50 Reasons 2012 Will Be the Biggest Year Ever for MMA

What a year 2011 has been for MMA. 

We saw two new UFC champions get crowned in Jon Jones and Junior dos Santos, Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre continued their dominance, and the Dana White scored big on a deal with FOX.

The UFC went to Australia for the first time and back to Brazil for the first time since 1998. 

2011 was also the year we said goodbye to Randy Couture, BJ Penn, Mirko Cro Cop, Chris Lytle, Matt Hamill and many more. 

While 2011 was a great year for MMA, 2012 will be even bigger. 

Don't believe me? Well here are 50 reasons, in no particular order, why you should.

Special Thanks

Before we get started I want to send a special thanks to Nedu Obi, Jason Schielke, Matthew Hemphill, Mike Hodges, Matt Saccaro, Trent Reinsmith and the rest of the B/R MMA team for being a huge help with this slideshow.

Also thanks to all of the readers out there. Without you lists like these would not be possible. 

Now on to the show. 

No. 1: UFC and FOX Deal Officially Starts

UFC on FOX 1 gave the world a taste of what to expect from the UFC/FOX merger.

Although the fight between Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos didn’t last long, the overall production of the show proved FOX is taking MMA seriously.

Next year the UFC will have events on FOX, FX and FUEL TV, and should give MMA a wider audience.

Not only are fans excited to see the UFC on a larger scale, but the fights that will be featured on FOX will be some of the biggest and best fights the UFC has to offer. 

Only time will tell just how good this deal will be for MMA as a whole, but so far, it's looking pretty good. 

No. 2: More UFC Events

Although some may complain that having too many fights can be overkill, more events mean more fights for fans.

It also means more fights on TV with the new FOX deal.

The UFC has a lot more fights now than ever before, and will have even more next year with the Strikeforce heavyweights and the new flyweight division.

Having more events will give more fighters a chance to shine. 

No. 3: The Ultimate Fighter Brazil

Having a Brazilian version of The Ultimate Fighter is a great idea for an international audience.

This will be the first time TUF is filmed outside of Las Vegas and will be filmed in Portugese.

Coaching the show will be former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort and former Pride champion Wanderlei Silva.

Silva and Belfort have history of their own. Belfort knocked out Silva in just 44 seconds when they met at UFC Brazil in 1998.

Depending on how the show fares in Brazil, it could open the door for other international versions of the show.  

No. 4: Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber on TUF and for the Title

Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber will meet a third time next year.

Before they do though, the two men will coach against each other on The Ultimate Fighter.

Cruz and Faber are two guys that don’t like each other.

Usually when that’s the case, it makes for great TV. 

No. 5: Strikeforce Is Hanging in There

Despite losing Alistair Overeem, Nick Diaz, Dan Henderson and its heavyweight division, Strikeforce is still alive.

Strikeforce will continue to run on Showtime throughout 2012, still has its women’s divisions and still has Gilbert Melendez as a top champion.

Although it may seem like it’s on life support, Strikeforce still has a lot to offer and could turn into a breeding ground for future UFC stars.

No. 6: Bellator Will Continue To Grow

With the UFC’s departure from Spike TV, Bellator Fighting Championships will look to fill the station’s MMA void.

Bellator’s claim to fame has been its tournaments in different weight classes.

Bellator also features great fighters like Hector Lombard, Eddie Alvarez and Ben Askren.

With the new deal, Bellator will not only feature live events, but it will have new programming shows.  

Although Bellator won’t have the budget that the UFC had, it is still worth checking out. Many of the year’s most exciting knockouts and submissions happened in Bellator. 

No. 7: The UFC Flyweight Division

Sooner or later it was bound to happen. And next year the flyweight division will come to the UFC.

Now undersized bantamweights like Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson will have their chance to fight at a more natural weight class.

The flyweight division also gives the UFC a chance to get even more of the world’s best fighters. 

No. 8: New Stars Will Be Made in 2012

With Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre out for a good chunk of next year, other fighters will have a chance to steal some of the spotlight.

