His striking was on full display against Rousimar Palhares, and he is one of the most experienced fighters in the UFC's middleweight division, having over 37 fights under his belt. If he can keep his winning streak alive, expect him to square off with Anderson Silva, who is the best fighter on the planet.

18 of 22

5. Jose Aldo vs. Ben Henderson

MMA
Image via MMAForte.com

Jose Aldo is set to take on Frankie Edgar in a featherweight title fight. Both fighters are some of the best in the lighter weight classes. If Aldo is successful in defending his crown, expect him to make the jump up to the lightweight division and taking on Ben Henderson. Aldo is one of the biggest and most athletic guys in the featherweight division, and many consider him to be a pound-for-pound great. A Henderson fight for Aldo would be huge for his career, and this is possible in 2013.

19 of 22

4. Eddie Alvarez vs. Ben Henderson

MMA
Image via MMAForte.com

Eddie Alvarez is considered to be one of the best lightweights in mma right now. Currently, he is in a legal battle with Bellator and the UFC. If this battle comes to an end, expect him to get a lightweight title shot against Ben Henderson. This fight would be huge for both fighters, and fans would finally be able to see if Bellator fighters can compete with UFC caliber of fighters. Both of these fighters have exceptional skills both standing and on the feet, so it would be a war from start to finish.

20 of 22

3. Jon Jones vs. Cain Velasquez

MMA
Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

Jon Jones is the best fighter in mma right now in the light heavyweight division. He is growing into his body, and he has said he wants to go up to heavyweight sooner rather than later. Expect him to make the jump up if he can defeat Chael Sonnen and Dan Henderson, and possibly take on the UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasqeuz. It would be interesting to see if Jones could hang with Cain in terms of wrestling, and the winner would arguably be the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.

21 of 22

2. Anderson Silva vs. Jon Jones

MMA
Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

Anderson Silva and Jon Jones have been dominating their competition these past few years. Each can end the fight both standing and on the ground, and many want to see these two face each other. It would be the hardest fight of their life for both fighters, and it would arguably be the greatest mma match ever. Jones is a big light heavyweight, but if there was any man to give him a run for his money, it is Anderson Silva. Silva is the greatest fighter to ever compete inside the UFC, so a Jon Jones fight would cap his career off quite nicely.

22 of 22

1. George St. Pierre vs. Anderson Silva

MMA
Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

If people are asked what fight they want to see most in mma, they usually say George St. Pierre and Anderson Silva. Both fighters have been kingpins in their divisions for many years now, and both of their careers are winding down. This is why it is imperative that this fight gets booked in 2013 before either fighter's skills depreciate. In terms of pound-for-pound rankings, Anderson is considered number one and GSP is number two. If these two fighters were to square off, it would be the biggest fight in mma history. Fans would finally be able to see who the best mma fighter is on the planet. First, GSP has to get by Nick Diaz. If he does this, expect him to fight Silva for his next fight.

1 of 22

Top 20 Possible Fights For 2013

MMA
Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

2012 was a great year for mixed martial arts. Fans saw some great fights, knockouts, and submissions. Dustin Poirier was able to put on a fight of the year performance against Chan Sung Jung, which was a back and forth affair for much of the fight. Edson Barboza was able to land a spinning wheel kick on Terry Etim, which won knockout of the year.

Also, fans were treated to a brilliant rivalry between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen. Their epic showdown displayed some amazing skills from Silva, proving he still is the best in the world right now. Jon Jones was able to keep his belt after defending it several times to Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort.

The UFC heavyweight belt changed hands twice when JDS was able to knockout Cain, but Cain would answer back with a dominating decision win to recapture his UFC gold. Ben Henderson became a breakout star in 2012, defeating Frankie Edgar, not once, but twice and also dominating Nate Diaz for five rounds.

George St. Pierre was able to get back in action against Carlos Condit, proving he still is the best welterweight on the planet right now. Also, Johny Hendricks was able to make his case as the new number one contender in the welterweight division.

All of the fights showcased a lot of action in the UFC, and 2013 has the makings to be an even bigger year for the promotion. Be sure to check out the slideshow on the next pages to see what fights could be booked in 2013 that will be huge and define some fighter's careers.

2 of 22

20. Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate 2

MMA
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

One women's fight that has the potential to be excellent is a rematch between Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey. Both fighters have met in the past, where Rousey was able to pull off the arm bar. The hype behind the first fight was entertaining, and the second could be even better. If Ronda is able to defeat Liz Carmouche, expect her to fight Tate again, which should be just as entertaining as their first fight.

