Questions Facing Each UFC Champion in 2012

Good enough never is.

Even if you're a UFC champion.

Regardless of their accomplishments or the things they've achieved over the course of their careers, there will always be more questions.

With 2012 already amongst us, we begin to examine what the new year could bring for all seven UFC champions.

Will they be dethroned or will they reign supreme?

So, let's take a look at questions for each UFC champion in 2012.

Dominick Cruz

Will he be considered a young Georges St-Pierre?

While every fighter may strive to be like St-Pierre, his style isn't something you necessarily want to see if you're a fan.

In fact, if you look deeper into it, you'll find that Cruz hasn't finished a fight on his own without the help of a doctor's stoppage at WEC 47 since the beginning of 2008. Will this change in the new year, or will Cruz continue to battle his way to a judge's decision?

Can he defeat Urijah Faber is their grudge match?

As we know, Faber is the only man to have ever defeated Cruz, as he submitted him in the first round at WEC 26 to win the WEC featherweight championship. Cruz got revenge in their main event bout at UFC 132, setting up the third meeting between the two. Will Cruz be able to successfully defend his title, or will the California Kid prevail once again?

Jose Aldo

Can he handle Chad Mendes?

On January 14th, Jose Aldo will look to successfully defend his featherweight title when he meets Chad Mendes in his home country of Brazil.

While Aldo is certainly the favorite heading in, he's yet to face a wrestler with the same skill set as Mendes. Unfortunately for Aldo, Mendes has never been taken down and has the tendency to put his opponents on their backs and claw out a victory. Will Aldo be able to break this trend?

When will he get his first UFC finish?

While winning is always first and foremost, fans appreciate nothing more than a thrilling finish. However, Aldo has lacked in this category, as he's displayed two unanimous decision victories since joining forces with the UFC.

It's an even greater disappointment considering Aldo was believed to be one of the most dangerous knockout artists leading up to his debut in the UFC. Could Mendes be the first man he finishes?

Frankie Edgar

Will he be dethroned by Benson Henderson at UFC 144?

Frankie Edgar has come to be a fan favorite due to his heart and determination to succeed when his back is against the wall. However, at some point, Edgar will need to become a more technical fighter and ultimately allow his body to receive less of a beating.

But it may have to wait until after his up-and-coming bout with Henderson at UFC 144. Henderson is one of the strongest lightweights in MMA, posing a huge threat to Edgar's title. Could Henderson knock off Edgar in Japan?

Will his striking defense improve?

More times than not, we see UFC champions dominate in every phase of their fights. However, that isn't the case with Edgar, as it's normal for him to be all but finished before making a historical comeback in his fights.

Edgar has been exposed on numerous occasions for his lackluster standup defense, which almost cost him his title against Gray Maynard. Will Edgar become more comfortable on his feet?

Georges St-Pierre

When will he return?

As we know, Georges St-Pierre was injured leading up to his bout with Carlos Condit at UFC 137, ultimately resulting in his removal from the fight card.

Then, after being slated for UFC 143 versus Nick Diaz, St-Pierre was once again injured, sidelining him at least until the midpoint of 2012. GSP's injuries leaves fans with one obvious question—when will he back in action?

Will he ever be the same?

It's hard to imagine the UFC without their dominating welterweight champion. However, as sad as this may sound, it's a real possibility heading into the depths of 2012.

Not only will St-Pierre be out of the Octagon for a significant amount of time, but he's aging with a serious ACL injury. St-Pierre already has a difficult time finishing his fights, and an injury such as the one he's battling certainly won't be to his favor in 2012. Will we ever see the old St-Pierre?

Anderson Silva

When will he return?

Much like his fellow champion Georges St-Pierre, fans want to know when Anderson Silva will return to the Octagon in 2012. Silva endured a series of injuries leading up to and during his bout with Yushin Okami at UFC 134.

Silva's injuries then escalated to a whole new level following his bout, which will now eventually keep the middleweight champion out until at least the halfway point of 2012. At what point will we see Silva fighting again?

Will we ever see a Silva vs. Chael Sonnen rematch?

The Silva vs. Sonnen rematch is one of the most talked-about events in sports history. However, Silva won't have as much to do with their rematch as will Sonnen.

If Sonnen can defeat Mark Munoz at UFC on FOX II, he'll have solidified his shot at UFC gold. UFC president Dana White has already stated their bout will happen. The only question is, will it be in 2012?

Jon Jones

Will he ever lose?

Since his rapid emergence, Jon Jones has quickly established himself as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC today.

Jones has backed up his hype with wins over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Lyoto Machida. It's difficult to recall a fighter with the talent Jones possesses at such a young age. Will we see Jones fall to defeat at all in the new year?

Will he actually fight four times?

Not only does Jones want to fight four times in the new year, but he wants to finish every one of his opponents. Let's focus on the first part of his request.

It's very possible Jones will fight four times in 2012, especially since he fought seven times in 2008 and four times in 2011. However, whether or not UFC president Dana White will allow it will be the biggest question. Could Jones square off with four different opponents in 2012?

Junior Dos Santos

Can he defeat Alistair Overeem?

After the biggest win of his MMA career, Junior Dos Santos was quickly referred to as the next best thing in the heavyweight division.

However, it wasn't too long after when UFC newcomer Alistair Overeem stole the spotlight in an electrifying first-round knockout victory over Brock Lesnar at UFC 141. Overeem may very well be the most complete fighter in the heavyweight division today, leaving fans to ponder this: Can Dos Santos actually beat "The Reem"?

Will he prove he can wrestle with the best of them?

Since entering the UFC, Dos Santos has undoubtedly established himself as one of the best knockout artists in his division. But one thing Dos Santos has yet to prove is just how good his wrestling truly is, or isn't for that matter.

It was believed that Cain Velasquez would look to grapple with Dos Santos, but he never had the opportunity as he was knocked out in 64 seconds. So, will Dos Santos prove he can wrestle in 2012?

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