Jon Jones had a mega 2011 and could cement himself has MMA’s top star if he has another great year.

Nick Diaz could become the new bad boy of MMA if he wins the welterweight title.

Also, former WEC fighters like Donald Cerrone and Benson Henderson, young stars like Rory MacDonald and Michael McDonald, and Strikeforce imports could make huge splashes in 2012.

Although the UFC will be without two of its biggest stars for part of the year, it should have no problem making new ones. 

No. 9: The UFC Is Going Back to Brazil

UFC 134 was the first time the UFC had been back to Brazil since 1998.

From the first prelim fight until Anderson Silva walked out of the Octagon with the middleweight title, the crowd was cheering.

The UFC will return to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the first event in 2012.

Headlining the event will be Jose Aldo as he defends his featherweight title against undefeated Chad Mendes.

Also fighting will be Vitor Belfort taking on Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, lightweight standout Edson barboza and Gabriel Gonzaga in his UFC return. 

No. 10: The UFC Is Making Its Long-Awaited Return to Japan

It’s been 11 years since the UFC has been to Japan.

At UFC 144 that will all change.

The UFC will make its highly anticipated return to the Land of the Rising Sun February 26^th.

Japanese fighters like Yoshihiro Akiyama, Yushin Okami, Takanori Gomi and Kid Yamamoto will get the chance to compete on their home turf for the first time in their UFC careers.

Also, former PRIDE fighters Mark Hunt and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson will be returning to their former stomping grounds.

The main event of the night will feature Frankie Edgar defending the lightweight championship against Benson Henderson. 

No. 11: UFC Undisputed 3

February will be a huge month for MMA gamers.

UFC Undisputed 3 will hit the stores and feature some big changes from its predecessors.

One of the biggest is the PRIDE mode where players will get the chance to fight under with PRIDE legends under PRIDE rules in a ring. Also, Bas Rutten and Stephen Quadros will call the matches while Lenne Hardt, aka the Crazy PRIDE Lady, will announce the fighters.

Also featured in the game are fighter entrances, featherweight and bantamweight divisions, two gameplay control options and gameplay that will make the game more realistic than ever.  

No. 12: The Progression of Jon Jones

2011 was the year of Jon Jones.

Jones fought four times, won the UFC light heavyweight title and became the first man since Chuck Liddell to successfully defend it twice.

If 2012 is anything like 2011, it will be another big year for Jones.

Jones will face some of the toughest competitions in his career though, because waiting in the wings for him is former teammate Rashad Evans and veteran Dan Henderson. 

No. 13: A New UFC Welterweight Champion Will Be Crowned…Sort Of

With Georges St-Pierre out for much of 2012, the UFC will crown an interim welterweight champion.

Both Carlos Condit and Nick Diaz were promised title fights with St-Pierre, and now they will face each other for the title Super Bowl weekend.

Condit and Diaz are two of the most exciting and vicious strikers and submission artists in the UFC today.

This without a doubt should be one of the best fights of the year and may be even better than either man taking on St-Pierre.

No. 14: Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II Could Happen

If Chael Sonnen can get past Mark Monuz at UFC on FOX 2, he should get a title shot at Anderson Silva.

Silva vs. Sonnen II is one of the most highly anticipated fights in MMA history.

Sonnen was nearly the first man to defeat Silva in the Octagon, but Silva made the comeback of a lifetime when he caught Sonnen in a triangle armbar.

There have been many suspensions, trash talk and call-outs since the fight (all of which were on Sonnen’s end).

Some people have claimed Silva is dodging Sonnen, but if the MMA gods are good to us, this rematch will happen next year. 

No. 15: Women’s MMA Will Continue To Grow

Women’s MMA had its biggest year in 2011 and should continue to grow in 2012.

Although it does not look like the UFC will have women’s MMA anytime soon, female fighters have found homes in Strikeforce and Bellator.

With the drama that has surrounded Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate and Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos' dominance, 2012 should be a big year for female fighters. 

No. 16: Anderson Silva's Return

Anderson Silva is the greatest MMA fighter in the sport today.