3 of 22

19. Cyborg Santos vs. Ronda Rousey

MMA
Image via MMAFrenzy.com

Another women's mma fight that could happen in 2013 is between Ronda Rousey and Cyborg Santos. This fight would arguably be the biggest fight in women's history, and one can only imagine the hype up for this fight. In numerous interviews, Rousey has disparaged Cyborg's name for taking illegal substances. If Cyborg can safely make the trip down to 135lbs, then fans should expect fireworks inside the cage.

4 of 22

18. Luke Rockhold vs. Michael Bisping

MMA
Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

A middleweight showdown that might come to fruition in 2013 is a bout between Michael Bisping in Luke Rockhold. Both have built some momentum for themselves. Rockhold will be joining the UFC, and he is a sensational talent and trains with some of the best in the American Kickboxing Academy. Apparently, these two of sparred with each other, and Bisping claims to have gotten the better of Rockhold. So, they have the potential to settle it inside the cage, which would certainly propel the winner to a UFC middleweight title shot.

5 of 22

17. Glover Teixeira vs. Jon Jones

MMA
Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Glover Teixeira has been one of the hottest prospects in the light heavyweight division. He has dominated fighters such as Kyle Kingsbury and Fabio Maldonado, and he has the potential to do big things in 2013. If he can keep winning, then he will put himself in line for a title shot against Jon Jones. Many feel Teixeira's experience and knockout power will give Jones a stern test, which is something no one has yet to do.

6 of 22

16. Josh Koscheck vs. Nick Diaz

MMA
Joe Camporeale-US PRESSWIRE

Two of the most controversial fighters in mixed martial arts have been Nick Diaz and Josh Koscheck. Both are known for their trash talk, and also have the skills to back it all up. Seeing as how Nick Diaz is now in the UFC, it is only a matter of time before these welterweights cross each other's paths. Also, both have expressed inteterests in the fight, so it seems to be a go for both.

7 of 22

15. Johny Hendricks vs. George St. Pierre

MMA
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

One of the hottest prospects in the welterweight division right now is Johny Hendricks. He is coming off wins over Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, and Martin Kampmann. Many feel he has what it takes to give George St. Pierre a stern test because he has the wrestling and the knockout power to end a fight in brutal fashion. If Johny Hendricks keeps up his winning ways, he will surely be granted a title shot in 2013.

8 of 22

14. Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson 3

MMA
Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

One of the best rivals in the lightweight division is between Frankie Edgar and Ben Henderson. These two lightweights have fought twice already, where Henderson was able to go 2-0. Now, Frankie is fighting in the featherweight division, but he is still one of the best lightweights on the planet. Frankie has the potential to move back up to lightweight and fight Ben a third time because the first two fights were razor close. If these two square off, it would be an excellent trilogy in 2013.

9 of 22

13. Dan Henderson vs. Jon Jones

MMA
Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

Dan Henderson has been one of the best fighters on the planet for some time now. Beating Fedor Emenelianenko, Henderson solidified his status as an all-time great. He was previously matched up with Jon Jones for a light heavyweight title shot, but an injury forced him off the card. If he can beat Lyoto Machida, he will be next in line for a title shot against Jon Jones, which would be a fantastic match up for both fighters.

10 of 22

12. Nick Diaz vs. Anderson Silva

MMA
Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE

Nick Diaz has made an impact in the UFC, despite losing a controversial decision to Carlos Condit. When Anderson Silva needed an opponent, Nick Diaz and his camp threw in his name. Anderson is on the verge of retirement, and he will probably only fight three or four more times inside the UFC. A Nick Diaz fight would be huge for Anderson because of his name. Both fighters would benefit from the pay per view buys, and this would be an exciting catch weight fight that could come to fruition in 2013 if both keep up their winning ways.

11 of 22

12. Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones

MMA
Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Daniel Cormier is one of the best heavyweights right now in mixed martial arts. He will be debuting in the UFC against Frank Mir, and a win solidifies his status as being a legitimate UFC contender. Daniel has gone on record, saying he won't fight his training partner Cain Velasquez, who is the current heavyweight champion right now. Instead, he said he would fight Jon Jones at light heavyweight, in what would be one of Jon's hardest fights to date. If Cormier is able to defeat Mir, expect him to make his way to the light heavyweight division.

12 of 22

11. Alistair Overeem vs. Junior Dos Santos

MMA
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

One beef in the UFC's heavyweight division is between Alistair Overeem and Junior Dos Santos. Both have talked trash to each other in the past, and they have the chance to lock horns in 2013. Overeem has said that JDS is scared to fight him, and JDS has said he would fight a clean Overeem, referring to his past-failed drug trusts. If Overeem is able to get past Anotonio Silva, expect him to face JDS next for a chance at a UFC heavyweight title shot.