At age 36, Silva is still miles ahead of his competition.

Sometimes a Silva fight can be disappointing just for the fact that he makes winning look so easy.

Although Silva is currently out nursing injuries, he should return in time to defend his middleweight title against Mark Munoz or Chael Sonnen. 

No. 17: UFC on FOX 2

After only having one fight on the teaser UFC on FOX 1, the UFC will have a stacked card when it makes its official debut on FOX January 28^th.

UFC on FOX 2 should be one of the biggest events of the year and it’s free.

Michael Bisping will take on Damian Maia in a bout that can move one fighter closer to a title shot.

Chael Sonnen will take on Mark Munoz to determine the next No. 1 contender for the middleweight title.

The main event will feature Rashad Evans taking on rising star Phil Davis. 

No. 18: The Overall Global Expansion of the UFC

If you don’t believe the UFC has a global vision, you will by the end of 2012.

Five of the first nine 2012 UFC events will take place outside the U.S.

This includes returns to Japan and Australia as well as a trip to Sweden for the first time.

The UFC will also film its first international version of TUF. 

The UFC has also looked into going to Mexico City, China and back to England and Abu Dhabi.

With the UFC reaching newer markets, MMA overall will continue to grow worldwide. 

No. 19: Rashad Evans and Jon Jones Could Finally Meet

Rashad Evans and Jon Jones were supposed to meet twice this year.

Thanks to injuries, that fight was not able to take place.

If it’s going to happen, 2012 is the year to do it.

If Evans can get past Phil Davis at UFC on FOX 2, he should be next in line for a title shot.

Jones and Evans have an extensive history and a strong dislike for each other.

If there’s anybody that can beat Jones, it’s his former teammate and friend Evans. 

No. 20: Brock Lesnar Could Be Fighting for a Championship

The UFC’s biggest draw could get back into the title picture in 2012.

Since Brock Lesnar’s debut in MMA back in 2007, he has been one of the most polarizing figures in the sport.

If Lesnar beats Alistair Overeem at UFC 141, he’s set to take on Junior dos Santos when he returns from injury.

Even if Lesnar loses to Overeem, because of his marquee name, Lesnar won’t be too far from a title shot. 

No. 21: Junior dos Santos Could Prove He Is a Dominant Champion

When Junior dos Santos stopped Cain Velasquez in a little over a minute, he cemented himself as the UFC heavyweight champion.

Dos Santos is one of the best strikers in the division and is undefeated in his UFC career.

Although he’s out with a knee injury, when he returns, dos Santos could be the next great champion.

It will not be easy for dos Santos though, as he will have many challengers waiting for him.

If he can come back stronger than ever though, there may not be anyone that can touch him. 

No. 22: Strikeforce Heavyweights Will Be in the UFC

Whether it’s the beginning of the end or not for Strikeforce, seeing their heavyweights in the UFC will give the division much-needed depth.

Guys like Fabricio Werdum, Chad Griggs and Alistair Overeem have already made the jump to the UFC.

It will be interesting to see if Dana White lets former UFC champion Josh Barnett back into the UFC after he failed a drug test the last time he was in. 

No. 23: Gilbert Melendez Could Be in the UFC

Although Gilbert Melendez looks like he’s going to stay in Strikeforce a little bit longer, it’s only a matter of time before he’s in the UFC.

Melendez looked like he was going to make the jump this year, but instead he remained in Strikeforce.

Melendez is the last great, well-known champion left in Strikeforce.

With a potential immediate title shot waiting for him in the UFC and teammates Nick Diaz and Jake Shields already on the UFC bandwagon, don’t be surprised when Dana White makes the announcement that Melendez is finally in the UFC. 

No. 24: MMA Will Continue To Grow Through Social Media

Twitter and Facebook proved to be valuable assets to MMA.

Many of your favorite fighters have Twitter accounts, and many have made famous or infamous tweets.

Facebook was also a big part for the UFC in general as they aired prelim fights through a live stream.

As the sport continues to grow, so will the use of social media by fighters and fans. 

No. 25: The Uncle Chael Show Continues

Chael Sonnen can lose every single fight in 2012 and he will still be one of the loudest and most memorable fighters next year.

Sonnen had an up-and-down year that was filled with memorable moments.

From being suspended to almost facing jail time, to being back in the mix for a shot at Anderson Silva, Sonnen has had many memorable moments.

If Sonnen can get past Mark Munoz at UFC on FOX 2, he’ll be well on his way to a rematch with Anderson Silva.

With Sonnen being the person he is, don't be surprised if he calls out women's champion Cyborg Santos, Dana White and Brock Lesnar all while claiming he's the real UFC middleweight champion. 

No. 26: The UFC Goes to Sweden

Sweden is the home of the Nobel Peace Prize and is known to be strongly against violence. 

For the country to hold a UFC event next year shows just how much times are changing. 

If the UFC can make a huge impact when it goes to Sweden for UFC on FUEL TV 2, it could open doors for other European markets.

It could also remove the bias that many places, including New York, have against MMA. 

No. 27: Frankie Edgar vs. Benson Henderson

Another fight that deserves its own slide is Frankie Edgar vs. Benson Henderson.

Although Henderson lost his original title shot opportunity when he lost the WEC title to Anthony Pettis last year, he made quite the splash in 2011.

Henderson worked his way up to this title fight by defeating Jim Miller and Clay Guida.

While Henderson was climbing up the ranks, Edgar had two wars with Gray Maynard.

It may have taken two matches, but Edgar finally put Maynard, the only man to ever beat him, away.

Edgar and Henderson are two of the quickest and scrappiest fighters in the UFC and should put on an exciting show for the live Japanese fans.  

No. 28: The Ultimate Fighter Will Have Some New Changes

Since 2005, The Ultimate Fighter has been a major part of the UFC.

The show basically saved the company during one of its low points, and has remained a big reason that fans and fighters alike love the UFC.

The show has had a few changes over the years will undergo some more next year.

With the new FOX deal in place, TUF will be featured on FX instead of Spike TV.

Former ESPN host Jon Anik will host the show and the fights will be live for the first time in TUF history. 

No. 29: Georges St-Pierre's Return

Much like Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre will be out for part of 2011.

St-Pierre will be out so long that the UFC is making an interim welterweight title until he returns.

St-Pierre recently had successful knee surgery and should be back by fall of next year.

Although many fans complain about St-Pierre’s lack of a killer instinct, he is still one of the biggest stars in the UFC.

It will be interesting to see if he can continue his dominance when he returns. 

No. 30: The Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Will Come to an End

Although it may be the last of the heavyweight division in Strikeforce and it didn’t quite go as planned, the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix still had its fair share of memorable moments.

From Fedor’s shocking loss to Antonio Silva, to Alistair Overeem and Fabricio Werdum’s snoozefest, to Josh Barnett giving a WWE-type promo, the tournament left us with many great and disappointing moments.

One of the biggest standouts in the tournament has been Daniel Cromier, who after originally being a reserve got his chance to fight in the tournament. Cromier knocked out Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva in the first round of their semifinal matchup. 

Cromier will meet Barnett some time early next year in what should be the final heavyweight matchup in Strikeforce history. 

No. 31: Dan Henderson Will Be Making Another Title Run

Dan Henderson may be 42 years old, but age didn’t slow down the Pride champion in 2011.

Henderson captured the Strikeforce light heavyweight title, defeated Fedor Emelianenko and fought a classic match with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

Now Henderson has his sights set on the one title that has eluded him his whole career, a UFC title.

Whether Henderson goes after the light heavyweight title or drops down for a rematch with Anderson Silva, it will be great to see Henderson chase the title again. 

No. 32: Fedor Could Have a Better Year

If you’re a Fedor Emelianenko fan, 2011 was not the best year for you.

Emelianenko first lost a tough fight against Antonio Silva.

Then Emelianenko lost to a much smaller Dan Henderson by TKO.

Although he was able to get back into the win column in November, it’s safe to say Fedor’s best days are behind him.