13 of 22

10. Cain Velasquez vs. Alistair Overeem

MMA
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

One heavyweight match up that has the potential to garner a lot of attention is a bout between Cain Velasquez and Alistair Overeem. Cain is currently coming off a destruction over Junior Dos Santos. For Overeem, he is set to take on Antonio Silva; a about that will grant him a title shot if he is victorious. Expect to see this match up in 2013, which will prove if Overeem has the striking to deal with Cain on the feet.

14 of 22

9. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Jon Jones

MMA
Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

In the light heavyweight division, Jon Jones is king. He has beaten a who's who list and is one of the best fighters in the world at this point. Alexander Gustafsson is a rising prospect, and solidified his status as he beat Shogun Rua for three rounds. Alexander matches up quite nicely in terms of size against Jones, and his striking is also dynamic. Expect to see Gustafsson get a chance to test himself against the best in Jon Jones if he continues his impressive winning streak.

15 of 22

8. Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold

MMA
Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

A middleweight bout between Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold seems like the most logical move for both fighters right now. Weidman is currently without an opponent, and Luke Rockhold is coming over to the UFC from Strikeforce. Both fighters have dynamic striking and grappling skills, and the winner of this bout would be the number one contender in the middleweight division.

16 of 22

7. Luke Rockhold vs. Anderson Silva

MMA
Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

Luke Rockhold is coming over from Strikeforce as the middleweight champion into the UFC. Currently, Anderson Silva is the UFC middleweight champion. This fight would be great because the UFC could promote it as a champion vs. champion fight. Luke has competent striking skills, so he would be able to survive if squared off against Silva. Also, his grappling is top notch, training with the American Kickboxing academy, so it would be a great fight to book for Rockhold.

17 of 22

6. Hector Lombard vs. Anderson Silva

MMA
Anne-Marie Sorvin-US PRESSWIRE

The middleweight division has been revitalized as of late as Hector Lombard is finding his stride. His striking was on full display against Rousimar Palhares, and he is one of the most experienced fighters in the UFC's middleweight division, having over 37 fights under his belt. If he can keep his winning streak alive, expect him to square off with Anderson Silva, who is the best fighter on the planet.

18 of 22

5. Jose Aldo vs. Ben Henderson

MMA
Image via MMAForte.com

Jose Aldo is set to take on Frankie Edgar in a featherweight title fight. Both fighters are some of the best in the lighter weight classes. If Aldo is successful in defending his crown, expect him to make the jump up to the lightweight division and taking on Ben Henderson. Aldo is one of the biggest and most athletic guys in the featherweight division, and many consider him to be a pound-for-pound great. A Henderson fight for Aldo would be huge for his career, and this is possible in 2013.

19 of 22

4. Eddie Alvarez vs. Ben Henderson

MMA
Image via MMAForte.com

Eddie Alvarez is considered to be one of the best lightweights in mma right now. Currently, he is in a legal battle with Bellator and the UFC. If this battle comes to an end, expect him to get a lightweight title shot against Ben Henderson. This fight would be huge for both fighters, and fans would finally be able to see if Bellator fighters can compete with UFC caliber of fighters. Both of these fighters have exceptional skills both standing and on the feet, so it would be a war from start to finish.

20 of 22

3. Jon Jones vs. Cain Velasquez

MMA
Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

Jon Jones is the best fighter in mma right now in the light heavyweight division. He is growing into his body, and he has said he wants to go up to heavyweight sooner rather than later. Expect him to make the jump up if he can defeat Chael Sonnen and Dan Henderson, and possibly take on the UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasqeuz. It would be interesting to see if Jones could hang with Cain in terms of wrestling, and the winner would arguably be the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.

21 of 22

2. Anderson Silva vs. Jon Jones

MMA
Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

Anderson Silva and Jon Jones have been dominating their competition these past few years. Each can end the fight both standing and on the ground, and many want to see these two face each other. It would be the hardest fight of their life for both fighters, and it would arguably be the greatest mma match ever. Jones is a big light heavyweight, but if there was any man to give him a run for his money, it is Anderson Silva. Silva is the greatest fighter to ever compete inside the UFC, so a Jon Jones fight would cap his career off quite nicely.

22 of 22

1. George St. Pierre vs. Anderson Silva

MMA
Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

If people are asked what fight they want to see most in mma, they usually say George St. Pierre and Anderson Silva. Both fighters have been kingpins in their divisions for many years now, and both of their careers are winding down. This is why it is imperative that this fight gets booked in 2013 before either fighter's skills depreciate. In terms of pound-for-pound rankings, Anderson is considered number one and GSP is number two. If these two fighters were to square off, it would be the biggest fight in mma history. Fans would finally be able to see who the best mma fighter is on the planet. First, GSP has to get by Nick Diaz. If he does this, expect him to fight Silva for his next fight.


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