Although he has expressed interest in fighting in the UFC, Fedor’s best bet could be to just take the best fights he can get outside the organization and hope to build his resume up a little bit more.

Fedor could be nearing the end of a great career, but it will be good to see him get a couple of more wins before he does. 

No. 33: We Will See the End of Tito Ortiz’s Career

For years Tito Ortiz was one of the most hated fighters in MMA.

This year has been a turnaround for Ortiz though.

After beating Ryan Bader in a huge upset, Ortiz met Rashad Evans on short notice and had picked up a “Fight of the Night” check.

Although Ortiz lost the Evans fight as well as his most recent one against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, he could have one more fight left in him.

Ortiz could meet Forrest Griffin in his final bout.

Ortiz was one of the greatest champions in UFC history and holds the record for most title defenses in the light heavyweight division.

Although he was hated for so long, it will be sad to see him go. 

No. 34: MMA Will Continue To Try To Get Sanctioned in New York

One of the biggest MMA battles was fought outside of a cage or ring.

Dana White and many others continued to push for MMA in New York.

In a state that features one of the biggest cities in the world and is home to Jon Jones, MMA in New York would be huge.

New York is one of the last major states that does not have MMA sanctioned.

If and when it does, though, be prepared for a huge event to be held in Madison Square Garden.

No. 35: Many MMA Greats Could Retire

We saw many fights say goodbye in 2011.

From Randy Couture to Chris Lytle, many great legends and memorable fighters called it quits.

We could see more of the same in 2012.

As mentioned before, Tito Ortiz has stated he only has a fight or two left in him.

We could also see the final matches from Matt Hughes and Forrest Griffin.

We may also see some surprise retirements like we did with BJ Penn and Matt Hamill.

No. 36: MMA Judging Could Improve

One of the biggest things fans gripe about is MMA judging.

There were a few questionable calls this year, as well as some fights that could have went either way.

With some fighters retiring though, we could see them follow Ricardo Almedia and become judges.

Although it has not been tested enough yet, having former fighters as judges could help the sport.

No. 37: The Smaller Weight Divisions Will Get More Recognition

2011 was a big year for the smaller weight divisions.

2012 will be even bigger.

To start the year off, Jose Aldo will headline UFC 142 with Chad Mendes.

Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will coach against long-time rival Urijah Faber on The Ultimate Fighter.

The UFC will also introduce its flyweight division.

Expect the little guys to make a bunch of noise in 2012.

No: 38: Junior dos Santos vs. Brock Lesnar/Alistair Overeem

Tomorrow night Brock Lesnar will meet Alistair Overeem to determine the No. 1 contender for Junior dos Santos' heavyweight title.

Dos Santos was supposed to meet Lesnar earlier this year, but Lesnar was forced to drop out of the fight.

If Lesnar gets past Overeem, he will finally get to meet the man he coached against on The Ultimate Fighter.

If he doesn’t, dos Santos will meet one of the best strikers in the world in Overeem.

Overeem has more fights than dos Santos and Lesnar put together, and knows what it's like to be a world champion.

Either way, the fight will be huge. 

No. 39: Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz/Carlos Condit

As mentioned early, St-Pierre was scheduled to meet both Diaz and Condit at one point or another.

With St-Pierre sidelined, Diaz will now meet Condit for an interim title.

While the winner will get their hands on UFC gold, they will have St-Pierre waiting in the wings.

Both men could be dangerous for St-Pierre because they are good strikers and good at Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

But if St-Pierre can come back in top shape, he could continue his reign as welterweight champion. 

No. 40: Michael Bisping Could Get a Title Shot in 2012

Michael Bisping became one of the most hated men in 2011.

He also continued his climb up the middleweight rankings.

The Brit continued his winning streak with wins over Jorge Rivera and Jason Miller.

Although Bisping may not have fought some of the upper-echelon fighters in the division, a win over Damian Maia could put him one fight away from a title shot.

Bisping is one of the few high-profiled fighters in the middleweight weight division that has not met Anderson Silva yet.

Although some may feel Bisping doesn’t deserve a shot, many fans would love to see Silva beat him up. 

No. 41: Retired Fighters Will Continue To Contribute to MMA

Some guys will become trainers, some will become judges and some may be like BJ Penn and write for Bleacher Report. 

Even if other fighters don't become writers, it is nice to see retired fighters remain relevant no matter what they decide to do after the gloves are hung up.

While Penn has decided to settle down a little bit and enjoy life, Chris Lytle is running for Indiana State Senate.  

No matter what guys decide to do, many fighters will continue to make great ambassadors for the sport once they retire. 

No. 42: 2012 Won't Be a Year of Setbacks

This year could have been a major letdown thanks to the many fights that got changed around or were delayed.

Many fighters were injured or dropped from fights which left last-minute changes to some of the biggest fights of the year.

Despite the many changes, 2011 was still a big year for MMA.

If we could make it through 2011, there should be no problem getting through 2012 if injuries do take fighters out of big fights. 

No. 43: Brittany Palmer Is Back in the UFC on a Regular Basis

For those of you that love ring/Octagon girls, you’ll be happy to know Brittany Palmer will be back in the UFC on a regular basis.

Palmer left the UFC for a few months, but she’s coming back with a bang.

It was recently announced that she will be on the cover of Playboy next March. 

No. 44: Josh Barnett Could Make His UFC Return

Dusty Rhodes…I mean, Josh Barnett had a great 2011.

Barnett won both of his Strikeforce Grand Prix matchups and is now riding an eight-fight winning streak.

Although he’s had his fair share of trouble in the past, Barnett would be a great addition to the UFC heavyweight division if he can stay clean. 

No. 45: We Could See the Last of Brock Lesnar in the Octagon

Although we could see Lesnar climb back to the top next year, we could also see the end of him.

Lesnar has accomplished more in seven MMA fights than many people do in their whole careers.

That being said, Lesnar has had a lot of time cut out of his career thanks to his bouts with diverticulitis.

Since coming back the first time, Lesnar has not looked like the same fighter. Unless Lesnar learns how to take a punch, he will never make it back to the top of the division.

If Lesnar loses to Overeem, he may want to seriously consider what path he wants to take in 2012. 

No. 46: Japanese MMA Will Either Rise or Continue To Fall

When Pride closed its doors in 2007, Japanese MMA took a big hit.

Although organizations like K-1 and Dream are still around, Japanese MMA is not what it once was.

Japanese fighters have also struggled in US organizations like the UFC.

With the UFC returning to Japan next year, it could revitalize Japanese MMA. 

No. 47: Celebrities Could Be More Involved with MMA

This year we saw actors like Steven Seagal and Kevin James corner UFC fighters Anderson Silva and Jason Miller.

The UFC has always had its crowds filled with celebrities.

But this year we’ve seen celebs interact with fighters and MMA personalities more.

As the sport grows, so will the celeb appeal. 

No. 48: A Surprise Fighter Could Come to the UFC

Dana White is known for giving some guys second chances.

He’s also known for giving guys a shot at the UFC even when they might not deserve it. (See Kimbo Slice and James Toney.)

Although White has kicked some fighters out, don’t be surprised if he lets someone like Paul Daley back in the UFC.

White would let Fedor in just to prove to the world he isn’t that great if he could.

The UFC is known for shocking signings, and 2012 will be no different. 

No. 49: MMA Fighters Will Be More Visible in 2012

Although the big deal on FOX will give UFC fighters much visibility, fighters will find other ways to be seen.

This year there were commercials for Clay Guida, Jon Jones, Dana White and Anderson Silva.

Expect more of this next year as well as more exposure on ESPN and other media outlets. 

No. 50: Bleacher Report MMA Will Continue To Grow

As the sport of MMA grows, so will media outlets like Bleacher Report. 

2011 has been a great year for Bleacher Report MMA, and 2012 will be bigger and better. 

One of the main reasons B/R MMA is where it is at right now is because of you, the readers. 

Thanks for helping the site continue to grow and expect bigger and better things next year! 

If you have any more reasons to be excited for 2012, share your thoughts!